Guitar Hero II: Q&A met Ted Lange

artikel

Trouwe X-Power.be-bezoekers weten het al langer: op de redactie verslinden we games op àlle consoles, waardoor we wel eens lyrisch durven worden over een game op pakweg PS2 of eender welk ander platform. De Guitar Hero-reeks is zo één van die voormalige exclusieve Playstation-titels die sommigen onder ons nog steeds dagelijks betokkelen. Voormalig, want in maart verschijnt het tweede deel ook op Xbox 360, inclusief nagelnieuwe gitaar, HD-graphics, exclusieve songs én downloadable content! Met de ware rock 'n roll spirit in het achterhoofd trokken we naar de andere kant van het kanaal en onderwierpen we Ted Lange, associate producer bij RedOctane voor GHII op 360, aan een interview. In een ware moshpit werden vraag en antwoord over-en-weer gekatapulteerd. Rock on!

GH2

XP: Guitar Hero has been a major success on PlayStation 2. What's the big secret behind the successful concept?

Ted: The biggest secret to the success isn't much of a secret. It starts with tapping into the dream of being a rock star. From there, you take a massive song list of true hits and create a game that allows individuals - who never thought it possible - to be able to rock like their favorite guitar heroes.

XP: What's the future of the Guitar Hero concept? Maybe a band game with drums, vocals and keys?

Ted: Ukulele Hero, Sitar Hero and Guitar Hero: Polka will become the future of music/rhythm games. We're constantly looking to improve the Guitar Hero franchise. We take in all feedback we receive from our loyal fan base and will attempt to satisfy their desires for expanding upon their rock dreams.

XP: Do you think the Xbox 360 version of Guitar Hero II will have as much success as the two earlier versions on PlayStation 2?

Ted: If not, this very well may be the last interview I ever do. Seriously though, this is the first version of Guitar Hero being released on a next-generation console. With the improvement in graphics, the ability to download content via XBOX LIVE, the ten XBOX 360 exclusive tracks, online leaderboards, and the sweet X-Plorer body controller, we're hoping for an even greater success story.

XP: What are the major adjustments compared to the PlayStation 2 version?

Ted: The biggest adjustments are the graphics going to HD quality, making the game look stunning! The ten exclusive songs and the ability to download content give users an experience they wouldn't have with just the PlayStation2 version. Also, you'll find the X-Plorer controller to be equally - if not more - rocking than the SG.

XP: We've heard new songs will be available through the Xbox Live Marketplace, will there be another form of downloadable content?

Ted: We wanted to offer a "hot coffee" mod that would allow your character to live the "true life of a rock star." Unfortunately, that didn't clear legal. We actually do have a lot of things planned, but nothing has been announced yet.

XP: Did you plan a frequency of releasing downloadable content on the Xbox Live Marketplace?

Ted: As of right now, there is no set frequency to when the content will be available; however, we understand the demand for new downloadable content and plan on doing our best to satisfy all of the guitar heroes desires.

XP: Is there a Guitar Hero sequel planned on Xbox 360, or will you stick to downloadable content for Guitar Hero II?

Ted: A sequel on Xbox 360 will be determined by the fan demand. One of the largest factors behind offering downloadable content is it allows us the ability to get new songs and new content to users in the quickest manner.

XP: Do you guys prefer to cover songs yourself or use the original versions?

Ted: It's a two way street. By covering songs it allows us to make minor tweaks to the original so that it would play better in Guitar Hero. On the other hand, the original tracks give the user the ability to rock out exactly how their favorite guitar heroes did. So we try to find a balance between offering original tracks and covering songs to benefit the user.

XP: The Xbox 360 is praised for its wireless support. Is there a reason why Guitar Hero II will be released with a wired Gibson X-plorer?

Ted: We found that wired controllers can double as jump ropes which makes this game not only fun to play, but can also give you a great work out.

Not to mention how fun jumping rope can be.

XP: There's been some mystery behind the D-pad on the X-plorer, will it have a special function?

Ted: Having the D-pad on the X-Plorer allows the user to navigate the Xbox menus without having to use an Xbox controller. It also makes a very robust cup of coffee.

XP: Guitar Hero contains a lot of classic rock songs, but kids nowadays are really into punk rock and alternative. Is there any chance that these other genres will be featured in Guitar Hero?

Ted: Part of the work that our song selection team does is trying to find a balance between the numbers of songs from each rock genre that make it into the final song list. Some genres play better than others, meaning it's easier to find recognizable songs from some genres more than others.

Meer foto's van deze rockgod (en screenshots) vind je in onze gallery rechts in het menu!