Metallica Get Animated for 'Guitar Hero'

It was only a matter of time before Metallica got their own edition of 'Guitar Hero.' Just see their 20 million cumulative albums sold and a recent induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for reasons why. The game, formally titled 'Guitar Hero: Metallica,' features (naturally) a bevy of Metallica tracks, as well as personally selected tunes by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Slayer and Foo Fighters.

The game's storyline was inspired by a European band who shadowed Metallica in a beat up van on an entire overseas tour, hoping for a chance to open for their idols. GHM encourages fans to rip through Metallica anthems and then create their own band.

Metallica was involved in every developmental detail, according to Neversoft game designer and old school Metallica fan Alan Flores, who feels this edition's polished cohesion makes it the best version of 'Guitar Hero.' Ever. "We wanted to put so much in and we had to hold back," Flores tells Spinner. "It had to come out this century and couldn't be five discs."

Metallica allowed the design team unprecedented access to their guitar vaults and chose all bells and whistles, such as set lists, venues and simulated pyro. The band stressed the importance of their avatars playing atop a round stage in the center of the crowd, since connecting with fans is a critical element of their live shows.

Translating this request required designers to utilize a 360-degee camera angle that hasn't been used in previous GH incarnations. It's the consummate "Metallifan" experience, crammed with bonuses, like fan club bootlegs. The best extra feature? Ulrich trying to remember how to play 'The Shortest Straw' and laughing his ass off while failing miserably. The game hits shelves this Spring.