It's official: Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock has the most epically prog-rock sequence of any music video game yet. Rush have teamed with Activision for the fall release, which features a story-based Quest Mode that includes with hero wannabes playing the entirety of "2112," a seven-part suite from the Canadian band's 1976 album of the same name. The story of the game's final segment roughly follows Rush's opus, and will be narrated by lead singer Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson. "In our story, the caves of 2112 are where our hero finds the lost guitar," says Lee. "This rediscovery of music is much like the Guitar Hero warriors' journey to find the Demi-God of Rock's Legendary guitar, which has been trapped in a cavern." Watch exclusive footage from the game above.
Peart, Lee and Lifeson join Kiss' Gene Simmons as Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock narrators. Simmons' contribution begins with an introduction asking players to "Come with me, and enter a world populated of Demi-Gods and Beasts. Transform from an everyday person and become the savior of rock & roll."
Rolling Stone recently got a first look at Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, which will feature the most songs of any Guitar Hero game to date, including an original track written for the game by Megadeth's Dave Mustaine. The sixth iteration of the game represents a return to riff-heavy roots, featuring artists like Black Sabbath, Kiss, Stone Temple Pilots and the Rolling Stones. As Rolling Stone previously reported, Warriors of Rock will also contain an unreleased song from Soundgarden titled "Black Rain."
The game retains the familiar Guitar Hero interface, with a few aesthetic changes — the imagery is filled with flames and molten lava, and the plastic guitars will come with detachable "axe wings" for gamers looking for a little more edge. The venues include Rush-inspired caves and a faithful rendering of the now-defunct CBGB. Additionally, Warriors of Rock will be the first in the Guitar Hero series to feature eight playable characters, each of whom will transform into rock warriors as players unlock subsequent challenges.
Despite added emphasis on storytelling and quest progression, however, the game remains focused on rock. "I think it's a great way to introduce people of all ages to music of various styles by all kinds of different bands," says Lifeson, "while providing a launching pad for kids who want to get into playing music."