ENTERTAINMENT: Guitar Hero 3 for WII

WHAT: Guitar Hero III is a video game where you are a rock star. Starting from a near nobody, you work your way up the rock star ranks by playing along with real songs - as musical notes scroll along, you push a corresponding button and strum, earning your way to rock and roll fame and fortune.

WHY: The reason I like this game is that it actually forces you to listen to music at a somewhat in-depth level. The songs are, overall, hits that you'll know, but you'll start hearing them differently: instead of simply clapping along, you're part of the band. If you mess up, you'll hear it - the song will sound like crap.

To progress in the game, you've got to be able to play a song fairly well. Don't worry - it's kind of like Simon Says meets Karaoke, except that instead of memorizing the colors, they show on the screen; and instead of singing, you have to let your fingers find the buttons.

Don't worry if you don't know how to play the guitar -- this isn't that. It's still a game, it's engaging with a simple premise -- and it's pretty fun. Perfect family fun - if your family is early teens and older.

http://www.guitarherogame.com/gh3/

/sms