One of the biggest (and certainly most recent) gaming fads was brought on by Guitar Hero and Rock Band, two music games that persuaded everyday consumers to pick up a plastic guitar and rock out.

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Electronic Arts' Guitar Hero spinoff (created by Harmonix, the original makers of Guitar Hero), Rock Band is a great big, expensive music videogame that will take up serious room in your house.

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Communications manager John Drake had a lot to say on the official Rock Band forum about the demise of Guitar Hero, and future of his own franchise.

FORBES: With Guitar Hero Dead, Rock Band Marches on

This is a guitar hero any rock fan or jam band aficionado could adore.

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"Rock Band" and its rival, "Guitar Hero, " are two of the most successful videogame franchises to debut in recent years.

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The hero-king can rally them, but ultimately the victory has to be won by the hero protagonist, with the help and sacrifice of his mismatched band of allies, representing the best of the various free peoples.

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Guitar Hero may be seen as losing a long fought battle with rival music game series Rock Band, but developer Harmonix is sympathizing with the recent shutdown.

FORBES: With Guitar Hero Dead, Rock Band Marches on