Although Nintendo’s very own Wii Music is still being feverishly worked on behind closed doors, it’s clear that third parties are seeing the console’s potential when it comes to rhythm and musical titles. After the announcement of Major Minor’s Majestic March last week comes Band Mashups from THQ, a title that allows players to battle it out against others with their preferred musical style.

[Screenshots courtesy of IGN]

Featuring 150 tracks and taking five distinct styles of music (rock, funk/hip-hop, country, marching band and Latin), Band Mashups sees players performing their hearts out to overthrow big boss, Mr. Hong and recapture the city of New Cadenza.

THQ explains that “music switching” is one of the game’s most innovative features, meaning that whichever player is winning any given battle has control over the type of music both players hear. We’re not sure about innovative, but could really see how it would cause competitive friction in multiplayer.

“Band Mashups takes an innovative approach to the rhythm/action genre by blending music and combat in the ultimate battle of the bands,” said Randy Shoemaker, global brand director, THQ. “Using a rhythm based game-play mechanic, the game delivers 70 over-the-top musical weapons and utilizes the Wii Remote’s functionality to deliver a completely original musical combat experience. Fighting with a sniper violin or flamethrower guitar is something gamers should definitely look forward to.”

With Band Mashups promising to make full use of the Wii Remote’s motion sensitive controls, are you looking forward to its April release?