Sound System: is this up-and-coming next-gen game set to be the next Guitar Hero?
For a decade, the Guitar Hero franchise reigned supreme, before fading into the shadows after the release of 2015’s Guitar Hero Live. Now, some of the Guitar Hero team are back with next-gen rhythm game Sound System – and its free.
With plans to drop this spring, Sound System will pick up where Guitar Hero left off. Developed by the Echo Foundry Interactive team, the game revitalises the original franchise’s arcade-inspired roots, with the core Sound System experience available to play without paying a dime.
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While the game is currently in its pre-alpha phase, the trailer already showcases some familiar Guitar Hero-like gameplay. The clip shows someone jamming out to Drist’s Decontrol, a track that was on the first Guitar Hero game back in 2005, notes racing down the iconic 5-string note highway.
The game is is also promising support for guitar, bass and vocals, as well as offering a mass of customisability. Users will be able to personalise their experience, with multiple themes and backgrounds to choose from.
There’s also the ability to flick between Classic and Pro modes to suit your personal playing style; Classic mode will allow a more relaxed playing experience, with “no-fail” states and more forgiving note timing, while the Pro option will suit those seeking a challenge.
The customisation even extends to the music and songs you’ll be performing. Creator Tools will allow users to create their own note charts and upload their own tracks. In fact, the ability to upload your own tracks will play a central role in Sound System, with the game heavily focusing on “free music” and “community-driven gameplay”.
Its an aspect that has already caused some waves amongst Guitar Hero fans. While the original franchise has always allowed normal people to feel like a rockstar, letting you jam out to classic rock bangers from the comfort of your own home, the focus on “free music” removes that appeal.
Of course, premium tracks can be accessed at a price; a Complete Edition of the game will include 60 launch tracks at a cost of $34.99, with other tracks available as DLC. However, Redditors are already voicing their concerns; “Seems kinda soulless to me… the game being built around copyright free music is missing the point of why we all loved Guitar Hero,” one user notes.
Its still early days, so there’s no saying how Sound System may advance prior to its release. When it does, its set to be available on PC first, with PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and Xbox versions also in development for the future.
The Sound System team is also working on adding drum pad and keyboard support later down the line.
But, for now, its worth digging out your old Guitar Hero controllers… or, if you’re wanting something fresh, Drakong’s latest InfinaKore Telecaster Edition dropped last year, almost like it knew a new rhythm game was in the works. The Fender collaborative controller is also fully modular, which falls perfectly in line with Sound System’s love of customisation.
For more information, head to Sound System.
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
