New 'Guitar Hero' to offer drum kit and more

RedOctane is to expand its best-selling Guitar Hero music game by offering an electronic drum kit and a music studio with its next release.

Guitar Hero World Tour, currently in development for PS2, PS3, Wii and Xbox 360, will also offer a redesigned guitar and microphone.

The title, which promises to include tracks from rock bands such as Van Halen, The Eagles, Sublime and Linkin Park, claims to offer a "more responsive guitar controller and microphone" as well as "the most realistic drum experience ever in a video game with an authentic electronic drum kit".

The drum peripheral will feature three drum pads, two raised cymbals and a bass kick pedal. According to RedOctane, "the drum controller combines larger and quieter, velocity-sensitive drum heads with soft rubber construction to deliver authentic bounce back and is easy to set up, move, break down and store".

The game will also incorporate a new Music Studio, providing a range of tools to enable users to create digital music using all of the instruments. Users will also be able to share their creations online through GHTunes, where others users can download and play them.

“Guitar Hero has set the standard for music-based gaming and with Guitar Hero World Tour and the game’s groundbreaking Music Studio, we are once again delivering unprecedented innovation that has the potential to revolutionise consumer-generated music, much in the same way that video sharing hubs have driven user-generated video,” said Dusty Welch, head of publishing for RedOctane.

“With the introduction of our advanced high-quality new wireless instruments, in-depth customization options and advanced online functionality, the game enables music fans and gamers globally to share in the most social and expressive music experience ever.”

A release date for Guitar Hero World Tour is yet to be announced.