More than a year ago, plans to transition the popular rhythm franchise Guitar Hero to the DS were in the works. Now, it has become a reality.

Guitar Hero: On Tour is the new installment for the franchise being developed by Vicarious Visions. The name might seem familiar if you’ve played titles like Tony Hawk and Spider-Man for your dual-screen handheld. The title is expected to release sometime later this year and will require the same type of gameplay as past games have.

The previous Guitar Hero titles do not use the traditional remotes/controllers that come with their own consoles. Red Octane has found a way to do the same with the portable version. It’s called the Guitar Grip and will be inserted into the GameBoy Advance slot. The Grip comes featured with four fret buttons, as opposed to five with the console versions and a strap to firmly and comfortably postion the players hand. Players will then have to strum on the DS’ screen (held book-style) and press the according fret buttons to jam to the tune playing. Another interesting addition to the game will be the use of the DS’ microphone. Most, suggest that it will activate “Star Power”, a trademark feature in the console versions.

Few details have been released but, what is true is that the portable version will feature similar career mode options as well as six playable guitarists. Two new characters have been created exclusively for the DS.

The mulitplayer aspects of the game is what brought rockers together and the DS version will continue the trend. With local wireless support, players will be able to choose between co-op modes or battle modes. Similar to Guitar Hero: III, Guitar Hero: On Tour will promote power-ups for the battle mode.  For example, players can activate power-ups that’ll send raving fans to the other screen, and the opponent will have to sign autographs on the touchscreen to remove them. Or uncontrolled pyrotechnics will engulf the player’s screen and you’ll have to blow them out of the way.

There is still no word yet on price of a specific release date, but Activision did showcase that it is shooting for sometime this summer.

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