Here are the nominations for Best Video Game in The Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009.

The following products were chosen because we feel they represent the best video games on sale in the last 12 months that are available in the UK.

The nominations are:

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Guitar Hero 5

Battlefield 1943

Batman: Arkham Asylum

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Now in its 6th year, the Pocket-lint Gadget Awards, thought to be the longest running in the UK, pick the best gadgets and gizmos from the last year released in the UK

Pocket-lint's vigorous vetting process means that all the gadgets up for nomination have to have been seen by a member of the Pocket-lint team (so far over 600) and have to have been available in the UK between December 2008 and December 2009.

The awards, voted by a panel of leading gadget journalists from around the world, including the staff from the Pocket-lint team, will decide the real must-have gadgets of the year, rather than those simply deemed cool or anticipated, being the definitive guide for consumers looking to buy gadgets.

Winners will be announced at an Awards evening in London on Monday 7 December.

If you would like to order tickets to the event please visit our awards event page.

Public voting will start on Wednesday 18 November.

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Related links:

• Link - Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009

Tags: Gaming Xbox 360 PS3 Nintendo Wii PC games Sony Activision Warner Bros EA Pocket-lint Awards Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009

Best Video Games 2009 nominations originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:22:07 +0000

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, not content with annihilating UK video game sales records, has done the same trick across the Atlantic, by shifting 4.7 million copies in the United Kingdom and North America combined.

That firmly puts it at the top of the chart of first-day sales for non-bundled video games, which was previously topped by GTA IV and the two expansions for World of Warcraft. The achievement has seen cash roll in to Activision to the extent of $310 million in the first 24 hours.

However, the game's launch on Xbox 360 and PS3 has been dulled slightly by the rocky entry of the PC version of the game. Before its release, fans were already protesting that dedicated server functionality had been taken out, and the PC launch had to be delayed 2 days so that retailers could get exclusives, but also so that pre-orders could be served.

The whole maelstrom has been covered in great depth by PC gaming blog Rock, Paper, Shotgun, who posit that it would be entirely possible if the next instalment of the game didn't come to the PC at all, despite the series originating on the platform.

What do you think? Are you a happy Xbox 360 or PS3 owner, or a distraught PC user? Should consoles get exclusives over PCs? Tell us in the comments.

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Tags: Gaming Xbox 360 PS3 PC Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare 2 Statistics Activision

Modern Warfare 2 breaking US records too originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:31:18 +0000

Call of Duty 6 aka Modern Warfare 2 aka Call of Duty 4 part 2 - whatever you want to call it, is one of the biggest video games of 2009 and today's release is looking to set some records. Reports coming in from online retailers such as Amazon and Play.com, as well as the queues already seen out on the high streets suggest that copies of the first person shooter are flying out the door at previously unseen rates.

What we do know, is that Activision's claims of "over 750,000 pre orders in the UK alone is set to surpass the 3 million copies mark in its launch week",

Until the first 24 hours are up and the official charts are out, the figures are going to be sketchy but the top first-day sales for non-bundled video games of all time to beat are:

1) Grand Theft Auto IV - 3.7 million copies
2) World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King - 2.8 million copies
3) World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade - 2.4 million copies
4) Halo 3 - 1.7 million copies

Of course, if Modern Warfare 2 is looking to become the biggest selling game of all time, then it's got one hell of a mountain to climb. Again, ignoring games that came bundled with consoles - eg: Super Mario Bros which effectively sold over 40 million copies - not only have the majority of them been for Nintendo machines but also none of them are first person shooters. They are:

1) Wii Play - 24 million
2) Wii Fit - 23 million
3) Nintendogs (all versions) - 22 million
4) Pok?mon Red - 22 million
5) New Super Mario Bros - 20 million
6) Mario Kart Wii - 18 million
7) Super Mario Bros. 3 - 18 million
8) Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day - 17 million
9) Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas - 17 million
10) Pok?mon Diamond and Pearl - 17 million

In fact, the only non-Nintendo top seller has been GTA San Andreas and you have to wait until No.12 before the first PC game comes in as the original The Sims. What seems to be happening is that Nintendo expands the market with its consoles and has the power to create a larger phenomenon when the right games come along. It's well documented that systems like the DS and the Wii are targeted towards a broader and more universal family audience and can therefore pull in the numbers. The top 10 best sellers are quite some testament to the company's strategy.

