The video game cheered (and criticized) for glorifying violence has taken an unexpected turn. Grand Theft Auto IV casts the player as Niko Bellic, an immigrant of Eastern Europe lured to the Land of Opportunity by the exaggerated claims of his cousin’s success. Niko expects to find fortune and, just maybe, track down someone who betrayed him long ago.

Now everyone can live like a rockstar (except for the groupies, money and fame). Guitar Hero World Tour is one of the latest interactive games that transforms participants from interested observers to full rock and rollers. You can sing and play drums in addition to performing the traditional guitar and bass parts. You can play one instrument alone, perform as a band with a few friends, or even hop online and rock head-to-head with others.