Video killed the radio star.

• Position: VIDEO GAMES

Imagine plugging a real guitar into your gaming console and being able to play a sizable library of songs from the latest hit list to classic rock. With Ubisoft's Rocksmith, you actually can learn to master the instrument, as the game uses difficulty settings that adapt to your ability. Continually tracking your skill level, you will automatically progress from single notes to complex chords at your own pace, with a wide variety of mini-games that will challenge you to hone in on specific skills, from scales to finger dexterity. Starting off with gigs at smaller venues, you must prove you've got the talent to jam in the big arenas. Your television or home theater system becomes your amplifier. If you've never played before, Rocksmith will adjust the game to challenge you continually without being overwhelming. If you're experienced, it will sense that, too, feeding you the amount of notes you are able to play. You'll be playing 100% of the real guitar parts from the songs in the game. Rocksmith includes a unique quarter-inch to USB cable that allows users to plug any real guitar with a quarter-inch jack directly into their Xbox 360 or PS3, turning the guitar's signal from analog to digital, allowing it to be recognized and played through video game consoles. Songs include "The House of the Rising Sun," "Sunshine of Your Love," "Sweet Home Alabama," and "Rebel Rebel." Rocksmith includes the game, and a 1/4-inch to USB cable that plugs any guitar into your console. The Rocksmith Bundle includes the game, cable, and an Epiphone Les Paul Junior guitar. For Xbex 360 and PS3. Rated T.

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As the latest title in Ubisoft's phenomenally popular dance game, Just Dance 3 brings players to their feet with a variety of gameplay including Dance Crew mode, which shows four concurrent dance routines, so each player can use the unique choreography for each member of the band; and upgraded Just Sweat mode has more workout plans to help players have fun as they stay fit; and Party Mode moans not having to navigate through menus to get nonstop music. Plus, backgrounds change as progressive moves are performed. With more than 40 all-new tracks, there's something for everyone, including: a-ha's "Take On Me"; Bananarama's "Venus"; Katy Perry featuring Snoop Dogg's "California Gurls"; LMFAO featuring Lauren Bennett and GoonRock's "Party Rock Anthem"; Queen's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love"; The Buggles; "Video Killed The Radio Star"; and much...