At the same time, though, the majority of these titles made particularly ground-breaking first day sales. The titles that fly off the shelves are all sequels and all involve fighting. What seems obvious here is that is that it's the hardcore gamers market that supports these releases. Those consumers have had a taste of the original game, loved it and are ready with pre-orders and midnight queues to get the next installment.

There's also something more goal focused about the games, which leads users to need the next installment to continue to enjoy them at that same, intense level. One of the big sells of both WoW expansions is to raise the level cap and give something for players to aim at. Mario Kart and Brain Training players just don't have that same thirst to complete them or to put them down once they have.

Although more intense, this market is definitely smaller. It's more for the purist. The point to see, though, is that just because Modern Warfare 2 might well become the fastest selling game of all time, it's very unlikely it'll set many records beyond.

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Related links:

• Feature - Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 - gaming hardware
• Feature - Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 - games
• News - Modern Warfare 2 breaks Amazon pre-order records

Tags: Gaming Statistics Activision Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare 2 GTA Halo 3 World of Wacraft Features

Modern Warfare 2 looks set to smash records? originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:41:53 +0000

Amazon has announced that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has broken all of its previous records for pre-sales of video games. The title has eclipsed the previous record-holder, GTA IV, by 50% - quite a feat, considering how much hype there was around that title.

Modern Warfare 2 is due on 10 November, but many shops have begun selling it early, with Gamestop in the States getting special permission. A supposedly watertight embargo for journalists hasn't stopped reviews getting published early - most notably by Charlie Brooker on Twitter, who blasted through it in one sitting, and said: "it's very good, but it's not the flippin' messiah or anything. And it has the intellectual depth of Die Hard 4".

Amazon currently offers Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 for the Xbox 360 and PS3 for just ?32 at the time of writing, with PC owners getting short shrift and having to stump up ?35. Still, they get superior graphics and performance, so perhaps that'll make up for it.

Which version are you getting, and are you excited? Let us know in the comments below.

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Tags: Gaming Statistics Activision Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare 2 Amazon GTA

Modern Warfare 2 breaks Amazon pre-order records originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:03:42 +0000

No Doubt, Gwen Stefani's band who had a hit with the song "Don't Speak", have sued the publishers of Band Hero, Activision Blizzard, over their likeness in the game. The band complained that they were breaching their contract by allowing them to be turned into a virtual karaoke act.

In the game, it's possible to unlock Gwen Stefani as a playable character and get her to sing the Rolling Stones' Honky Tonk Woman. The lawsuit says that this: "results in an unauthorized performance by the Gwen Stefani avatar in a male voice boasting about having sex with prostitutes".

The band are protesting "fraudulent inducement" and breach of contract, seeking unspecified damages and an injunction that would stop Activision from distributing the title. Back in September, Courtney Love declared that she was going to "sue the s**t out of" the company for similar reasons - allowing Kurt Cobain to sing Bon Jovi songs.

Meanwhile, rival franchise Rock Band has avoided similar problems by not featuring real rockers as avatars with the exception of the tightly controlled Beatles: Rock Band title.

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Tags: Gaming Audio Music Music games Band Hero Activision No Doubt

No Doubt sues Activision over Band Hero originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:12:59 +0000

DJ Hero, Activision's attempt at turning its Guitar Hero franchise over to the world of electronic music, has now been released in Europe and is available to buy. The game simulates some of the fundamentals of DJing using a plastic "deck" controller, allowing players to mash up a whole host of different bands.

