For a number of years now, voice recognition-style software has been a singer's best friend, putting them in tune during post-production and thus helping to convince the music-buying public that the likes of Victoria Beckham can actually sing. Well, the devious minds at Sony London have had other plans and, rather than helping the world's vocalists, are now using similar technology to judge them. The result is SingStar - a karaoke-style Bemani affair that gives you the opportunity to sing along to a host of popular tunes, whilst at the same time acting as your very own virtual Simon Cowell and assessing your performance.
In similar vein to Konami's Karaoke Stage, SingStar provides a wide variety of karaoke classics and well-known chart hits, and requires that you croon along to them with the aid of a USB microphone (two of which are bundled with the game). Some rather clever software registers your pitch and rhythm, analyses how well (or not) you perform, and then provides feedback.
There are three different game modes on offer, providing plenty of glass-shattering fun in both single and multiplayer guises. Star Maker is the main single-player experience, offering a career mode-type affair in which you get to attempt to climb the ranks, from singing in your bedroom, to cutting a record, to performing for a mass of adoring fans. Alternatively, the self-explanatory Party Mode is the one to go for when you've got your mates round and you've had a few shandies, incorporating a wide range of song challenges, duets, battles, and team competitions. Finally, Sing Mode just lets you pick a track and go - ideal for when you want to squeeze in a quick karaoke blast before you go out or something. Like you do...
Considering the fact that Sony owns the majority of the world's music, it would be a safe bet to expect a healthy roster of licensed tracks within SingStar. And indeed there is - classics like Elvis and Roy Orbison, 80's such as A-Ha and Blondie, rock from the likes of Motorhead and The Darkness, and modern chart-toppers courtesy of S Club and Westlife. There are a total of 30 tracks altogether, each the artist's original recording and many complete with their original accompanying videos. Which is great, because you can also plug in your EyeToy and dance along with them on screen.