"Guitar Hero 5 could be the last revolutionary title in the genre..."

Games are becoming more and more immersive, right? Whether it's with hyper-realistic graphics, a stunning context-sensitive soundtrack or incredibly intuitive AI...developers are always striving to immerse us more fully in their masterpieces. The most recent offerings from the Music Genre (Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero) are 2 of the most immersive games ever! They immerse you in a way that no other game can, utilising every part of your body...

I recently purchased Guitar Hero 5, along with a second bass pedal (for some sweet double-bass pedal action) and, when using both pedals, you don't have any limbs free. Your body is completely immersed in the game experience, and you enjoy every minute of it!  Then it occurred to me...where on earth can music games go from here? They're running out of limbs! Let's face it, there's only so far they can push your arms and legs. So here are the options that I can see:

1. The genre will stagnate. There will be no update to the way you play the game, and we will just see track pack after track pack after track pack. We've already seen a heinous amount of expansion packs for this game (so called 'full' games, like Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, Guitar Hero: Van Halen etc), so what's to stop them doing it again in the future? It'd eventually turn into a 'Hardcore'-only genre, where only the most music-obsessed will even stop and look!

2. They will switch focus. Instead of upgrading the equipment you use, they'll instead concentrate on new, intuitive game modes. Perhaps a Guitar Hero Marketplace-type thing, where you can create music in the game, upload it to Guitar Hero servers where other's can buy it, then maybe make some money? Perhaps a more in-depth character creation tool? Possibly even virtual 'tours' of some of the best players? If you're decent, you could 'tour', and other players could see you play or something. I don't know...and to be honest, it's not my job to know! So long as Activision and Neversoft work something out to stop Option 1 coming into play...

3. They are working on some strange growth accelerant, designed to create extra limbs (up to four!!!). They could then make a drumkit with 8 pads and 4 bass pedals, and it could go on exponentially from there!

Personally, I'm crossing my fingers for Option 3, but if not? Well, 2 is looking like the best bet. Unfortunately though, the way things are going expansion wise, Option 1 is looking like a harsh reality.

What do you think will happen with this genre in the near future? Which option would you want? Do you think Neversoft need to bring something new to the table, or are you completely happy with how things are? Let me know below, your opinions are welcome.

Don't get me wrong, Guitar Hero 5 is an awesome game, and I'm loving every second of it! I just worry it'll be the last revolutionary game in, not just the series, but the entire genre...