There are 93 mixes in the game, complete with genres that cross rock, pop, dance, R'n'B, techno and hip-hop. Artists as diverse as Queen, Eminem, Daft Punk and Bloc Party are present on the soundtrack, which can be seen in full here.

The game costs ?110 with the turntable kit, so it's not cheap, though Amazon's currently selling it for ?90. There's also a "Renegade Edition" which comes with a premium controller, hardshell case, and a stand to put your deck on. There's also a CD from Jay-Z and Eminem that contains a best-of both artists and some unreleased tracks. That costs ?140.

DJ Hero is available on Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii.

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Tags: Gaming DJ Hero DJ Music games Music Activision

DJ Hero now on shelves originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:53:31 +0000

Guitar Hero is the first console game franchise to surpass 1 million Facebook fans, says developer Activision.

As the number one best-selling third party video game franchise in America and Europe this year to date, since its release, more than 38 million games have been sold worldwide.

The most recent release "Guitar Hero 5" launched in September and is said to be the "most social and interactive Guitar Hero game ever".

The million-strong Facebook fans can get the latest info on Guitar Hero games and the artists in the games, as well as share their favourite artists, songs, and Guitar Hero experiences.

Tags: Gaming Guitar Hero Music games Facebook Statistics Activision Software Audio

Guitar Hero rocks 1 million Facebook fans originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:16:17 +0000

The BBFC has insisted on an 18 rating for coming soon Call of Duty title Modern Warfare 2, although it has passed through the official hurdle with no cuts.

It seems the rating ruling will not come as a surprise to the developers as promotional packaging has already been labelled "TBC 18".

It is however, the first game in the Call of Duty series to get an 18 certificate from the BBFC.

Previous titles in the series have either been rated as 15 by the BBFC or 16+ under the PEGI system, which considering the gratuitous violence in the previous, lower rated titles suggests that Modern Warfare 2 could well be a blood bath.

Those looking forward to such delights should note the game goes on sale in the UK on 10 November.

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• News - Xbox 360 Modern Warfare 2 console announced

Tags: Gaming BBFC Call of Duty Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare 2 Xbox 360 Nintendo Wii PS3 Activision

BBFC gives Modern Warfare 2 an 18 rating originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:22:47 +0100

Getting excited about the forthcoming release of DJ Hero? Well hit play on the vid-box above to see a new promo for the music-themed game.

As most of you will know, DJ Hero is a turntable-based take on the current crop of popular music games.

DJ Hero promises to "transform players into DJs who rule the club scene by creating original mixes of popular songs and music from the world's most exciting artists and DJs".

The game - and controller - is due for release in the UK on 30 October. Amazon's currently got a pre-order going on for ?89.99.

Tags: Gaming Xbox 360 DJ Hero Music games Advertising Video Microsoft Activision

VIDEO: New DJ Hero ad revealed originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:18:38 +0100

The days of mashing buttons are over when it comes to skateboarding games, as the new controller for the latest Tony Hawk game – Tony Hawk: RIDE – gives you a motion control deck.

Formed to look and feel like a skateboard, the controller features two accelerometers to give you yaw, pitch and roll sensors which will translate into 1:1 mapping in the game. This means your character on-screen will react to the subtle movements you make on the board.

A spokesperson for Robomodo, the game's developer, detailed how they had pulled apart "tonnes and tonnes" of controllers to find the best solution for Tony Hawk: RIDE.

Robomodo focused on creating a system that would allow for grabs, grinds, ollies and flip tricks to be pulled off in the game. This is achieved thanks to the accelerometers and the inclusion of four IR sensors around the deck.

The IR sensors let the board detect peripheral movements, so if you want to pull off a grab, moving your hand into the detection zone of the IR sensor will make it happen (if your timing is any good…).

