The music game genre isn’t just drowning in the RIAA’s profits–the lack of innovation is wrecking a potentially unique gaming segment.

A new guitar game controller from Inspired Instruments may finally deliver that feeling of genuineness to “real musicians.” Being more than just a controller though, it is also a MIDI guitar that can hook up to your computer via USB or into your iPod and iPhone. That feeling of frets and strings will really make you think you’re Slash.

Madd skills won’t be needed with the “You Rock” mode that allows beginners to eliminate all the wrong notes.

List price is $179.99. Here’s a preview video. If anyone plugs this thing into some analog grunge pedals and a kickin’ Marshal or Fender amp, let me know please.

Outside of innovative titles such as Rez, few music games have attempted to be more than simple “press the button when the icon is in the right position” rhythm games. That formula was the basis of Parappa the Rapper, Guitar Hero, and Rock Band, and has proved highly successful with wannabe music mavens. Fortunately, developer [...]

My biggest gripe against the rhythm game genre as a whole is the heavy reliance and focus of the guitar as the central gameplay element. Certainly, it would be insane for me to expect games /platforms entitled Guitar Hero and Rock Band to have a killer tuba peripheral and accompanying songs, but would a Tuba [...]