[GRWC8] SingStar [Review]
Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2008 3:41 am
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Anonymous wrote:SingStar PS3 Review - Time to Throw Away your Brush!
How many times have you watched the latest pop sensation warbling their latest hit and felt certain that you could do better? If you’ve ever harboured the secret belief hope that you could be a stadium class singer if only you had the opportunity, Singstar gives you the chance to find out just how good, or bad, you really are.
Singstar on the PlayStation 3 is a brand new update to the very successful PlayStation 2 game. At heart it is a karaoke game that grades you on your singing performance. Each song’s lyrics are shown on-screen, whilst a series of horizontal bars gives you a visual indication of the correct pitch that you have to hit for a professional performance. You are also graded on your timing and rhythm.
Whilst the programming team behind the game claim singing alone can be a relaxing experience, Singstar really comes alive when played with others. The game is supplied with two microphones which allows you to duet with a friend, or sing against them in a sing-off, or even have a two teams of two in a team sing-off. The first time I picked up the microphone to sing in front of guests I admit I did feel self-conscious, but after ten minutes of team sing-offs, everyone’s inhibitions disappeared and in between all the belly-aching laughter we all found ourselves taking the competition a bit too seriously. Already I see the potential for Singstar parties up and down the country.
36 songs are included which span most musical genres. With songs by Britney Spears, David Bowie, American R&B group Outkast, and Brit-rock Franz Ferdinand there is something for everyone. When you do want to expand your musical repertoire all you need do is connect to the Singstar store, which works in a similar way to the iTunes store. It’s an online shop accessed through the game where you can search for your favourite songs to download in packs of three.
What really stands out with this new version of Singstar is the ability to record your singing performance for posterity. If you connect the upcoming PlayStation Eye camera, or the old PlayStation EyeToy, it will video you whilst your singing and take several still pictures. You can then upload your performance to your MySingstar Online profile webpage. Inspired by the MySpace social networking site, it allows you to share your singing highlights and lowlights with the world. Whilst most videos are likely to be of comedy value, it is possible that somebody might be offered a recording contract on account of their MySingstar performance, as is the case with singer Lilly Allen who has become something of a poster girl for the MySpace generation. She claims she was ‘discovered’ after a record executive heard her music on MySpace, however she vainly denies accusations that such serendipity had more to do with the industry connections of her famous father Keith Allen, and famous stepfather Harry Enfield.
In an age of reality shows like X-Factor or American Idol, where everyone believes they deserve to be a star. Singstar definitely captures the spirit of our times. Now you don’t need to be humiliated by a camp multi-millionaire to discover if you can sing, you can find out in the comfort of your own home. Whilst I was disappointed to find out that I wont be the next George Michael or Stevie Wonder, I did find it really enjoyable to croon along to some of my favourtie pop songs. I have discovered that singing is actually unbelievable amount of fun.
Singstar is genuine social entertainment that you will find yourself coercing family and friends to stand up and grab the microphone. Its one of those rare games that can really bring people together. Singing into your brush just wont cut it any more.
All comments and feedback welcome. Thank you.