Guitar Hero: On Tour

Since the Guitar Hero series has been a huge success, it only makes sense that they would try to figure out a way to make a portable version so wannabe rockers can play on the go. The game follows the same basic flow as the home versions: work your way through various set lists of increasing difficulty and earn money to buy bonus items along the way. This version captures most of the feel of the series, although the track list is a bit of a letdown and features several retreads from previous game editions. There are some changes too, the main one being the add-on "guitar grip." It plugs into the DS' GBA slot and has four fret buttons you press as you strum the touch screen with the included pick-shaped stylus. A wrist strap tightens around your left hand to keep it from slipping, though slippage is inevitable unless you make it hand-crampingly tight. You also use the touch screen for whammy-bar action, and blow or yell into the DS mic to invoke your "Star Power" score multiplier. For casual players, On Tour will be more of a curiosity than anything, especially since there's a good chance your hand will be sore far too quickly. Hardcore Guitar Hero fans will likely enjoy it just for the challenge factor, though it does make your DS look more like an accordion than a guitar.