If imitation is the most sincerest form of flattery, then the Harmonix guys behind Rock Band will probably have faces full of red today following Activision’s official reveal of the next Guitar Hero game.

Guitar Hero World Tour is a departure from other games, throwing drums and vocals into the mix. Wireless instruments and an ever larger tracklist or as follows… but Guitar Hero World Tour also boasts a drum set that may have every Rock Band user drooling - it has cymbals… cymbals! (In addition to a bass pedal and and one less pad)

A new guitar has also been revealed,  supposedly a new design and improved response. However, no details on pricing for each peripheral or bundles has been revealed yet.

Other features that you may or may not be familiar with include a Band Career mode - you and three others can play others online in a Battle of the Bands sort of competition. Sounding familiar yet?

The largest feature that will arguably change everything, however, is known as Music Studio. With this, users will have access to all the tools needed to create digital music. Once recorded, you can perform your track in game, or upload and share it with your friends online via the new GHTunes service. Prepare for a new wave of bad cover songs like never seen before.

Guitar Hero World Tour is planned tfor release on PS3, 360, PS2 and Wii later this year, with online possibly remaining exclusive to PS3 and 360.