Covered with grip tape, it feels like a skateboard and is surprisingly solid. It didn't complain one iota about abuse from a 13 stone man and is surprisingly responsive. Note the giant start button on the left-hand edge designed to be kicked to get you into the game.

Hitting Xbox 360, PS3 and Nintendo Wii towards the end of November, we grabbed some pics of the new controller for Xbox, with a couple of Nintendo Wii ones at the end.

Tags: Gaming Xbox 360 Tony Hawk Tony Hawk Ride Nintendo Wii Activision Gaming accessories Gaming hardware Photos

PHOTOS: Tony Hawk: RIDE skateboard controller originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:15:12 +0100

Activision has finally ponied up the full tracklisting for DJ Hero, and it comprises 93 exclusive mashups that span rock, rap, techno, house, pop, indie, psychadelia and classical tracks.

Here's the full list, but before you start scrolling, you might want to be reminded that the game will be out on 30 October and cost ?110 with the turntable kit. At the time of writing, though, Amazon is doing the kit for ?90 on pre-order, so that might be worth checking out, too.

2Pac - All Eyez On Me vs. The Aranbee Pop Orchestra - Bittersweet Symphony (Instrumental)
50 Cent - Disco Inferno vs. David Bowie - Let's Dance
50 Cent - Disco Inferno vs. InDeep - Last Night A DJ Saved My Life
Afrika Bambaataa - Zulu Nation Throwdown vs. Freedom Express - Get Down
Beastie Boys - Here's A Little Somethin' For Ya vs. DJ Shadow - The Number Song (2009 Version) (Produced and mixed by DJ Shadow)
Beastie Boys - Intergalactic vs. Blondie - Rapture
Beastie Boys - Lee Majors Come Again vs. Daft Punk - Da Funk (Produced and mixed by Cut Chemist)
Beck - Where It's At vs. DJ Shadow - Six Days (Remix ft. Mos Def)
Bell Biv DeVoe - Poison Beat Juggle
Bell Biv DeVoe - Poison vs. Beastie Boys - Intergalactic (Produced and mixed by DJ AM)
Bell Biv DeVoe - Poison vs. Cameo - Word Up!
Benny Benassi - Satisfaction vs. Ti?sto - Elements Of Life
Billy Squier - The Big Beat vs. N.E.R.D. - Lapdance (DJ-Guitar mix)
Black Eyed Peas - Boom Boom Pow vs. Benny Benassi - Satisfaction
Bobby Blue Bland - Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City vs. 2Pac - How Do You Want It
Bobby Blue Bland - Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City vs. Connie Price & The Keystones - Fuzz And Them
Boogie Down Productions - Jack Of Spades vs. David Bowie - Let's Dance (Produced and mixed by DJ Shadow)
Chuck Brown & The Soul Searchers - Bustin' Loose vs. The Zombies - Time Of The Season (Produced and mixed by DJ Shadow)
Chuck Brown & The Soul Searchers - Bustin' Loose vs. Young MC - Bust A Move
Common - Universal Mind Control (U.M.C.) vs. Masta Ace - Jeep A** Gutter (Aaron LaCrate & Debonair Samir RMX) (Produced and mixed by The Scratch Perverts)
Cypress Hill - Insane In The Brain vs. Classics IV - Spooky
Cypress Hill - Insane In The Brain vs. David Axelrod - The Edge
Daft Punk - Around The World vs. Young MC - Bust A Move
Daft Punk - Da Funk vs. N.A.S.A. - Strange Enough ft. Karen O, ODB & Fatlip
Daft Punk - Megamix 1
Daft Punk - Megamix 2
Daft Punk - Robot Rock vs. Hashim - Al Naafyish (The Soul) (Produced and mixed by The Scratch Perverts)
