(most recent add-on)

Singstar is one of PS2's most popular party game and it is definitely a worthwhile buy. Singstar is generally a karaoke for the playstation and allows you to sing your favourite licensed tune! It has been so popular that more than one singstar pack is availabe. Currently there are five singstar games out-Singstar, Singstar party, Singstar Pop, Singstar 80's, Singstar Rocks and to be soon released Singstar anthems.

Unlike the original, each subsequent one focus on a specific genre in music. Note that in different places in the world, some songs world be different to suit your region. When you buy the singstar bundle, it comes with the allocated singstar game and two microphones where you can plug into one of your PS2's usb slots. This way it feels as if you are singing to an audience and creates a mood of fun.

Gameplay: Yes there is gameplay in singstar!!! In Singstar, there is a point system which compares the pitch of your voice to the original soundtrack. The closer you are to the track, the more points you will score. But you can turn this function off by playing in the 'free mode' section where you just sing and nothing is analysed. The Singstar game is intended for more than 1 person and currently allows up to 8 people to take turns singing. In multiplayer mode, you can split the group into two teams-red and blue. Then you enter all the names of those people that are playing. Then the game will randomise two teams and who they verse each other. To ensure that people can't pick songs they are especially good at, the songs are randomised also but each team has 5 "Shuffle tokens" where you can randomise the song again if you don't know/like it. Also the 'Eyetoy' camera for PS2 is also compatabile for Singstar. Instead of seeing the videoclip of the song, you see the person who is singing instead. You can also take player profiles so when you go to the high scores there is a picture of the winner instead. This does not really effect the gameplay but just makes it more enjoyable. Since there are so many singstar discs, they have an option to change the CD during the game without disrupting it. i.e. after you have sung "smoke on the water" you suddenly want to sing "Like a Virgin" so you can press "select" and then change to the required disc. This feature is extremely useful as it allows the user more freedom and control. There is are only two downfalls to gameplay, it is that if you are the really competive type or someone who is really good at singing, Singstar's microphones aren't 100% accurate and they are done by pitch. So you can hum, whistle etc the tune and you can still achieve an extremely high mark. It doesnt award naturally good singers which is a good and bad thing. Another one is that it IS NOT INTENEDED for SOLO use! Although you can probably see why! (note i am being extremely critical for this)

Graphics- the graphics are not a major part of the game. You don't require top of quality graphics to play singstar. The music videos are of decent quality similar to the ones you see on tv. The lyrics on the bottom of the screen are also extremely easy to see. There isn't much else about graphics, although the screenshots from the eyetoy camera / the video taken, isn't the best quality due to the simplicity of the eyetoy camera.

Audio- One of the major properties required for singstar. The sound quality of songs is like CD quality, but the microphone quality isn't as good so no matter how hard you try, you can never sound perfect without interferences. This does not effect the gameplay as it is a minor error that cannot realistically be corrected.

NOTE: just want to emphasise that some songs are different depending on the area you are, and some countries has special releases too.

Overall this game is a MUST for parties, people that love to sing or people that just want to have a good time! it is DEFINITELY worth the money as you can replay this so many times and you still won't get bored! Also it makes you listen to songs you havent heard of so it expands your own knowledge of music!

Micks : Images break layout tables on website. Make sure you read guide about submiting reviews.

I find Singstar Rocks is the best, but Singstar Rock Deutsch is better. (I´m German)