Unplugged it ain't

No, I didn't doctor this picture - you are looking at the brand new drum grip for Activision's upcoming Band Hero. I imagine you have a look on your face right now that's similar to the first time you saw Guitar Hero Unplugged's guitar grip. You know - both eyes wide, one eyebrow raised, mouth silently forming the words "What the f**k?!"

Recovered yet? Yeah, I was shocked too. I think it's pretty clear that Activision are getting a little carried away with this whole peripheral thing. It's also not quite clear, but it's possible that Band Hero comes with another Guitar Grip. Either that or they provide a special skin for you existing one. Now on the one hand, this is kind of cool, allowing you to take the full band experience (with a little imagination) on the road, or wherever you go. I'm having fun with the little I've played of Rock Band Unplugged on the PSP, so the idea of pocket drumming isn't unattractive to me. The same strange curiosity that made me want to play Guitar Hero: On Tour, sort of makes me want to try this one too.....

But then I snap out of it. Lets be honest and admit that this is ridiculous. While the guitar grip at least added buttons to the system where there were none before, this drum skin simply replaces existing buttons with, well, bigger buttons. I'm having flashbacks to the original Gameboy, which had all manner of stupid add-ons that took away the one thing the system had going for it - it's portability. I know that I had some fun with Guitar Hero: On Tour, but have had no desire to take it out of it's oversized box since I first packed it away. Besides, lets not forget that as great as the DS is, holding large amounts of high quality music just isn't something it can do, and if we're now playing with friends, it may be a little rude to put on those headphones. Low bitrate music plus tinny DS speakers does not equal virtual rock show experience.

Oh, and as with Guitar Hero: On Tour, Band Hero will not be compatible with your brand new DSi. Not only is it missing the GBA slot necessary for the guitar grip, it's thinner form also means the drum skin won't fit either. And no, my skepticism isn't just sour grapes, as I still own my DS Lite and could play if I wanted. The final thing worth mentioning is actually the one part that deserves a little praise. Lets see..... Guitar, Bass, Drums - what could be missing? Why vocals, of course! Aspiring singers can join in the fun using..... wait for it...... the built-in microphone. While portable karaoke may have been done in Japanese title Daigassou Band Bros. DX, this is the first time it's been done in an English language game (I think), and at least it doesn't require another peripheral!

So have fun video game retailers. If you thought you were running out of space with all the giant-boxed home console games, you had better clear some space on your handheld shelf too. Now if you'll excuse me, I have the sudden urge to play a little Rock Band Unplugged........