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How Guitar Hero made everybody a rock star

How Guitar Hero made everybody a rock star

“Sharp Dressed Man,” by ZZ Top. Hard on a good day, Medium when my friends were over, Expert once and then never ever again. That was my Guitar Hero sweet spot. And for years, it seemed like everybody had one. The plastic guitar controllers became a staple of living rooms everywhere, and the songs — from big bands, small bands, and bands that didn’t even actually exist — became huge hits. Long before TikTok was the most important thing in music, getting your track on a Guitar Hero setlist could change your life forever.

For this episode of Version History, we go through the whole history of Guitar Hero. The story begins in arcades in Japan, travels to an unlikely pair of companies in the US, and nearly falls apart entirely before becoming an enormous hit. For a few years, Guitar Hero was as big as any game you could find, before it began to slowly fade into the background. The game may not be around anymore, but you can still find its legacy in some pretty big-name videogames.

Hosts David Pierce, Ash Parrish, and Chris Grant all lived through various parts of the Guitar Hero story. They gather at the Version History roundtable to talk about the franchise’s many precursors and influences, the E3 conference that became the franchise’s breakout hit, the eventual rise of Rock Band, and how Guitar Hero eventually lost most of its luster. We also bust out the axe for the first time in a long time, to see who’s still got it.

This is the fourth episode of Version History. (The first three were about hoverboards, BBM, and the Sony Watchman). If you want to find the show, there are three good places to go:

Thanks to everyone who has already watched or listened to the show, and has sent feedback! We’re already hard at work on the next bunch of episodes, and want to hear everything you think we should be doing or not doing or doing differently. We’re rewriting the eight Version History Questions as we speak, and we’d love to hear what you’d include in the list. In the meantime, if you want to relive Guitar Hero as we did, here are some links to get you started:

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#Guitar #Hero #rock #star

OPPO F-series has always focused on the durability side of things, with some of the toughest phones I’ve ever tested. With the new F33 series, the Chinese smartphone maker is bringing a new type of durability-focused smartphone to India. Based on details shared ahead of launch, the company is positioning the lineup as a solution to everyday smartphone problems like cracked screens, water damage, and battery anxiety.

Built for Indian Conditions

OPPO F33 Series to Launch With IP69K Rating and 7,000mAh Battery
	
The OPPO F-series has always focused on the durability side of things, with some of the toughest phones I’ve ever tested. With the new F33 series, the Chinese smartphone maker is bringing a new type of durability-focused smartphone to India. Based on details shared ahead of launch, the company is positioning the lineup as a solution to everyday smartphone problems like cracked screens, water damage, and battery anxiety.



Built for Indian Conditions







Durability seems to be the core focus here. The OPPO F33 series is said to come with IP69K certification, which is a step above the usual IP67 or IP68 ratings seen in most mid-range phones. In practical terms, this means the device can handle high-pressure, high-temperature water jets and provide complete dust protection. It’s designed to survive not just accidental splashes, but harsher environments like heavy rain, kitchens, or dusty outdoor conditions.



Beyond certifications, OPPO says the F33 series has undergone military-grade durability testing. This includes extreme temperature tests ranging from freezing cold to high heat, salt exposure for coastal conditions, and even simulations of strong winds and heavy rainfall. The devices are also tested for drops, with thousands of simulated falls and immersion tests to ensure real-world reliability.



Structurally, the phones feature a 360-degree armor body, built using an aerospace-grade aluminium frame, reinforced internals, and thicker protective materials for both the display and back panel. There’s also an internal cushioning system designed to absorb shocks during impact.



Long-Term Battery Health



Battery life is another major highlight of the F33 series. OPPO is introducing a 7,000mAh battery that’s designed to retain up to 80% of its capacity even after five years of usage.



The company is using a self-repairing electrolyte technology, which is said to help maintain battery health over time. Combined with 80W fast charging, reverse charging, and bypass charging support, the F33 series aims to reduce both charging time and long-term battery degradation.

#OPPO #F33 #Series #Launch #IP69K #Rating #7000mAh #BatteryOppo

Durability seems to be the core focus here. The OPPO F33 series is said to come with IP69K certification, which is a step above the usual IP67 or IP68 ratings seen in most mid-range phones. In practical terms, this means the device can handle high-pressure, high-temperature water jets and provide complete dust protection. It’s designed to survive not just accidental splashes, but harsher environments like heavy rain, kitchens, or dusty outdoor conditions.

Beyond certifications, OPPO says the F33 series has undergone military-grade durability testing. This includes extreme temperature tests ranging from freezing cold to high heat, salt exposure for coastal conditions, and even simulations of strong winds and heavy rainfall. The devices are also tested for drops, with thousands of simulated falls and immersion tests to ensure real-world reliability.

