Fresh take on Guitar Hero-type games

A new musical video game lets players strum a real six-string electric guitar instead of tapping buttons on a fake instrument.

"Power Gig: Rise of the SixString" is a game first and foremost. But its maker, Seven45 Studios, says players will be able to plug the guitar that comes with it into a standard amp and play real music.

Games such a "Guitar Hero" and "Rock Band" soared to popularity over the past several years. But lately they've been faltering, in part because customers have been reluctant to shell out big bucks for the fake musical instruments needed to play the games. Seven45 hopes "Power Gig" will lure gamers ready for a new challenge.

The company hasn't announced a price. It will be available in the fall.

- AP