For the last few days an early build of Guitar Hero III for PS2 has been making the newsgroup rounds - and while it's buggy - word is - the game still rocks.  No, not something we'd recommend you run out and try to dig up or download.  And no, we certainly don't condone that sort of behaviour.  There's a perfectly reliable, and FREE, demo on Xbox LIVE as we "speak" so go grab that. 

But, what we do know from this leak is what gamers - not press - are thinking of the game in it's rough form.  And as I mentioned - despite it's bugs - most of the feedback is centered on the actual gameplay and seems to be quite respectable.

Unlock Complaints
The first issue irking most is the need to play through the entire game on Easy and Medium in order to "unlock" all the songs for Party Mode.  This has been part of the deal since GH1 but we have to agree - if you want to crack the box and start partying - you're in for a surprise.  Do what we've always done - play through the game the night before the big event.  I know, pain in the ass but them's the breaks.

Finger Bleeding Difficulty
Check out this video from ScoreHero - Just try and play this DragonForce tune on Expert without bleeding all over your axe! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZutgOyA9EY

An Actual STORY Mode
This time out the game actually features an attempt at an actual story within the storymode centering around an "agent" of sorts who well, "guides" you, more like informs you of sponsor offers and how it will change your career.  A welcome bonus

Battle Mode
A mode we didn't find too exciting- replaces Star Power with Attacks you can drop on your opponent's fretboard ala Tetris VS mode on crack.  Public opinion seems to be - this is teh awesome.  Um..ok?

Song Selection
Overall the reaction - even to the legitimate PR releases and gameplay events - has been the songlist on GH3 is absolutely fabulous!  We couldn't agree more!  The Metal!  !ooo!_  Though word has it, the Boss Battles are freakin' difficult - Tom Morello apparently spanks your ass even on medium. :O

That's all we've heard on the wire so far.  But you can read our PREVIEW and the game releases on Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!  Get your fingers ready!