Singstar (PS 2)

By JON MINFIE

Herald rating: * * * *

Sony London (creators of EyeToy camera) is unveiling its newest technology this month by way of Singstar, a competitive karaoke title for the PlayStation 2.

Karaoke games have existed for a while, but Singstar is the first that grades on vocal performance. Using pioneering technology, it analyses vocals based on pitch, tone and timing as you sing into a set of provided USB microphones.

Everyone is familiar with the concept of karaoke. Select a song, the video begins and you're singing to the accompanying lyrics displayed at the bottom of the screen.

But Singstar is a little different. Singers are graded on the fly with points awarded as you run through the song. Hitting the right pitch or holding a note successfully earns bonus points.

The game gives onscreen feedback and delivers a final verdict which you can then critique. Using the Playback function you can save your performance on up to 10 songs.

Singstar is divided into three sections. Sing mode fast-tracks you to the spotlight, letting players grab the mic and start belting out the hits, solo or against a friend.

Party mode promotes battles, duets, and entertaining pass-the-mic competitions for up to eight players. The Star-maker mode allows wannabe idols to live out their dreams, from crooning in the shower to singing to sell-out concerts.

The game is preloaded with 29 songs, an eclectic, upbeat mix of mostly pure karaoke pop. Contemporary stars Pink, Jamelia, the Sugababes, Daniel Bedingfield, Sophie Ellis Bexter, Atomic Kitten, Liberty X, Mis-Teeq, Avril Lavigne, Westlife, Busted, Good

Charlotte, Dido, Blue and the Darkness line up beside more seasoned acts such as Elvis, Madonna, Village People, Blondie, S Club, Roy Orbison, Ricky Martin, A-Ha, George Michael, Deee-Lite, Carl Douglas and Motorhead.

If the demand is there, eventually individual artists will release Singstar-compatible DVDs, and expect to see a few add-ons before too long.

Email: jon@tenthplanet.co.nz

Price: $99.95