Daft Punk - Robot Rock vs. Queen - We Will Rock You
Daft Punk - Short Circuit vs. Boogie Down Productions - Jack Of Spades
Daft Punk - Technologic vs. Gary Numan - Cars
Daft Punk - Television Rules the Nation vs. No Doubt - Hella Good
David Axelrod - The Edge vs. Eric B. & Rakim - Eric B. Is President
Dizzee Rascal - Fix Up, Look Sharp vs. DJ Shadow - Organ Donor (Extended Overhaul)
Dizzee Rascal - Fix Up, Look Sharp vs. Justice - Genesis
DJ Shadow - Six Days (Remix ft. Mos Def) vs. D-Code - Annie's Horn
Eminem - My Name Is vs. Beck - Loser
Fedde Le Grand - Put Your Hands Up For Detroit vs. Sandy Rivera and David Penn - I Can't Stop (David Penn Remix)
Foo Fighters - Monkey Wrench vs. Beastie Boys - Sabotage (DJ-Guitar mix)
Foreigner - Juke Box Hero vs. DJ Z-Trip ft. Murs - DJ Hero (Produced and mixed by DJ Z-Trip)
Foreigner - Juke Box Hero vs. DJ Z-Trip ft. Murs - DJ Hero (DJ-Guitar mix, produced and mixed by DJ Z-Trip)
Gang Starr - Just To Get A Rep vs. Mobb Deep - Shook Ones, Pt 2 (Produced and mixed by J. Period)
Gorillaz - Feel Good Inc. vs. Blondie - Atomic
Grandmaster Flash's - Boom vs. Tap (Produced and mixed by Grandmaster Flash)
Grandmaster Flash, DJ Kool, DJ Demo - Here Comes My DJ vs. Gary Numan - Cars (Produced and mixed by Grandmaster Flash)
Gwen Stefani - Hollaback Girl vs. Gorillaz - Feel Good Inc.
Gwen Stefani - Hollaback Girl vs. InDeep Last Night A DJ Saved My Life (Produced and mixed by DJ AM)
Gwen Stefani - Hollaback Girl vs. Rick James - Give It To Me
Herbie Hancock - Rockit Beat Juggle
Herbie Hancock - Rockit vs. N.E.R.D. - Lapdance (Produced and mixed by Grandmaster Flash)
InDeep - Last Night A DJ Saved My Life vs. Cameo - Word Up!
Jackson 5 - I Want You Back vs. Gang Starr - Just To Get A Rep (Produced and mixed by DJ Yoda)
Jackson 5 - I Want You Back vs. Third Eye Blind - Semi-Charmed Life (DJ-Guitar mix)
Jackson 5 - I Want You Back vs. Third Eye Blind - Semi-Charmed Life
JAY-Z feat. Pharrell - Change Clothes vs. 2Pac - All Eyez on Me
JAY-Z - Izzo (H.O.V.A.) vs. Eminem - My Name Is
JAY-Z - Izzo (H.O.V.A.) vs. Jackson 5 - I Want You Back
JAY-Z - Excuse Me Miss vs. Rick James - Give It To Me
Jean Knight - Mr. Big Stuff vs. Masta Ace - Born To Roll
Jurassic 5 - Jayou vs. Billy Squier - The Big Beat
Jurassic 5 - Jayou vs. Herbie Hancock - Rockit
Kid Cudi - Day 'N' Nite vs. Black Eyed Peas - Boom Boom Pow
Kool Moe Dee - How Ya Like Me Now vs. Reel 2 Real featuring The Mad Stuntman - I Like To Move It
Little Richard - Tutti Frutti vs. Shlomo - Beats (Produced and mixed by DJ Yoda)
M.I.A. - Paper Planes vs. Eric B. & Rakim - Eric B. Is President (Produced and mixed by The Scratch Perverts)
M.I.A. - Paper Planes vs. Wale - Lookin' At Me
Marvin Gaye - I Heard It Through The Grapevine vs. David Bowie - Let's Dance
Marvin Gaye - I Heard It Through The Grapevine vs. Gorillaz - Feel Good Inc.
Mot?rhead - Ace Of Spades vs. Noisia - Groundhog (DJ-Guitar mix)
N.A.S.A. - Strange Enough ft. Karen O, ODB & Fatlip vs. Isaac Hayes - Theme From Shaft
Noisia - Groundhog Beat Juggle (Produced and mixed by The Scratch Perverts)
Paul van Dyk - Nothing But You vs. Sandy Rivera and David Penn - I Can't Stop (David Penn Remix)
Public Enemy - Shut 'Em Down vs. Beck - Where It's At
