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This is something I was skeptical about at first, as the main appeal of Guitar Hero is actually playing a guitar, not just hitting buttons on a controller.

The first pictures of the Guitar Grip I saw made the peripheral look very bulky and didn’t seem as though it would work, however I’ve now had an, “eyes on” and the Guitar Grip is slimmer and much more comfortable than I expected. Full article inside…

It now has four rather than five buttons, (as the console Guitar Hero games do) and the buttons are a little smaller. This is so a younger audience will be able to enjoy it. Thankfully the difficulty hasn’t been turned down so there’s still some challenge in the game for the seasoned GH pros. While we didn’t get to actually play the game, watching the rep play made it seem like, even with normal hands, it’s not as cramped as you would imagine. You can also change whether the game is played left or right handed in-game so it will suit everyone.

The Guitar Grip has a few nifty tricks, the pick/stylus, (or Pylus as I like to call it) slots in and the cover is actually changeable, so you can make your own custom Guitar Grip.

You then proceed to strum the Pylus over the touch screen while the buttons scroll down the top screen. There’s also the whammy bar down on the touch screen which you can pull while strumming.

As far as modes, it’s a lot like the console versions. You have some new characters, however the old characters return and you can still change clothes, guitars and colours, and purchase new ones at the store.

With multiplayer there’s now the guitar duel mode, much like the boss battles in Guitar Hero 3. There are a bunch of items you can use to hinder your opponent and help yourself. (you can find a full list below) You can store three attacks and you get to choose which attack you use by hitting the icon on the touch screen.

It looks hectic and fun and I can’t wait to give it a proper trial. Another improvement over GH3 is the fact that the song won’t end if someone is too far ahead, you play to the end of the song, so it’s never over until the fat lady sings.

There are a total of 20 tracks in the game, most of them new, only three or so are from GH3. The tracks we do know of are also at the bottom of the page.

There are lots of ways it takes advantage of the DS’ unique features, for example Star Power can now be activated by either blowing on the mic or saying “Rock On!”

For all the owners of DS Phats that are worried it was made only for the DS Lite need not worry, as it comes with an adaptor so every DS can play!

One of the best parts about the whole package is that it is rumoured to be retailing on release for under $100, even with the Guitar Grip peripheral.

The tracks in the game: (that we saw demonstrated)

The full list of items in the game:

Amp Overload - It overloads the amps and you can no longer hear the song for a few seconds. It can be a little disconcerting, but I can imagine the relief when the music returns.

Bomb - Bombs will appear on notes. The game will play those notes so you need to avoid them or you’ll be hit by explosions!

Cut String - One of your strings gets cut and it no longer can be used. Again using the DS’ features, you need to draw a line with the Plyus to reattach a new string.

Difficulty Down – Makes it easier for you, so less notes.

Difficulty Up – It increases the difficulty! In the demonstration we saw, Joel (the guy playing) got hit by this and went from Easy straight to at least Hard or Extreme difficulty. Another very nasty attack!

Pyrotechnics – When fireworks go bad! Their guitar gets set on fire and you need to blow on the mic to put it out.

Reverse – This switches the screens so the buttons now scroll down the touch screen and you need to play while your hand’s obscuring you. It hit the demonstrator hard. Seems like a nasty one.

Shield – This blocks all your opponent’s attacks. However it does mean they can launch a barrage at you once the shield has gone.

Signature – One of your fans runs in front of you and demands an autograph. You need to use the Plyus to write a signature for them. It looks like you can’t just cheat and do a quick line, but you must do a proper signature or the game won’t recognise it.

Speed Up – Increases the speed of notes coming so you need to pick up your pace.

Steal - This let’s you steal one of your opponents stocked items, however, it only gives you four seconds so you have to be quick!

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Thanks to the people at Activision, especially Natasha and Joel for setting up the day.