Official Website

Platform: PlayStation 3

Genre: Music

Number of Players: 1 - 8

Supported HD: 720p, 1080i, 1080p

Ethernet Broadband Required, USB Microphones Required, PlayStation Eye Compatible, PlayStation Network Compatible

Japan gave the world karaoke, among other things, and the rest of the world ran with it for better or worse. Hearing a group of drunken fools in a seedy bar wasn’t bad enough apparently, and a few years ago network television was cursed with a popularity contest where whomever could perform the best karaoke was awarded with a record deal and unnecessary fame, and I think we all know what show that is. Karaoke however has made its way home, first as rather pricey unit, then as video games, and Konami has been fairly consistent about tossing another Karaoke Revolution into stores at least once a year, though they’ve also stuck the American Idol name to it. There are however alternatives to Karaoke Revolution, and if that’s the game to beat, I think that there is a new champion.

SingStar originally debuted on the PlayStation 2 and was one of those titles where there really was no tears shed when we didn’t get a review copy. Sony however has been bringing over its popular franchises little by little to the PlayStation 3, and SingStar now gives vocal hopefuls and even some of those professionals out there a chance to enjoy the game all over again. If you’re questioning if the world needs another karaoke game, you might want to redirect that to the world of the first person shooter instead as SingStar does what Karaoke Revolution should have done from the very beginning.

Instead of selecting a character in the virtual world, you have two options that are available with any of the songs you choose. You can perform the track with the music video, and this isn’t some digital attempt to hit you with flashing colors but the actual video. Sony has licensed actual songs meaning no pathetic cover versions. These are the true songs by the real artists and the music videos are also the real deal. Your other option is that you can use the USB camera and have yourself on television and for some, you can see how foolish you look, or humorous depending on your performance. This also gives hopeful vocalist the chance to ham it up as the game will allow you to record your performance and if you’re a bit camera shy, you can just record the audio.

SingStar is a game based on points, so the better you do and the more accurate your singing is, the more points you’ll score. On the bottom portion of the screen you’ll see the musical phrase to follow just like with karaoke and above, you’ll see the note range. It’s extremely easy to tell if you’re too high or too low, and the game itself is very accurate in regards to this. You’ll also be graded based on the notes you hit so you’ll know if maybe you have the right stuff to be a great vocalist or if you should just stick to singing in the shower where no one can hear you.

There are a number of different game options for players and for those who are a little unsure of themselves, there is even a practice mode where scoring isn’t applied. The solo option is just for a single player obviously, but if you’re feeling like challenging a friend, you can do so in the battle mode unless you’re feeling in a more generous mood and then the duet might be the perfect thing for you. There is a pass the mic mode where a group of players can take turns in a team based setting for up to eight players. While there aren’t a great deal of game play styles, I’m sure that downloadable content will make way for new options as the popularity of the game grows, and it’s already well received by just about everyone. You can also take any of the songs you've recorded and share them with other players across the world if you're really looking to become a star.

The biggest problem with Karaoke Revolution was that the microphone was horrible, but SingStar includes two mics that are the standard variety, not headset with horrible reception. This also includes a USB adaptor to plug them into, and knowing what mic does to which player is very easy; blue is player or team one, red goes to player/team two. You can fine tune the settings as well if they aren’t quite to your liking just like with other karaoke games.

Musically, the game covers quite a few genres and includes things from classic songs to newer hits. When you first play SingStar, you’ll find sings like Beck “Loser,” “Today” by The Smashing Pumpkins, Jane’s Addiction’s classic “Been Caught Stealing” among other tracks, but SingStar offers a little more. Online isn’t just the place to play the game with others, make friends, or upload media, but the SingStar Store will offer you more songs to download. The store is easy to navigate and is divided up in sections that will allow you to see the newest tracks that have been listen or you can view them according to genre, musical style, even duets. Downloads link into your PlayStation Network account, so you will always know how your funding looks and be able to add more money if necessary. Online you can also fill in your data so other players will know where you’re from, your best score, and you can even add a photo. There are other details to fill in as well such as a comment, favorite song and favorite artist.

There are a few minor issues I have with the game however, but it’s not anything to do with how it plays. Online for instance, filling in comments and such, there is limited spacing that can be used. I have more than one favorite band, but I can’t possibly fit them all into the space provided, and if my favorite song happens to currently be Nile’s “Papyrus Containing The Spell To Preserve Its Possessor Against Attacks From He Who Is In The Water,” that’s definitely not going to fit. Also, being more into extreme music, there’s just not enough intense tracks for someone like me. If everything is to be based on bands having music videos, metal acts like Behemoth, Nile, The Berzerker, Dimmu Borgir, and Cannibal Corpse all have music videos and I can’t be the only one who would love to see more extreme metal artists added into the mix. Even a little Iron Maiden or Motorhead would be ideal.

One other thing to note about SingStar is that it’s really not a game that is based around graphics or visuals. Since you either have a music video playing or you’re watching yourself on TV, graphics aren’t a highest priority, but it all works together perfectly. I think that this approach really is better than having rendered characters or background with too many splashes of color that add more of a distraction to the game than an asset. The back to basics approach is also what has become the appeal of the game, as well as a few other key elements.

So, maybe the game doesn’t have the music that I generally listen to, maybe I’m ashamed to admit that from the songs I sang through that were a part of the game and the ones I downloaded that the song I scored the highest on was Europe’s “The Final Countdown,” and maybe it’s a game that will probably be used more in a party setting than anything else, but those aren’t reasons to mark the game down. Having played many of the incarnations of Karaoke Revolution, SingStar is more true to karaoke than any other game that has come along. I quickly understood why the game had gained such a huge following and if you’re one who loves singing, or trying to, or if you’re just looking for fun with friends, family, and meeting others who share the same passion for music and singing that you do, SingStar is the solution that you’ve been looking for.

Now if Sony could just find a way to make a game that used a real guitar instead of those fake ones that are found with other titles, the world would be an even better place to game in.

-mike-