Structurally, the phones feature a 360-degree armor body, built using an aerospace-grade aluminium frame, reinforced internals, and thicker protective materials for both the display and back panel. There’s also an internal cushioning system designed to absorb shocks during impact.

Long-Term Battery Health

Battery life is another major highlight of the F33 series. OPPO is introducing a 7,000mAh battery that’s designed to retain up to 80% of its capacity even after five years of usage.

The company is using a self-repairing electrolyte technology, which is said to help maintain battery health over time. Combined with 80W fast charging, reverse charging, and bypass charging support, the F33 series aims to reduce both charging time and long-term battery degradation.

#OPPO #F33 #Series #Launch #IP69K #Rating #7000mAh #BatteryOppo">OPPO F33 Series to Launch With IP69K Rating and 7,000mAh Battery
	
The OPPO F-series has always focused on the durability side of things, with some of the toughest phones I’ve ever tested. With the new F33 series, the Chinese smartphone maker is bringing a new type of durability-focused smartphone to India. Based on details shared ahead of launch, the company is positioning the lineup as a solution to everyday smartphone problems like cracked screens, water damage, and battery anxiety.



Built for Indian Conditions







Durability seems to be the core focus here. The OPPO F33 series is said to come with IP69K certification, which is a step above the usual IP67 or IP68 ratings seen in most mid-range phones. In practical terms, this means the device can handle high-pressure, high-temperature water jets and provide complete dust protection. It’s designed to survive not just accidental splashes, but harsher environments like heavy rain, kitchens, or dusty outdoor conditions.



Beyond certifications, OPPO says the F33 series has undergone military-grade durability testing. This includes extreme temperature tests ranging from freezing cold to high heat, salt exposure for coastal conditions, and even simulations of strong winds and heavy rainfall. The devices are also tested for drops, with thousands of simulated falls and immersion tests to ensure real-world reliability.



Structurally, the phones feature a 360-degree armor body, built using an aerospace-grade aluminium frame, reinforced internals, and thicker protective materials for both the display and back panel. There’s also an internal cushioning system designed to absorb shocks during impact.



Long-Term Battery Health



Battery life is another major highlight of the F33 series. OPPO is introducing a 7,000mAh battery that’s designed to retain up to 80% of its capacity even after five years of usage.



The company is using a self-repairing electrolyte technology, which is said to help maintain battery health over time. Combined with 80W fast charging, reverse charging, and bypass charging support, the F33 series aims to reduce both charging time and long-term battery degradation.

#OPPO #F33 #Series #Launch #IP69K #Rating #7000mAh #BatteryOppo

has always focused on the durability side of things, with some of the toughest phones I’ve ever tested. With the new F33 series, the Chinese smartphone maker is bringing a new type of durability-focused smartphone to India. Based on details shared ahead of launch, the company is positioning the lineup as a solution to everyday smartphone problems like cracked screens, water damage, and battery anxiety.

Built for Indian Conditions

OPPO F33 Series to Launch With IP69K Rating and 7,000mAh Battery
	
The OPPO F-series has always focused on the durability side of things, with some of the toughest phones I’ve ever tested. With the new F33 series, the Chinese smartphone maker is bringing a new type of durability-focused smartphone to India. Based on details shared ahead of launch, the company is positioning the lineup as a solution to everyday smartphone problems like cracked screens, water damage, and battery anxiety.



Built for Indian Conditions







Durability seems to be the core focus here. The OPPO F33 series is said to come with IP69K certification, which is a step above the usual IP67 or IP68 ratings seen in most mid-range phones. In practical terms, this means the device can handle high-pressure, high-temperature water jets and provide complete dust protection. It’s designed to survive not just accidental splashes, but harsher environments like heavy rain, kitchens, or dusty outdoor conditions.



Beyond certifications, OPPO says the F33 series has undergone military-grade durability testing. This includes extreme temperature tests ranging from freezing cold to high heat, salt exposure for coastal conditions, and even simulations of strong winds and heavy rainfall. The devices are also tested for drops, with thousands of simulated falls and immersion tests to ensure real-world reliability.



Structurally, the phones feature a 360-degree armor body, built using an aerospace-grade aluminium frame, reinforced internals, and thicker protective materials for both the display and back panel. There’s also an internal cushioning system designed to absorb shocks during impact.



Long-Term Battery Health



Battery life is another major highlight of the F33 series. OPPO is introducing a 7,000mAh battery that’s designed to retain up to 80% of its capacity even after five years of usage.



