Games.net

Part three of our Rock On series features five upcoming video games that will be music to your ears. From a version of American Idol to the next Guitar Hero game, these are music titles you will need to play with the volume turned all the way up.

We may not yet know how the games entirely play, but we can already safely say their music will be exceptional. These are five soon to be released games that are already in tune with a rockin' soundtrack.

Be sure to also check out:
Part 1 of our Rock On feature -- Five Great Guitar Hero Alternatives
Part 2 of our Rock On feature -- 10 Games With Great Soundtracks

Guitar Hero 2
Center Stage: PlayStation 2
Going Live: November
Saying that Guitar Hero's soundtrack is a killer is an understatement. Last year's hit guitar-simulator rocked our fingers until we couldn't play the faux guitar anymore. The 30-song soundtrack consisted of some of the most classic and legendary guitar tunes such as Fat Lip and Thunderkiss 65. The sequel is promised to have so much more--Guitar Hero 2 will have a 55-song soundtrack when it hits the US this November. Among the guitar tunes will include Reverend Horton Heat's "Psychobilly Freakout," Kiss' "Strutter," Butthole Surfers' "Who Was in My Room Last Night," Van Halen's "You Really Got Me," Black Sabbath's "War Pigs," Rush's "YYZ," and "Arterial Black", and an original song by Drist. While gamers wondering if developer Harmonix would incorporate other genres of music into Guitar Hero 2, it is pretty clear they're sticking with good old rock.

Karaoke Revolution: American Idol
Center Stage: PlayStation 2
Going Live: December
You know you want to be an American Idol. You've watched every single episode and sing the songs in your sleep. Even if you can't make next season's cut, you'll now be able to live your American Idol fantasy with this virtual American Idol. The gameplay reflects the popular show: you'll receive verbal feedback after each performance, and your evaluation from the judges will determine if you make it to the next round of competition. Of course, the headliner in this game will be the music you sing. While a specific list of songs have not been announced yet, publisher Konami says Karaoke Revolution: American Idol will feature 40 all-new songs, including hits from the actual show. Time to tune your vocal chords to your very own American Idol.

Lumines II
Center Stage: PSP
Going Live: Fall 2006
This is what GamePro had to say about Lumines: "The combination of electronic music and softly psychedelic colors is spellbinding. It's like holding a mini rave in your hand. Turn it on--it's delicious." Falling blocks, low-beat tunes, nothing beats a good game of Lumines. Developed again by Q Entertainment, Lumines 2 is expected to delight your ears for another electronic treat. By the way, if you're a huge fan of the music, you might want to import the official Japanese CD "Lumines Remixes," which includes all of your favorite tracks spread across 2 CDs.

Test Drive Unlimited
Center Stage: Xbox 360
Going Live: September
Long drives in a large city warrants an excess of rocking tunes to keep your ears busy from the screeching of other cars. Just look at how a full complement of songs in the Grand Theft Auto games made cruising the virtual streets a relaxing getaway from the action. In fact, Test Drive Unlimited is promised to have 130 - 150 songs, far more tunes in a game soundtrack than any of the GTA games. And the songs will be just as in tune with the players. The music lineup thus far includes Sgt. Rock's "And I'm Hip," Clear Lake's "Finally Free," The Domes of Silence's "Silver Buddha," Eddie Floyd's "Big Bird," and John Kongos' "Step On."

God of War II
Center Stage: PlayStation 2
Going Live: May 2007
Like its story and overall gameplay experience, God of War's music is an epic masterpiece. Think a grand orchestral montage of perfectly timed action-sequences with a fine mix of angelic chorus ringing in the background, and you have a soundtrack fit for the gods. Come next year, we hope the gods will be blessing the sequel to this bloody-action game with music that shouldn't disappoint any of our mortal ears. To get a taste of what music to expect in the sequel, visit the original God of War site and listen to the fantastic composition.

Games.net's Countdown to...