The DJ Hero Controller.

Activision have announced plans to make themselves excessively rich once more, unveiling their upcoming line up of music based games. Due for release "this Spring" are three major titles, DJ Hero, Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero.

Each of the titles is designed to appeal to a different audience, and will feature different tracks to play along to. No release dates, track listings, or much else have been clarified at this stage, beyond one paragraph descriptions, with more details expected to be announced in the weeks, days, and months leading up to the release of each title.

First up, there is DJ Hero which replaces the guitar with a turn table, and the rock, metal, punk and alternative with hip-hop R&B, Motown, electronica and dance. A turntable controller is thrown in, and players travel from club to club "creating original mixes of popular songs" and reproducing audio from the "world's most exciting artists and DJs".

Next, there is Guitar Hero 5, which is due to feature "the hottest rock and roll artists today as well as classic rock bands". The game will give players an "unprecedented level of control" - with the ability to drop in and out of songs at any time, change band members, instruments and the difficulty level all while playing.


Screenshots from Guitar Hero: World Tour
Finally, Band Hero will deliver an "exciting music collection" that is derived from top-40 hits. This title will appeal to a broader audience, making Activision even more potentials to make more money - allowing a family to play together on the guitar, drums, bass and microphone. Band Hero promises to build "upon Guitar Hero’s easy-to-play, difficult-to-master signature gameplay and allows novice players and expert fans to join together on their favourite songs."

Dan Rosensweig, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Guitar Hero franchise earnt more money than mere mortals could imagine while stating:

Guitar Hero has made music social again and has become one of the most popular ways to experience music. Today’s fans enjoy a variety of music and are looking for more ways to engage with their favorite songs, artists and fellow fans.  These games will let them listen, participate and socialise with music in ways they have never been able to before.

No release dates have been announced for any games, and no real details regarding track listings, the number of tracks, plans for downloadable content, pricing, and all that important stuff has not yet been announced at this stage.

More details are likely to come soon. Platform details haven't been announced, but it is likely that each of these titles will appear in the PlayStation 2, 3, Xbox 360 and the Nintendo Wii.