'Guitar Hero II' Finally Hits Xbox 360

Available only on the PS2 for a long time, Guitar Hero is finally hitting the Xbox. Still one of the hottest video games even five months after its launch, Guitar Hero II comes out today for the Xbox 360.

And the good news for Xbox 360 owners is that the game will come with additional songs and features.

"This is the first time we're going on the next generation platform and we really want to come out with a bang, even though it's the same songs and same game," says Bryan Lam, a press specialist for Red Octane, the publisher of the game.

"The difference between the PS2 version and the 360 version is that we have new songs. There are 74 songs on the Xbox version and 10 are exclusive. All the graphics are in HD now, and the online leader boards are going to be a big push because now you can see how you rank against players all over the world."

Guitar Hero is a music game that comes packaged with its own guitar-shaped controller. Instead of strings there are colored buttons on the fret board and another for strumming. The game is like karaoke, but instead of singing you play a guitar.

The songs available for the game are for the most part rock classics from bands such as Guns N' Roses and Motley Crue.

The game has become a phenomenon not just among video game and music fans, but with musicians as well. The game has an addictive quality and even has had an effect on sports at its highest level. Detroit Tigers pitcher Joel Zumaya actually missed three games of the American League Championship Series when he suffered an injury from playing Guitar Hero too much.

"I've pre-ordered it from two different places," says Chris Harris, a local 31-year-old media professional who wants to make sure he gets his rock on today. "I've been buzzing around on Xbox forums and there are rumours there's a bit of a shortage from Red Octane. I'm hoping to get out there and at least get one copy. The guy at (store) EB Games says there shouldn't be a problem, but I really want two guitars."

Harris currently has a PS2 but purchased an Xbox 360 just for the new version of the game.