Metallica, Pearl Jam get their games on

Metallica has finally confirmed "the worst-kept secret in rock'n'roll" and unveiled details of the upcoming "Guitar Hero" game devoted to the band.

According to Metallica's Web site (http://www.metallica.com), the game "allows you to play as us in either single instrument or band career game modes" and will likely be released in the first half of next year.

Adding to the atmosphere will be famous setting associated with the band's career, including Moscow's Tushino Airfield, the site of the 1991 Monsters of Rock concert, and "new venues with in-the-round staging."

There will be 28 Metallica songs in all, although the full list has not yet been announced. Songs from Alice In Chains, Foo Fighters, Slayer, Machine Head and Queen can also be played.

In a feature sure to thrill devotees of drummer Lars Ulrich, "Guitar Hero: Metallica" will boast an "expert" difficulty level that employs two bass drum kick pedals. The Metallica edition follows an Aerosmith-dedicated "Guitar Hero," which was released in June.

Meanwhile, Pearl Jam will jump into "Rock Band" in a big way on March 24, the same date its 1991 debut album, "Ten," will be reissued in expanded form. The entire album will be available for download through "Rock Band"; the "Ten" track "Alive was previously released on the "Rock Band 2" game disc.