Silicon Fusion >> Reviews >> SingStar

	All Platforms
	Xbox
	GameCube
	PlayStation 2
	PC
	Game Boy Advance

Site Sections:

	Updates
	News
	Games
	Publishers
	Developers
	Reviews
	Previews
	Release Dates
	Editorials
	Glossary
	Contact Us

Review:

2nd June 2004:
SingStar
Sony invites players to step into the spotlight and exercise their vocal chords, in this new innovative title for the PlayStation 2.
Posted by John Grothier - PlayStation 2 - UK and Europe

Back in the late eighties and early nineties karaoke became very popular. In pubs and bars all over the land drunken singing could be heard, as people who really ought to know better sang their hearts out. Now a decade later, Sony have a new add-on for the PlayStation 2, SingStar - where once again the urge to croon after a few pints can be satisfied, but this time in the comfort of your own living room.

SingStar comes with two USB microphones that is based on a system that can evaluate your voice based on pitch and timing. As the player sings into a microphone, their voice is analysed based on whether they match the original song in tune and timing. SingStar has three gameplay modes to offer the would-be pop star - Sing, in which you can pick-up the mic and sing to any song. Party Mode features multiplayer and party games based on rounds with various singing challenges like duets, solos and singing battles. For all you Pop Idol rejects out there SingStar also has a Star Maker Mode, where a single player can work on a career that will see the player go from amateur to a superstar.

As you would expect from a title like this, it all depends on the music included with the game, and Sony have incorporated thirty great pop tracks complete with the original music videos to accompany each song. Songs included are diverse - from 'Just a Little' by Liberty X to 'Downtown' by Petula Clark. Artists like Madonna, Pink, A-Ha, Westlife, even Elvis makes an appearance, so no matter your age there is always something to sing. Gameplay is simple, and well implemented - you have to option of singing to the whole track or just part of it, and just like karaoke, the words appear at the bottom of the screen and underneath a bar that helps to show how long a note should be held for. Sing well and you will score major points and your PlayStation 2 will let you know just how good or bad you were at the end of the song. Not quite Simon Cowell but close enough for our liking.

As well as the two microphones included with the game, you can also connect the EyeToy to your PS2 - so instead of watching the music video as you sing, you can watch yourself, with a few special effects thrown in for good measure. You can also playback and save your singing efforts to the memory card, which can hold up to ten of your songs. The Party Mode is really good fun if there are a few of you, we found that drinking heavily can help. Games include Keep it up, Battle, Duet, Pass the Mic, Risk and Best of Three - where players select three songs and points for each are awarded and totalled after the three songs have been sung. The Star Maker mode lets players start out on their popstar dream in Harmony City. This mode even has music awards, number one hits and even an awesome penthouse pad - if you're voice is up to the challenge.

The graphics in SingStar are functional and very well designed. The menus are stylish and the graphical effects as you sing are pleasing to the eye. The idea of either showing the music video with each song or using the EyeToy is a fantastic idea - marred only by the fact that while you can save the audio, the memory constraints of the PlayStation 2 mean that you cannot save the EyeToy video - unless, of course, you have a VCR or DVD recorder connected to your system.

The sound in SingStar, as you would expect, is where the true heart of the game lies. Thirty tracks have been included, and as we have mentioned, there are some very big names included with the game. Sing along to the Sugababes, George Michael, Avril Lavigne, Sophie-Ellis-Bextor, Blondie, Dido or even the Village People if you're that way inclined. While your singing might not be, the sound included is superb, and the fact you can replay the song after you or your inebriated friends have finished singing is a great idea.

Overall SingStar is another truly great innovation from Sony. If you are after a title that is great fun to play after the pub, or if you are glued to 'Pop Idol' each and every Saturday then this may be your best chance to achieve stardom.

John Grothier

Latest Images:

Review Scores:

Graphics:
Sound:
Gameplay:
Length:
Overall:
Click here for our Review Score Guidelines .

Review Summary:

Karaoke. Sony's latest innovation comes with thirty great tracks and two USB microphones. Singstar also provides feedback based on how well or badly you've sung. Multiplayer and party games are also included, along with a Star Maker mode in which players try to become the ultimate pop superstar.

Related Games:

SingStar
for PlayStation 2

Screenshots

Review

Click here for
All Game Information .

EyeToy: Play
for PlayStation 2

Screenshots

Review