Guitar Hero 3 confirmed fall '07; Wii version will have DLC, guitar add-on

Sources: Platformers, Digg.

In an interview with IGN UK, Red Octane co-founder and president Kai Huang not only reconfirms that Guitar Hero 3 is headed for the Wii, 360, PS3 and PS2 (information that was found and subsequently pulled from RO's site last week), but also says that the much-speculated-upon Wii version will in fact use a guitar-shaped controller peripheral instead of solely relying on the Wii standard controllers. He also revealed that the Wii version will have downloadable content and even mentions "online play," although whether this means active online play with other people or passive online leaderboard activity (as in Guitar Hero 2 360) is unclear.

This would be the first Wii game that allows for a microtransaction to add new content to an existing game.

From the IGN UK article:

While the development team is still exploring innovative ways to use the remote, Kai Huang told us: "We are really excited about the Wii game because there are so many options for the Wii remote. However, you will play the game with a guitar peripheral and it will be similar to a guitar you've seen in the past."

He also confirmed that Guitar Hero III on Wii contains features included in other versions of the upcoming game—such as online play and downloadable music.

Many had assumed downloadable content would be present in the PS3 and 360 versions of GH3 but were unsure if the Wii version of GH3 would follow suit. Kai Huang's words show that all current-generation consoles will be able to squeeze all of the rich, chocolatey goodness out of the upcoming Guitar Hero installment. For those about to rock ... we salute you. /Lunker

UPDATE: GameSpot is reporting that according to Kai Huang in another interview, there will be both co-op and competitive online play for all versions of Guitar Hero 3 and there also will be wireless controllers.

Massacre at Virginia Tech: 33 Confirmed Dead

This is the big news for today.

Sources: ABC News, Digg.

April 16, 2007— At least 33 people are dead in what may be the biggest mass shooting in modern American history.

Police at Virginia Tech, in Blacksburg, Va., said that the shootings happened at a dormitory and then at a classroom on opposite sides of the university campus.

"Schools should be places of safety and sanctuary in learning," President Bush said from the White House. "When that sanctuary is violated the impact is felt in every American classroom and every American community."

Law enforcement officials tell ABC News they believe there was a single gunman, firing at least two 9mm semi-automatic pistols. They said he may have been wearing a bulletproof vest, and that he killed himself after opening fire on his victims.