Guitar Hero Will Add Mic, Bass Guitar, Drumset

As most smart companies do, when their product is inferior, they make a change.

That is exactly what Activision did by adding a drum set, bass guitar and microphone for the upcoming Guitar Hero game.

The popular game figures to neutralize the progress, in terms of market share, that "Rock Band" has made in the past year, with Guitar Hero becoming even more realistic because of its upgrade to the drum set (with elevated symbols).

"Guitar Hero World Tour," set for release in September, will also allow two bands of four to compete online, as well as let players compose and play their own music, Activision said Thursday.

The game will feature the hit songs from well-known bands, such as Van Halen, the Eagles, Linkin Park and Sublime, with every song being a master track (directly from the CD) and not a cover version (with the band uninvolved).

"I certainly think it takes the edge off 'Rock Band,' said Mike Hickey, an analyst with Janco partners, in an interview with Reuters. "What's 'Rock Band' going to do now, add a flute and banjo?"