Summary

Release Year: 2010
Genres: Music
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Developers: Seven45 Studios
Publishers: Seven45 Studios

Power Gig: Rise of the SixString (2010): The Rhythm Guitar Revolution

Introduction

Power Gig: Rise of the SixString is a rhythm guitar game developed by Seven45 Studios and published by Activision. Released in 2010, the game introduced a unique guitar controller that acted as both a standalone six-stringed guitar and game controller with note-matching games. This innovation attracted musicians such as Eric Clapton, Dave Matthews, and Kid Rock who had previously shied away from music games due to their simplicity. The game also shipped with the AirStrike, a drum controller that worked on motion sensing.

Gameplay

Power Gig: Rise of the SixString features a variety of gameplay modes, including:

Career Mode: Players create their own rock star and progress through a series of venues, unlocking new songs and gear.
Quickplay Mode: Players can jump into any of the game’s songs without having to progress through Career Mode.
Multiplayer Mode: Players can compete against each other in head-to-head matches or cooperatively in band mode.

The game’s note-matching gameplay is similar to other rhythm guitar games such as Guitar Hero and Rock Band. Players use the guitar controller to strum the strings and press the fret buttons in time with the on-screen notes. However, Power Gig: Rise of the SixString also features some unique gameplay mechanics, such as:

String Bending: Players can bend the strings on the guitar controller to raise or lower the pitch of the notes they play. This adds an extra layer of realism and expression to the gameplay.
Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs: Players can perform hammer-ons and pull-offs by quickly tapping or pulling the strings without strumming. This allows for faster and more complex solos.
Whammy Bar: The guitar controller features a whammy bar that players can use to add vibrato to their notes.

Guitar Controller

The Power Gig guitar controller is a unique and innovative piece of hardware. It is a fully functional six-stringed guitar that can be used to play real guitar music. However, it also features a number of buttons and sensors that allow it to be used as a game controller.

The guitar controller has a traditional body shape and neck, with six strings and 22 frets. The strings are made of a durable plastic material that is designed to feel and sound like real guitar strings. The fret buttons are located on the neck of the guitar, and they are used to trigger notes in the game.

In addition to the traditional guitar controls, the Power Gig guitar controller also features a number of buttons and sensors that are used for gameplay purposes. These include:

Strum Bar: The strum bar is located on the body of the guitar, and it is used to strum the strings.
Whammy Bar: The whammy bar is located on the body of the guitar, and it is used to add vibrato to notes.
Select Button: The select button is located on the body of the guitar, and it is used to select menu options.
Start Button: The start button is located on the body of the guitar, and it is used to start the game.

AirStrike Drum Controller

The AirStrike drum controller is a unique and innovative drum controller that uses motion sensing to track the player’s movements. The controller consists of a drum pad and two drumsticks. The drum pad is placed on the floor, and the player uses the drumsticks to hit the pad and trigger the drums in the game.

The AirStrike drum controller is very sensitive, and it can track even the most subtle movements. This allows for a very realistic and expressive drumming experience. The controller also features a number of different drum sounds, so players can customize their sound to match their playing style.

Reception

Power Gig: Rise of the SixString received generally positive reviews from critics. The game’s innovative guitar controller and motion-sensing drum controller were praised for their realism and expressiveness. However, some critics found the game’s career mode to be repetitive and uninspired.

Despite the mixed reviews, Power Gig: Rise of the SixString was a commercial success. The game sold over one million copies worldwide, and it was nominated for several awards, including Game of the Year at the 2010 Spike Video Game Awards.

Legacy

Power Gig: Rise of the SixString is a significant game in the history of rhythm guitar games. Its innovative guitar controller and motion-sensing drum controller set a new standard for realism and expressiveness in the genre. The game also helped to attract new players to the genre, including musicians who had previously been turned off by the simplicity of button-mashing music games.

Power Gig: Rise of the SixString is still played by many fans today, and it is considered to be one of the best rhythm guitar games ever made. The game’s legacy continues to inspire new innovations in the genre, and it is likely that we will see more games that embrace the use of real instruments in the future.