As you are probably aware, Activision released Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock in monophonic sound (aka without stereo). A huge oversight in a musical game that's core naturally revolves around music and sound. Major bummer for Guitar Hero fans everywhere. So what's the deal? After a few days in the Activision den they have announced exactly how they are going to handle the problem.

Now posted up at Activision Game Exchange is following message...

Welcome to the Guitar Hero® III: Legends of Rock Wii Replacement Disc Pre-Registration Website. As you know, some consumers have not been able to enjoy the full audio output of Dolby Pro Logic II on the Wii version of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. Activision is working with Nintendo to improve the audio experience and will be re-mastering the game. We will be offering Wii consumers who have Dolby capabilities free replacement discs in early 2008 once the discs become available. To pre-register for your free replacement disc, please fill out the following information. We will email you once the free replacement discs are available.

Once the replacement discs are available, the replacement program will begin. We will send you a disc replacement package which will consist of exchange instructions, a replacement disc claim form, and a postage paid envelope for you to return your current copy of the Wii version of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. Once you receive your package, please complete the claim form and return your original game as directed. Once we receive your game, we will mail you the free replacement disc.

Soon enough all you guitar heroes will be rocking out to Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock in stereo, and while the process sounds like it will be rather painless, albet a small annoyance. We do wonder however, where all the mono copies of Guitar Hero 3 will wind up?

Update: A clip from an automated email update from Activision.

“We wanted to provide you with an update regarding the status of the Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock Wii replacement discs. The game has been approved by Nintendo and is currently in manufacturing. We expect to have the replacement discs available in February. Once we have the discs, we will contact you and then pro actively send you a prepaid return envelop with a game exchange claim form. You should return the completed form with your current copy of the game. Once we receive a completed claim form and game, we will send you the replacement disc. We thank you for your patience and support.”

Update #2: Activision has just announced that replacement Guitar Hero III game discs will be shipping in Febuary. It sounds like we will be hearing out of both ears while playing at that time. ;)