Tech Reporter Virginia Hopkins and friends rock out with the latest in interactive musical software games.

While guitar heroes and virtual band mates may not be the most glamorous people I know, the second they get their hands on Guitar Hero's plastic ax, or Rock Band's drum peripherals, they are transformed into potential music gods. Who knew that there is an inner Dave Murray (Iron Maiden) and Peter Criss (KISS) rustling inside us all?

"That song was too *#*@*# hard!" proclaims Amelia Schwab, shaking her head, "I'm the leader, we're doing Say It Ain't So!"

This audacious band leader became consumed with perfection during a recent hang session where players let their hair down, donning the mantle of rock legend while playing their hearts out in an exhausting world tour. The mood was fun and relaxed as everyone assembled and got in line for their favorite tool of musical mayhem. Each rocker has a way with their "instrument", twirling drumsticks, getting tangled in your microphone cord, and re-adjusting guitar straps are part of the game.

What initiated the gaming world into this virtual stage was the original Guitar Hero, which hit the shelves on November 8, 2005. The game was initially popular, and gamers have been rocking out ever since. The fourth installment, Guitar Hero III, adds to this growing phenomenon of music games. With a bigger and better music selection and more challenging songs, Guitar Hero III has kept enthusiasts entertained while adding to their fan base.

"Guitar Hero III is more difficult and has a great selection of songs," says Nathan Hopkins, a Blacksburg High School senior, "The duels are insane! Me and my buddies like to throw down riffs in Co-op mode."

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock is published by Activision and RedOctane, with Neversoft developing for PS2, PS3, XBOX 360, and Wii, and Aspyr Media developing for PC's, and Macs. Since Activision bought out RedOctane, Harmonix Music Systems is no longer involved in the Guitar Hero series. So what did they do? They teamed up with MTV and developed Rock Band!

So here we are with two great games that people get passionate about. "It's awesome! Everyone gets to play together!," says Jason Berrie, BoogieBurg DJ and master Rock Band drummer, "It is what it is; it's a great social game!"

Recycling many elements from the Guitar Hero series, Rock Band players use peripherals modeled after musical instruments to simulate actual rock n' roll. Players have to play the instruments in time with the notes as they scroll down the screen. The concept seems easy enough, but it gets tough! Rock Band went a few steps further and added drums and vocals to the lead and bass guitars. This game features a "Solo Tour Mode" for all the instruments except bass guitar and a "Band World Tour" for 2-4 players. In the PS3 and XBOX 360 version, you can customize your rocker. You get to pick physique, hair, clothing, stage style, tattoos and instruments. My drummer, Lily, has a medium build, bright red hair pulled into a side ponytail with swoopy bangs, she typically wears deconstructed shirts and "clam diggers", with her metal stage style and tons of tattoos.

There is also an art maker where you can use clip art to create custom tattoos, face paint, clothes, and band logos, which improves upon Guitar Hero, where you simply pick your rocker and their outfit.

Regardless of which side of the fence you sit on, there is a spot for everyone on the virtual rock n' roll stage; shredders tend to like Guitar Hero for it's more technical game play and weekend warriors lean towards Rock Band for the interaction and unlimited fun. But it's time to wrap this up, Green Grass and High Tides is kicking my butt and Lily's tired of getting booed off stage!