The company is using a self-repairing electrolyte technology, which is said to help maintain battery health over time. Combined with 80W fast charging, reverse charging, and bypass charging support, the F33 series aims to reduce both charging time and long-term battery degradation.

#OPPO #F33 #Series #Launch #IP69K #Rating #7000mAh #BatteryOppo

Durability seems to be the core focus here. The OPPO F33 series is said to come with IP69K certification, which is a step above the usual IP67 or IP68 ratings seen in most mid-range phones. In practical terms, this means the device can handle high-pressure, high-temperature water jets and provide complete dust protection. It’s designed to survive not just accidental splashes, but harsher environments like heavy rain, kitchens, or dusty outdoor conditions.

Beyond certifications, OPPO says the F33 series has undergone military-grade durability testing. This includes extreme temperature tests ranging from freezing cold to high heat, salt exposure for coastal conditions, and even simulations of strong winds and heavy rainfall. The devices are also tested for drops, with thousands of simulated falls and immersion tests to ensure real-world reliability.

Structurally, the phones feature a 360-degree armor body, built using an aerospace-grade aluminium frame, reinforced internals, and thicker protective materials for both the display and back panel. There’s also an internal cushioning system designed to absorb shocks during impact.

Long-Term Battery Health

Battery life is another major highlight of the F33 series. OPPO is introducing a 7,000mAh battery that’s designed to retain up to 80% of its capacity even after five years of usage.

The company is using a self-repairing electrolyte technology, which is said to help maintain battery health over time. Combined with 80W fast charging, reverse charging, and bypass charging support, the F33 series aims to reduce both charging time and long-term battery degradation.

#OPPO #F33 #Series #Launch #IP69K #Rating #7000mAh #BatteryOppo">OPPO F33 Series to Launch With IP69K Rating and 7,000mAh Battery

The OPPO F-series has always focused on the durability side of things, with some of the toughest phones I’ve ever tested. With the new F33 series, the Chinese smartphone maker is bringing a new type of durability-focused smartphone to India. Based on details shared ahead of launch, the company is positioning the lineup as a solution to everyday smartphone problems like cracked screens, water damage, and battery anxiety.

Built for Indian Conditions

OPPO F33 Series to Launch With IP69K Rating and 7,000mAh Battery
	
The OPPO F-series has always focused on the durability side of things, with some of the toughest phones I’ve ever tested. With the new F33 series, the Chinese smartphone maker is bringing a new type of durability-focused smartphone to India. Based on details shared ahead of launch, the company is positioning the lineup as a solution to everyday smartphone problems like cracked screens, water damage, and battery anxiety.



Built for Indian Conditions







Durability seems to be the core focus here. The OPPO F33 series is said to come with IP69K certification, which is a step above the usual IP67 or IP68 ratings seen in most mid-range phones. In practical terms, this means the device can handle high-pressure, high-temperature water jets and provide complete dust protection. It’s designed to survive not just accidental splashes, but harsher environments like heavy rain, kitchens, or dusty outdoor conditions.



Beyond certifications, OPPO says the F33 series has undergone military-grade durability testing. This includes extreme temperature tests ranging from freezing cold to high heat, salt exposure for coastal conditions, and even simulations of strong winds and heavy rainfall. The devices are also tested for drops, with thousands of simulated falls and immersion tests to ensure real-world reliability.



Structurally, the phones feature a 360-degree armor body, built using an aerospace-grade aluminium frame, reinforced internals, and thicker protective materials for both the display and back panel. There’s also an internal cushioning system designed to absorb shocks during impact.



Long-Term Battery Health



Battery life is another major highlight of the F33 series. OPPO is introducing a 7,000mAh battery that’s designed to retain up to 80% of its capacity even after five years of usage.



The company is using a self-repairing electrolyte technology, which is said to help maintain battery health over time. Combined with 80W fast charging, reverse charging, and bypass charging support, the F33 series aims to reduce both charging time and long-term battery degradation.

#OPPO #F33 #Series #Launch #IP69K #Rating #7000mAh #BatteryOppo

Durability seems to be the core focus here. The OPPO F33 series is said to come with IP69K certification, which is a step above the usual IP67 or IP68 ratings seen in most mid-range phones. In practical terms, this means the device can handle high-pressure, high-temperature water jets and provide complete dust protection. It’s designed to survive not just accidental splashes, but harsher environments like heavy rain, kitchens, or dusty outdoor conditions.

Beyond certifications, OPPO says the F33 series has undergone military-grade durability testing. This includes extreme temperature tests ranging from freezing cold to high heat, salt exposure for coastal conditions, and even simulations of strong winds and heavy rainfall. The devices are also tested for drops, with thousands of simulated falls and immersion tests to ensure real-world reliability.

