Instrument Controllers
Peak Starpex Wooden Guitar Controller
While this axe doesn't sport the new finger-sliding pad as the official Guitar Hero: World Tour guitar, it does make up for it with its premium wooden build and extremely ergonomic neck. The Peak Starpex features an all-wood body with low-profile buttons that are extremely responsive and pressure sensitive. While realism was obviously a goal for Peak when they designed the Starpex, they didn't sacrifice playability in the process.
The Starpex body is crafted from real wood, but it cuts down on the somewhat burdening weight of a real guitar. The neck is wider than the average guitar controller, but not to the point of discomforting the player. Furthermore, the whammy bar screws into a reinforced mechanism that is built to withstand even the most passionate of rockers. The Starpex does not incorporate the Star Power bridge button that we've seen on the new Guitar Hero controllers, however, it places it in a far more functional place, just below the strum bar.
Unfortunately the Peak Starpex is only available for PlayStation users, but we suspect that it will only be a matter of time before the Starpex makes an Xbox 360 crossover.
Price: $179.99/$189.99
Availability: Now at Circuit City and Gamestop.
Logitech Wireless Microphone
This microphone might be a bit on the pricier side, but it affords enthusiastic virtual vocalists the wireless freedom to prance around as they see fit. The wireless microphone connects to both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 via a USB receiver, which also doubles as a microphone holder for when it is not in use. The device also boasts a 20-hour battery life for extended jam sessions and utilizes 2.4 GHz wireless technology to give users a stage of nearly 30-feet.
Price: $79.99
Availability: December
ION Drum Rocker
Ok, so this drum kit was technically designed for Rock Band 2, but all the same, in light of the news earlier this year that Rock Band and Guitar Hero peripherals would soon be interchangeable between franchises, we can only hope that the ION Drum Rocker will be supported as well. The ION Drum Rocker is the absolute pinnacle of game controller drums, with components and a design that enables it to double as a legitimate digital drum kit. The ION Drum Rocker's biggest claims to fame are its strong, reinforced construction and precise hit identification.
The ION Drum Rocker incorporates three toms, a snare, and two cymbals, as well as professional-grade kick pedal that makes the kit perfect for experienced or aspiring percussionists. The biggest appeal to adding this kit to your Guitar Hero: World Tour system is the use in the song creator. After all, if you are going to make real music on a fake instrument, why not do it on the most realistic kit you can find?
Be weary though, this kit is definitely not for gamers on a budget—the ION Drum Rocker system costs more than the Guitar Hero: World Tour bundle.
Price: $299
Availabilty: Now, Online.
Accessories
MadCatz Microphone Stand
This next accessory is directed toward the particularly talented Guitar Hero players who intend on rocking the mic while shredding on guitar. The MadCatz Microphone stand will work with a microphone of any shape or size, but the most unique feature of the MadCatz stand is its controller holder attachments, which eliminate the inconvenience of scrambling for your controller between songs. The MadCatz stand accommodates any PS3, PS2, Wii, or Xbox 360 controller via clear mountable clamps.
Price: $24.99
Availability: Now
React Guitar Controller Gig Bags
While Rock Band is arguably anyone's game, Guitar Hero is generally associated with a more hardcore audience; as such, many Guitar Hero players take their game on the go. Protecting your guitar controller is important when hitting the road looking for a challenge, that's why we've picked React Gamer Inc.'s gig bag solution, which for a reasonable price, gives a gamer's axe sufficient protection against the environmental dangers.
The React Gamer Inc. Gig Bags are made from quality materials and are lightweight to alleviate the strain of carrying your axe for long distances. The Gig Bags also come in a variety of patterns to match a gamer's personality, whether they be hardcore and aggressive or casual and easygoing.
Price: About $15
Availability: Now, online and in stores.
Be sure to tune into IGN Gear next week for another installment in our weekly Buyer's Guide series, which will conclude with our final Holiday Buyer's guide for 2008.