Guitar Hero III: Which version is for you?

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Author: Rayman Tsang
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Witth Guitar Hero III set to rock all three new-gen consoles, potential rock gods have a tough choice ahead. Luckily, a recent article breaks it down for us.

Are you a bad enough dude to beat Slash?

Own more than one console and having trouble which version of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock to choose from? Shacknews is kind enough to breakdown the differences between each version. The most notable differences are the online sections of the game:

"Most notably different in both versions is the online component, in which the Wii and PS3 versions of the game are inversely non-functional. The Wii version will launch without the downloadable content of the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions, giving Wii players no option to expand their songlist--unless Nintendo gets that structure in place."

Playstation 3: The graphics are identical with the Xbox 360 version and the guitar controller is wireless via USB dongle, according to Destructoid. The major difference is taking Guitar Hero online.

Players will still have downloadable content to expand beyond the existing setlist. Shacknews states that since Playstation Network does not provide an online community functionality, the matchmaking is done through a lobby where the player challenges random people online. The player cannot specifically challenge a friend unless they look for them in the lobby. Neversoft Studio director Scott Pease also warns that the downloadable content may not be delivered in a timely manner compared to Xbox Live Marketplace.

Xbox 360: Shacknews states that the Xbox 360 version is the flagship version and most likely the one to purchase if you own a 360. The guitars are wireless and due to Xbox Live community in place, the online matchmaking is vastly superior with friends list, invites, and more. It will also receive downloadable content via Marketplace.

Wii: The graphics are significantly toned down, but promised to be slightly better than the PS2 version.

The guitar is one significant change from the PS3 and 360's guitar. The guitar has a built-in mold to insert the Wii controller where it will take advantage of the wireless and the tilt sensing technology. It will also utilize the speaker and the rumble within the Wii controller.

Vicarious Visions handled the PS3 and Wii versions and literally built up an online network for the Wii version. Based very similar like Xbox Live, players still have to utilize the friend codes. It also incorporates friends list, invites, and able to challenge people on your friends list. But since Nintendo does not have a network setup for downloadable content. RedOctane President Kai Huang said, "If Nintendo had that, we would support it. When they figure that out, we can offer it."

Overall, the main game is relatively same across all platforms. Online is where it really differentiates and each version has something the others don't. Choose wisely the version you want: Rock superstardom hangs in the balance.

Both Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 bundles will retail at $99.99 while the Wii bundle will be $89.99. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock will be out October 23.

Hey, thanks: Shacknews, Destructoid

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