Public Enemy ft. Zakk Wylde - Bring The Noise 20XX vs. Justice - Genesis (Produced and mixed by DJ Z-Trip)
Public Enemy featuring Zakk Wylde - Bring The Noise 20XX (DJ-Guitar mix)
Q-Tip - Good Thang vs. Billy Squier - The Big Beat (Produced and mixed by J. Period)
Queen - Another One Bites The Dust vs. Beastie Boys - Brass Monkey (Produced and mixed by DJ Z-Trip)
Queen - Another One Bites The Dust vs. Daft Punk - Da Funk
Rihanna - Disturbia vs. Kid Sister - Control
Rihanna - Disturbia vs. The Killers - Somebody Told Me (DJ-Guitar mix)
Rihanna - Disturbia vs. The Trammps - Disco Inferno
Shlomo - Beats vs. Billy Squier - The Big Beat
Street Sweeper Social Club - Fight! Smash! Win! vs. Beastie Boys - Intergalactic (DJ-Guitar mix)
Tears For Fears - Shout vs. DJ Shadow - Six Days (Remix ft. Mos Def)
Tears For Fears - Shout vs. Eric B. & Rakim - Eric B. Is President (Produced and mixed by DJ Jazzy Jeff)
Tears For Fears - Shout vs. Eric Prydz - Pjanoo
The Aranbee Pop Orchestra - Bittersweet Symphony (Instrumental) vs. LL Cool J - Rock The Bells (Produced and mixed by DJ Jazzy Jeff)
The Scratch Perverts Beats and Pieces (Produced and mixed by The Scratch Perverts)
The Killers - Somebody Told Me vs. Eric Prydz - Pjanoo
Vanilla Ice - Ice Ice Baby vs. MC Hammer - U Can't Touch This
Vanilla Ice - Ice Ice Baby vs. Paula Abdul - Straight Up
Wale - Lookin' At Me vs. Black Eyed Peas ft. Tippa Irie - Hey Mama
Weezer - Beverly Hills vs. Evidence, The Alchemist, Aceyalone, Rakaa & 88 Keys - Fresh Rhymes And Videotape (DJ-Guitar mix)
Wild Cherry - Play That Funky Music vs. Gang Starr - Just To Get A Rep (DJ-Guitar mix)

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• News - DJ Hero gets "Renegade Edition"

Tags: Gaming Music games DJ Hero Activision Xbox 360 PS3 PS2 Nintendo Wii

DJ Hero gets full tracklisting originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:56:16 +0100

Activision has unveiled the controllers that'll be bundled with Band Hero - due for release within the next couple of months - the company is still just saying "Autumn".

The new drums have a "floating" design, which Activision tells us is "visually compelling", and there's also an updated kick pedal that claims greater responsiveness over previous versions. There's a port to plug in a second drum, too, if you're feeling metal and need to get some double-kick action on. The stand has been resdesigned, too.

On the guitar side of things, there's an improved strum bar and neck slider, which Activision says should help with accuracy. The tuning pegs have a chrome effect, and the faceplate is red and white.

Band Hero is expected in time for Christmas and features a more pop-oriented playlist that previous versions. No Doubt, Nelly Furtado, Lily Allen, The All-American Rejects and Jackson 5 are all included, among others.

It'll be available for Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii.

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• News - Activision announces DJ Hero, Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero

Tags: Gaming Band Hero Activision Music games

Band Hero introduces new controllers originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:02:27 +0100