Finally, back to blogging: 'Rock Band' guitars, 'Mario Kart Wii' and 'GTA IV'

Due to the lack of business trips and 16-hour work days, I'm finally back to blogging (ahem, Marc, Victor and Melcolm).

I got a nearly full weekend of gaming too!

ROCK BAND:
Let's start with the wireless guitars for the Xbox 360 version of 'Rock Band.' Why have these taken so long to get released?? Who cares now... they're out and they're pretty cool. As a matter of fact, I was able to get higher scores on old songs with the new wire-free Stratocaster.

Are these new Strats actually better than the wired guitars? So far, I'm saying they are a TINY bit better. A TINY bit better than the first working guitar I received from EA after returning three broken wired ones. Any less wires in my living room are aesthetically appreciated and are preventing inevitable injuries.

OH, and while I'm on 'Rock Band,' did any one notice that Judas Priest's entire "Screaming for Vengeance" album is available for download. Yea.. full albums... for 1200 points! Yikes!

MARIO KART WII:
Following 'Smash Brothers,' the second biggest Wii release of 2008 made its way to stores this weekend (by the way, I LOVE LOVE LOVE weekend releases). 'Mario Kart Wii' had yet another midnight release at stores around the U.S.. Well, that is if your GameStop had over 100 pre-orders. Mine didn't and I had to find another one across the street.

After picking up my copy (and an extra plastic wheel) I went straight to the online multiplayer mode and Melcolm and I played several different games in different modes. This new Kart is a total blast. It reminded me of the arcade version of 'Mario Kart,' but without the cool camera feature.

Online multiplayer is fast and giddy fun, but the menus, find-a-friend system and room creator is ridiculously difficult to figure out. Nintendo seems so paranoid about misuse of their online gameplay that they've made the connectivity overtly frustrating.

GRAND THEFT AUTO IV:
Ignore every doubt I posted about this game.

Earlier this evening watched G4TV's live gameplay footage of 'GTA IV.' From the raw video I saw, my jaw hit the floor. I can't wait to buy this game Monday night. I can't wait to play. Good Lord! I'm convinced, it's gonna be good!

Oh, and IGN gave it a perfect 10 out of 10. When have they ever done that?

Less than 24 hours to go.