Guitar Hero II for the Xbox 360 features an expanded track list of over 70 axe-smashing hits -- including 10 tracks exclusive to the Xbox 360 -- along with deafening rock venues, HD remodeled characters and guitars, a variety of addictive gameplay modes, and a bevy of achievement points to unlock. Also exclusive to the Xbox 360 is the ability for competitive rockthusiasts to view how their legendary performances rank on the online leaderboards. Guitar Heroes looking for even more can download exclusive gamer themes, picture packs and fresh new songs on Xbox Live Marketplace.
"With an expanded set list, blazing hot HD graphics, and a tenacious new X-Plorer guitar controller, Guitar Hero II on the Xbox 360 will allow fans to truly feel and live out their ultimate inner-rockstar fantasy," said Dusty Welch, head of publishing at RedOctane. "In addition, offering exclusive downloadable content and the added Xbox Live components such as competitive online leaderboards and tons of unlockable achievement points will help extend the gameplay experience for our hardcore Guitar Heroes to blow out more speakers and rock like never before."
Guitar Hero II, published by RedOctane, is rated T for Teen by the ESRB and is now available.
Prince of Persia Rival Swords (PSP/Wii)
Prince of Persia Rival Swords, based on Prince of Persia The Two Thrones, has shipped for the Wii and PSP systems. The game creates an epic experience by combining two playable characters in masterly balanced gameplay, with the perfect mix of combat, platforming, puzzles and a compelling storyline. Prince of Persia Rival Swords is rated "T" for Teen and has a MSRP of $49.99 for the Wii system and $39.99 for the PSP system.
Prince of Persia Rival Swords for Wii was developed by Ubisoft's Montreal studio. The game takes advantage of the revolutionary Wii Remote and Nunchuk, allowing players to clash swords with enemies, execute speed kills and perform the Prince's well-known acrobatic moves such as running on walls. Prince of Persia Rival Swords for the PSP system was developed by Pipeworks Software, a division of Foundation 9 Entertainment, and features original content such as additional levels and new multiplayer modes.
The Prince of Persia makes his way home to Babylon, bearing with him Kaileena, the enigmatic Empress of Time, and unspeakable scars from the Island of Time. But instead of the peace he longs for, he finds his kingdom ravaged by war and Kaileena the target of a brutal plot. When she is kidnapped, the Prince tracks her to the Palace – only to see her murdered by a powerful enemy. Her death unleashes the Sands of Time, which strike the Prince and threaten to destroy everything he holds dear. Cast to the streets, hunted as a fugitive, the Prince soon discovers that the Sands have tainted him, too. They have given rise to a deadly Dark Prince, whose spirit gradually possesses him.
Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe's London Studio, SingStar Pop is the follow-up to SingStar Rocks! and PlayStation 2's newest interactive singing experience that puts you center stage singing original recordings from popular artists.
Players of all ages can see if they have what it takes to become the next big singing sensation, selecting from 30 hit songs to sing along to while watching the actual music video on screen. Available both as a standalone disc and packaged with two high-quality, USB microphones, SingStar Pop features more of PlayStation fans favorite songs from today's hit makers and pop legends including Destiny's Child, A-Ha, U2, James Blunt, Franz Ferdinand, Whitney Houston and more. As an added feature for SingStar fans, if players own both games, they can easily access the song list from SingStar Rocks! while playing SingStar Pop, and vice versa, to expand their song library.
"With songs from some of today's hottest stars and classic pop icons, SingStar Pop broadens the SingStar catalogue even further with a collection of hits appealing to a wide range of musical tastes," said Sarah Stocker, senior producer, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "Guaranteed family fun, we plan to continue growing the franchise and the introduction of SingStar Pop demonstrates our continued commitment in growing the PlayStation consumer base to reach new non-gaming audiences."
The perfect party game bound to entertain everyone, players can choose to steal the spotlight solo-style or take-on their friends in a sing-off with several multiplayer modes, including cooperative Duet Mode, one-on-one Battle Mode and the team-based Pass-the-Mic. SingStar Pop also incorporates the popular EyeToy® USB camera, a feature that allows players to watch themselves performing as the headlining act, and record those moments in the limelight for playback again and again. Players also can save their favorite vocal performances to a Memory Card for future audio playback, and customize and enhance playback with numerous effects.
The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated SingStar Pop "E-10+" for "Everyone 10 and older."