Last year, a new incarnation of RedOctane Games was founded by veteran developers behind Guitar Hero and DJ Hero. RedOctane Games also disclosed that it’s working on a new rhythm game, and that title has now been revealed as Stage Tour. The first teaser trailer for Stage Tour should bring back some fond memories for players who grew up during the Guitar Hero generation.
RedOctane has shared some additional info and noted that Stage Tour will be a digital-only release on consoles and PC. Unfortunately, an actual physical release of the game itself may not be in the cards. There will be a branded microphone, drum controllers, and a new guitar controller modeled after Gibson’s Kramer. The Guitar Hero influence is clearly felt in the throwback visuals of the trailer, but players will be able to use standard game controllers or keyboards to play if they don’t want to buy any of the special controllers. Players can either select their preferred instrument or step up and sing along with the backing track.
Unlike Guitar Hero, Stage Tour is being planned as a platform, rather than a series of sequels and standalone games. “Stage Tour is not built to be replaced,” writes RedOctane. “It is built to evolve. The plan is regular special events that are more than just music drops. Real moments. Real themes. Real updates. We want to evolve the game alongside the fans who support it. Improve it. Expand it. Keep it alive.”
There may be some challenges ahead since Clone Hero and Fortnite Festival have kept the Guitar Hero-style gameplay alive during the last few years. It’s too soon to say if players who enjoy those games will feel the need to buy another similar title.
According to RedOctane, Stage Tour’s setlist is almost complete and it will be shared in snippets ahead of a closed alpha test. Sign-ups for the alpha test will begin soon, and Stage Tour is expected to be released this fall.