When seriously dedicated Guitar Hero and Rock Band gamers had just about given up ALL hope on the invention of a compatibility patch that would allow for interoperability for both music games, Peak saves the day with a masterpiece. The Starpex Obsidian is hands-down the most aesthetically realistic guitar controller to date, with optimal features that blow the dinky guitar controllers that accompany GH and RB out of the water.
While Activision and Harmonix/MTV, publishers for GH and RB respectively, refused to agree on the release of a Sony-created software patch that supported third-party peripherals back in December, the folks over at Peak heard the cry from musical gaming worshipers who simply wished to experience the full songlists and gameplay on both. Peak then goes a step further by creating the first full-size controller with the look, feel and weight of an actual guitar.
 
The Starpex makes the standard, flimsy-feeling guitar that accompanies Guitar Hero appear almost ridiculous. The Rock Band guitar controller makes for a decent substitute should any band possess only one Starpex, but upon switching back and forth between the two there simply was no comparison. Peak's premium quality instrument made me feel like a true authentic rocker due to its size and feel; the accompanying features were the icing on the cake. A more flexible whammy bar, a sensitively tactile strum bar and a 10-fret button design (as opposed to the standard five) maximizes comfort while also allowing for higher scoring potential, creating a more pleasurable and challenging experience for both beginning and hardcore gaming enthusiasts.
The Starpex's only downfall is its weight. Upon initially strapping on the guitar and playing two songs, both my wrists were a bit tender. I easily remedied this problem by substituting a thicker, more durable guitar strap for the standard one that accompanied it. After half an hour of trying out the various controllers, there was simply no way I was going to go back to the cheap-feeling instruments that accompany either game -- I was hooked.
Indeed, once our makeshift "band" had agreed to stick to Rock Band so as to avoid interrupting "sets," it was officially ON for five hours of truly orgasmic play, where we all channeled our inner rock stars. The Peak team delivers an extremely well-crafted instrument that should soon have serious musical gamers tossing aside the tiny guitars that accompany both games. 
If you don't feel like you're ready to purchase and learn to play an actual Les Paul or Gibson, the Starpex is the way to go. After playing Guitar Hero 2 and 3 obsessively for several months, I made the foolish mistake of purchasing a flaming red Gibson Junior, thinking I was ready to transfer my musical gaming skills from guitar controller to actual guitar. Like a beautiful work of art, the Gibson now sits perched on my wall. But thanks to Peak's Starpex Obsidian, I still officially feel like a true rock star.
--Miss November 2008 Grace Kim