Genre: Music
Developer: Konami
Publisher: Harmonix
# of Players: 1-8
Memory: 75kb PS2 card
ERSB: Everyone
Released On: Playstation 2
Features: Logitech USB Headset
Website: www.konami.com/usa
Introduction
Be an American Idol (or any other countries idol for that matter).Konami’s Karaoke Revolution allows you and seven of your friends to try out your karaoke skills on your Playstation 2. Not only do you and your friends get to laugh at you, but the game judges you, so it can laugh at you too. There is even a crowd that reacts according to how well, or not-well, you sing one of is 35+ songs from the oldies to now.
Presentation
The setup and menu systems are very easy. It is very easy to setup your character and all the other settings that are needed. In the part of the game where it judges your pitch and rythm the scale shows you were you are and where you should be based upon a system similar to Dance Dance Revolution.
Graphics
While the graphics aren’t neccesarily astounding they make the game enjoyable. Somewhat realistic looking people jump around and your character moves around on screen in whichever outfit you choose for him/her. The stage has everything from fireworks to jumbo-trons that show the group, guitars, even your name. For a game based fully on music, the graphics aren’t bad, very japanese.
Sound
"It’s freaky hearing yourself, since you are part of the sound."
|
It’s freaky hearing yourself, since you are part of the sound. The sound isn’t bad at all, the audience cheers, and the song are great. There is everything from Michael Jackson to Michelle Branch or Nickelback. The cloud claps along to the proper beat and everything. The game knows how the songs should go and is able to judge you on your pitch.
Gameplay
"The game has an atmosphere to it."
|
The game has an atmosphere to it. Not only does the crowd and in game features create an atmosphere, but so does everyone you’re singing for. This game is definitely a game best played with a decent size group of people. Try fighting for the crown against all your friends, american idol style, after you sing, they rate you. Of course, you get to do the same thing to them after your turn. The multiplayer aspects of this game definitly make it a game that can be played over and over until you can perfectly sing all the songs. And, if you don’t want your friends to rate you, the game can rate you and your friends based upon pitch and rythm. If you’re in it for kicks, do as I did, and try singing Avril Lavigne’s Complicated as an 18 year old guy :)
Four guy characters and four girl characters are available and each have different outfits. The single player aspect allows you to grow as a singer, the better that you sing, the more venues that you can choose from. This is great for people who can sing, and for those of you that can’t, at least you can learn to be somewhat on pitch. If you really suck though, just make the game less difficult. But if you are so bad for so long, you singer breaks down and the crowd leaves, and you, umm, fail.
The flaws, lets see, certain songs have had parts cut out to make sure this game meets its E rating, so parents don’t worry, the game is safe. For example, the song song by Simple Plan Addicted has some of the words cut out, boy does that make singing it hard. Other than that the game is pretty enjoyable. They need add-on packs with more songs, and also the ability to do duets would be awesome.
Conclusion
A group of college kids once said of this game, "This is awesome." I’m inclined to agree, overall this is a cheap and easy way for a bunch of friends to have a lot of fun playing Karaoke. Its fun for teenagers and is fun for children. Overall, this game is a game that you should get if you’re bored often, or have a little one that wants to be a star. If you can find this on sale, definitely pick it up, but this isn’t a must buy game. If you like Dance Dance Revolution though, this is right up your alley. A party game.
