Sound System: Original Guitar Hero Creators Revive the Rhythm Game Genre
A new contender, spearheaded by veterans of the iconic Guitar Hero franchise, is poised to reignite the passion for plastic instruments and shredding solos this summer with the launch of Sound System.
The Legacy of Guitar Hero and the Rhythm Game Revival
The potential return of Guitar Hero has been a recurring topic since Microsoft’s acquisition discussions with Activision Blizzard. Initial speculation suggested a revival of the beloved franchise was on the cards, but those hopes remained unfulfilled. Instead, Epic Games partnered with Harmonix, the original developers of Guitar Hero, to create Fortnite Festival, a rhythm-action game that cleverly leverages existing guitar peripherals.
Now, Echo Foundry Interactive, a newly formed studio founded by Guitar Hero alumni Marcus Henderson and Lennon Lange, is entering the arena with Sound System. Henderson, a skilled musician, served as the lead guitarist for the Guitar Hero series, while Lange honed his production skills on Guitar Hero, Band Hero, and DJ Hero.
Sound System is slated for release on PC via Steam this summer, with subsequent launches planned for PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. The game’s trailer immediately signals its lineage, offering a familiar gameplay experience that will undoubtedly appeal to long-time fans. A curated setlist, frequent content updates, and user-generated content creation are all promised features.
A New Controller and Compatibility Concerns
Accompanying the game’s announcement is the InfinaKore Telecaster Edition Guitar Controller from Drakong, designed to be compatible with both Sound System and Fortnite Festival. However, a key question remains: will older Guitar Hero controllers be supported? The trailer hints at compatibility with ‘classic peripherals,’ offering a glimmer of hope for players who still possess their original instruments.
The late 2000s saw a surge in popularity for instrument-shaped controllers, fueled by the success of Guitar Hero and Rock Band. Activision’s subsequent market saturation ultimately contributed to the genre’s decline in the 2010s. While rhythm-action games have struggled to regain their former prominence, the enduring appeal of the concept is evident in the continued interest and development of new titles.
Ubisoft’s Rocksmith continues to offer a unique approach, focusing on real electric guitar instruction alongside gameplay. Its evolution into the subscription-based Rocksmith+ in 2022, with added piano and keyboard learning, demonstrates the ongoing demand for interactive music education and gaming.
Will Sound System be able to recapture the magic of the Guitar Hero era? And more importantly, will your old guitar controller finally get another workout?
Frequently Asked Questions About Sound System
What is Sound System?
Sound System is a new rhythm-action game developed by Echo Foundry Interactive, created by veterans of the Guitar Hero series. It aims to recapture the gameplay experience of classic Guitar Hero titles.
Will Sound System support older guitar controllers?
The game’s trailer suggests compatibility with ‘classic peripherals,’ but a definitive list of supported controllers has not yet been released. Players are encouraged to check the official website for updates.
What platforms will Sound System be available on?
Sound System is initially launching on PC via Steam, with plans for releases on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
Is Sound System similar to Fortnite Festival?
Both Sound System and Fortnite Festival offer rhythm-action gameplay with guitar controller support. However, Sound System is a standalone game focused solely on the music game experience, while Fortnite Festival is integrated within the broader Fortnite ecosystem.
Who are the developers behind Sound System?
Sound System is being developed by Echo Foundry Interactive, founded by Marcus Henderson (lead guitarist on Guitar Hero) and Lennon Lange (producer on Guitar Hero, Band Hero, and DJ Hero).
When is the release date for Sound System?
Sound System is scheduled to launch on PC via Steam this summer.
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