Are you a master air guitarist? Did you once buy AquaNet by the case? Does rocking out to your favorite music sometimes lead to embarrassment (such as when your spouse walks in to find your dry humping the sofa during the guitar solo of 'Hot For Teacher')? Have you ever wished to become a rock legend without having to do pesky things like learn an instrument or write songs?

And probably most important of all, are you ready to ROCK?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, Shrapnel Games has the cure for your rock-n-roll blues! We are pleased to announce Shady O' Grady's Rising Star for Windows, developed by Gilligames (known for Space HoRSE, their take on the classic game M.U.L.E.).

The road to glory won't be an easy one. First, you'll have to form your band, with bandmates rated for their playing, songwriting, stage presence, production, repair, and business skills. Finding the right mix is the first challenge, but you have total control of who is in the band, and who's out. Maybe you'll turn out like Dave Mustaine, kicking members out every album, or perhaps you'll end up like the Rolling Stones, with a solid group over the years.

Next it's time to put those skills to use. Write songs, rehearse, play gigs, record and release CDs. Tour the American landscape in a beat-up old van (though the inclusion of a garage means you don't have to always have that beat-up deathtrap on the road.), visiting music stores, bars, clubs, theaters, clothing stores, studios, hotels, and your own personal home. At the same time there are other bands out there doing the same thing you're doing, but ultimately there's only one spot for number one.

Shady O' Grady's Rising Star features over ten genres of music, from straight up rock-n-roll to ska and folk. The estimated career time is about twenty hours of gameplay, although with all the open-ended choices the game is endlessly replayable. Shady O' Grady's Rising Star also features extensive customization and modding abilities. Full editors are included for modifying the look of your characters, changing the map, adding or modifying equipment, and more! Even import your favorite MP3s into the soundtrack.

Right now Shrapnel Games is looking for a few good rockers who want to help beta test Shady O' Grady's Rising Star. This is your chance to play the game before its general release, and be an active participant in shaping the experience.

All interested parties should contact Mindi Arnesen by dropping her a line at mindi@shrapnelgames.com. Please let us know your system specs. We may not get to personally respond to each entrant, but we will read and evaluate all submissions.