Tech-Gaming Technology, Gaming, and Culture
While some might argue that SCEA’s new PS3 title, Singstar
isn’t true karaoke (as the singer’s voice isn’t removed nor reduced in volume),
few would argue that the package isn’t overwhelmingly fun. For the past four
years, Sony has been cultivating the PS2 franchise in both Europe and America.
While the PS3 version isn’t radically different from the core gameplay found in
previous versions, there are enough additions to make this a worthy purchase
for party-minded PS3 owners.
The execution of the game is simple- players are given a
visual representation of their singing pitch, which they must match to the
vocal melody of a song. Players score points for remaining ‘on pitch’ through
short phrases. Unlike actual karaoke, Singstar is much easier to play due to
the game’s constant visual feedback. Variations on the main game include duels,
melodies, and battles.
Like previous Singstars, the title offers a roster of thirty
song choices. Sony’s goal was variety as artists range from Coldplay, The Pussycat
Dolls, Ne-Yo, to Wolfmother. Players waiting for their turn at the microphone
can watch the original artists music video on the upper portion of the screen.
Unlike previous versions of the franchise which sent players back to the retail store
when their song choices became exhausted, this Singstar offers downloadable
content. Dubbed the Singstore, players can shop for songs for $1.49, without
jumping out of the game. Purchased content loads in the background, while
players keep singing, which is a very nice touch.
One of Sony’s other additions is the ability to share vocal recordings,
pictures, and short video clips (although players need Sony’s EyeToy peripheral
for pictures and video). Players can send content to friends, and view popular
user-submitted works. Currently, the level of user content is quite creative-
we witnessed dancing stormtroopers to hand puppets singing the Ramones.
Singstar’s faults are few; we think the box art is hideous-
the skinny indie-boy with the oversized head and kitschy sunglasses is more
calculated than cool. Some of the music videos haven’t been remastered in high definition.
But these are small weaknesses on an otherwise outstanding package.
Final Grade: A-
Played the game on the PS2 and liked it, although not enough to purchase a PS3…
C’mon Tech-gaming- $60 for the game plus $70 for the eye toy=$110 dollars. Thats way too much. I thought you cared about us gamers.
I’ll stick with RB. Karoake isn’t my thing.
Good review. What else is on the song list?
I love the Singstar Games! But this has been out in the UK for months. Is this popular across the pond, too? I don’t see many Americans playing.
Who plays karaoke games on their consoles? Lame!
Wish it had more hip-hop.
I played Karoake Revloution for PS2, It was unsurprisingly a lot of fun. No gmers really liked it, BC there were no buttons to press.
Nerk, Chicks do.
You like chicks, right?
Solid review.
Ryan, I bought the games, as I already had the mics and the eye toy (which I bought for Eye of Judgment) total cost=$40.
One of the better review I have read.
Man, those English have bad teeth 😉
What no country? Don’t you all know, there’s only two types of music COUNTY and WESTERN!
That’s Thom, you ditz! He’s beautiful.
Where’s the hip-hop and rap?
You had me up until the mention of the Pussycat dolls. I can’t stand them!
I don’t like Sony’s idea of putting every in, then letting you pay for what you want. The old system of genre disks was much better.
That way you can just get what you want, Bmovie. It’s actually better for me this way, as the disks had a lot of songs I didn’t care for.
Great fun, picked it up after reading the review. My mates are loving this game.
I will look into this.
Sounds boring. No killing, blood or nekkid women
Competely agree with the the cover art comment. UGLY.
“we witnessed dancing stormtroopers to hand puppets singing the Ramones”
This made me want the game.
Too many repeat songs from the PS2 games.