Structurally, the phones feature a 360-degree armor body, built using an aerospace-grade aluminium frame, reinforced internals, and thicker protective materials for both the display and back panel. There’s also an internal cushioning system designed to absorb shocks during impact.

Long-Term Battery Health

Battery life is another major highlight of the F33 series. OPPO is introducing a 7,000mAh battery that’s designed to retain up to 80% of its capacity even after five years of usage.

The company is using a self-repairing electrolyte technology, which is said to help maintain battery health over time. Combined with 80W fast charging, reverse charging, and bypass charging support, the F33 series aims to reduce both charging time and long-term battery degradation.

#OPPO #F33 #Series #Launch #IP69K #Rating #7000mAh #BatteryOppo

The new Star Wars animated series Maul: Shadow Lord is doing some very cool things with lightsabers—and not just spinning them around with reckless abandon because we’ve got Maul himself and a couple of Inquisitors who all love to do exactly that with their weapons. They look almost unlike any time we’ve seen the weapons in Lucasfilm’s past output: blades that flicker and snarl like their wielders do, living flames that carve paths of incandescent energy across the screen instead of that typically clean, minimalistic energy we see from them.

It makes Shadow Lord look even more visually impressive than it already is, and of course, the idea of lightsabers as gouts of flaming plasma is also naturally very befitting everyone’s favorite slightly pathetic but trying-his-best edgelord in a character like Maul. But it turns out Shadow Lord‘s lightsabers—Maul’s specifically—are going the extra edgelord mile. Because there’s screaming in the sound mix.

Not just any screaming either, but Sam Witwer’s own howls.

The delightfully silly factoid was revealed by the supervising sound editor for the show, David W. Collins, in a new featurette about the process of creating Shadow Lord, which also shows off Witwer performing some of his own moves for animation reference. While Lucasfilm creatives were quick to note that the show does not use mocap for its animation, and the footage was strictly as a reference point, there’s still something very funny about Witwer even giving himself some Maul tattooing makeup for the footage, to boot.

It’s long been clear that Witwer has put a lot of time and thought into his approach to Maul’s animated legacy over the past decade and a half, but now at least he’s put his vocals into it in a very different manner for Shadow Lord.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Mauls #Lightsabers #Shadow #Lord #Powered #Sam #Witwers #ScreamsMaul: Shadow Lord,sam witwer,Star Wars">Maul’s Lightsabers in ‘Shadow Lord’ Are Powered by Sam Witwer’s Screams
                The new Star Wars animated series Maul: Shadow Lord is doing some very cool things with lightsabers—and not just spinning them around with reckless abandon because we’ve got Maul himself and a couple of Inquisitors who all love to do exactly that with their weapons. They look almost unlike any time we’ve seen the weapons in Lucasfilm’s past output: blades that flicker and snarl like their wielders do, living flames that carve paths of incandescent energy across the screen instead of that typically clean, minimalistic energy we see from them. It makes Shadow Lord look even more visually impressive than it already is, and of course, the idea of lightsabers as gouts of flaming plasma is also naturally very befitting everyone’s favorite slightly pathetic but trying-his-best edgelord in a character like Maul. But it turns out Shadow Lord‘s lightsabers—Maul’s specifically—are going the extra edgelord mile. Because there’s screaming in the sound mix.

 Not just any screaming either, but Sam Witwer’s own howls.  The delightfully silly factoid was revealed by the supervising sound editor for the show, David W. Collins, in a new featurette about the process of creating Shadow Lord, which also shows off Witwer performing some of his own moves for animation reference. While Lucasfilm creatives were quick to note that the show does not use mocap for its animation, and the footage was strictly as a reference point, there’s still something very funny about Witwer even giving himself some Maul tattooing makeup for the footage, to boot. It’s long been clear that Witwer has put a lot of time and thought into his approach to Maul’s animated legacy over the past decade and a half, but now at least he’s put his vocals into it in a very different manner for Shadow Lord.  Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.      #Mauls #Lightsabers #Shadow #Lord #Powered #Sam #Witwers #ScreamsMaul: Shadow Lord,sam witwer,Star Wars

Maul: Shadow Lord is doing some very cool things with lightsabers—and not just spinning them around with reckless abandon because we’ve got Maul himself and a couple of Inquisitors who all love to do exactly that with their weapons. They look almost unlike any time we’ve seen the weapons in Lucasfilm’s past output: blades that flicker and snarl like their wielders do, living flames that carve paths of incandescent energy across the screen instead of that typically clean, minimalistic energy we see from them.

