Guitar Hero DS officially going On Tour

When Activision trademarked "Guitar Hero: On Tour" back in January, there was speculation that the title was going to be for the DS version of the game, although the company wouldn't officially comment.

Today Activision is ready to talk, and has confirmed that the DS version of the game will indeed be called Guitar Hero: On Tour. The game is due out sometime this summer.

The game will come with a Guitar Grip peripheral for the portable that will sport only four fret buttons, versus the full-sized edition's five. The add-on will also contain a Guitar Hero pick-cum-stylus that will be used on the touch screen to strum along to songs.

The game will feature a one-player career mode, co-op play over wireless, and a two-player battle mode called Guitar Duel. The battles will see the two players strum it out in more than just the rhythm stakes. Activision explains, "For example, players must blow into the microphone to extinguish a pyrotechnics effects gone wrong, or use the touch screen to autograph a crazed fan's shirt in the middle of their set."

There will be five unlockable venues and six characters to play, and gamers will be able to customise their characters and choose the colour of their axe. The game is also said to feature "the most diverse set list of master tracks ever offered in a Guitar Hero game," and will include classic rock, alternative, and pop tunes. Artists named so far are Nirvana, OK Go, and No Doubt.

Guitar Hero: On Tour is being developed by Activision-owned Vicarious Visions and is rated E10+ for Everyone 10 or older.