Actually, that's a bare-faced lie. I didn't play the game at all, but I did attend the UK press launch and watch a bunch of drunken losers have a go on my behalf. The proper title for this post should be "In close proximity to Guitar Hero III", but it's not quite as catchy.

Anyway, it was good. The event took place at the Gibson Sound Stage in London. Leo Tan, Activision PR and Guitar Hero maestro, commenced proceedings by picking up an old-style controller for GH II and smashing it to pieces on the stage. It was a clever way to introduce the new controllers, which've been redesigned for wireless action and feature a removeable neck for easy transportation. Another new feature are the custom faceplate designs, one of which is a Union Jack faceplate for Britpop nostalgiaholics.

But what about the game? The new Battle Mode looks pretty good, where two players face off and razz on each other with amp overloads and suchlike, but these matches are very short-lived if the opponents are unevenly skilled. Ditto for the Boss Stages, though it's good to see Slash back in action (even if it's in a virtual form). Other new features include online multiplayer, new locations, and a broader range of musical choices. Despite all that, it still looks like the Guitar Hero we know and love.

Release date is October, and you can bet it'll make the cash equivalent of selling Jimi Hendrix's kidney stones on eBay.

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