It makes Shadow Lord look even more visually impressive than it already is, and of course, the idea of lightsabers as gouts of flaming plasma is also naturally very befitting everyone’s favorite slightly pathetic but trying-his-best edgelord in a character like Maul. But it turns out Shadow Lord‘s lightsabers—Maul’s specifically—are going the extra edgelord mile. Because there’s screaming in the sound mix.

Not just any screaming either, but Sam Witwer’s own howls.

The delightfully silly factoid was revealed by the supervising sound editor for the show, David W. Collins, in a new featurette about the process of creating Shadow Lord, which also shows off Witwer performing some of his own moves for animation reference. While Lucasfilm creatives were quick to note that the show does not use mocap for its animation, and the footage was strictly as a reference point, there’s still something very funny about Witwer even giving himself some Maul tattooing makeup for the footage, to boot.

It’s long been clear that Witwer has put a lot of time and thought into his approach to Maul’s animated legacy over the past decade and a half, but now at least he’s put his vocals into it in a very different manner for Shadow Lord.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Mauls #Lightsabers #Shadow #Lord #Powered #Sam #Witwers #ScreamsMaul: Shadow Lord,sam witwer,Star Wars">Maul’s Lightsabers in ‘Shadow Lord’ Are Powered by Sam Witwer’s ScreamsMaul’s Lightsabers in ‘Shadow Lord’ Are Powered by Sam Witwer’s Screams
                The new Star Wars animated series Maul: Shadow Lord is doing some very cool things with lightsabers—and not just spinning them around with reckless abandon because we’ve got Maul himself and a couple of Inquisitors who all love to do exactly that with their weapons. They look almost unlike any time we’ve seen the weapons in Lucasfilm’s past output: blades that flicker and snarl like their wielders do, living flames that carve paths of incandescent energy across the screen instead of that typically clean, minimalistic energy we see from them. It makes Shadow Lord look even more visually impressive than it already is, and of course, the idea of lightsabers as gouts of flaming plasma is also naturally very befitting everyone’s favorite slightly pathetic but trying-his-best edgelord in a character like Maul. But it turns out Shadow Lord‘s lightsabers—Maul’s specifically—are going the extra edgelord mile. Because there’s screaming in the sound mix.

 Not just any screaming either, but Sam Witwer’s own howls.  The delightfully silly factoid was revealed by the supervising sound editor for the show, David W. Collins, in a new featurette about the process of creating Shadow Lord, which also shows off Witwer performing some of his own moves for animation reference. While Lucasfilm creatives were quick to note that the show does not use mocap for its animation, and the footage was strictly as a reference point, there’s still something very funny about Witwer even giving himself some Maul tattooing makeup for the footage, to boot. It’s long been clear that Witwer has put a lot of time and thought into his approach to Maul’s animated legacy over the past decade and a half, but now at least he’s put his vocals into it in a very different manner for Shadow Lord.  Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.      #Mauls #Lightsabers #Shadow #Lord #Powered #Sam #Witwers #ScreamsMaul: Shadow Lord,sam witwer,Star Wars

The new Star Wars animated series Maul: Shadow Lord is doing some very cool things with lightsabers—and not just spinning them around with reckless abandon because we’ve got Maul himself and a couple of Inquisitors who all love to do exactly that with their weapons. They look almost unlike any time we’ve seen the weapons in Lucasfilm’s past output: blades that flicker and snarl like their wielders do, living flames that carve paths of incandescent energy across the screen instead of that typically clean, minimalistic energy we see from them.

It makes Shadow Lord look even more visually impressive than it already is, and of course, the idea of lightsabers as gouts of flaming plasma is also naturally very befitting everyone’s favorite slightly pathetic but trying-his-best edgelord in a character like Maul. But it turns out Shadow Lord‘s lightsabers—Maul’s specifically—are going the extra edgelord mile. Because there’s screaming in the sound mix.

Not just any screaming either, but Sam Witwer’s own howls.

The delightfully silly factoid was revealed by the supervising sound editor for the show, David W. Collins, in a new featurette about the process of creating Shadow Lord, which also shows off Witwer performing some of his own moves for animation reference. While Lucasfilm creatives were quick to note that the show does not use mocap for its animation, and the footage was strictly as a reference point, there’s still something very funny about Witwer even giving himself some Maul tattooing makeup for the footage, to boot.

It’s long been clear that Witwer has put a lot of time and thought into his approach to Maul’s animated legacy over the past decade and a half, but now at least he’s put his vocals into it in a very different manner for Shadow Lord.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Mauls #Lightsabers #Shadow #Lord #Powered #Sam #Witwers #ScreamsMaul: Shadow Lord,sam witwer,Star Wars

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