Previous Next

Look, it's not just for boozy single mums and Japanese suits

So you want a karaoke game, but which one do you get? This, or Sony's SingStar (OPS2 #46, 90%)? Well, it's all about taste. SingStar's a CD:UK-watching, alcopop-fuelled, into-the-hairbrush slumber-party singalong, while Karaoke Stage is chucking out time on the high street. SingStar's heavy on modern pop; Karaoke Stage is all about the classics. There's a smattering of genius (When A Man Loves A Woman, The Power Of Love) alongside belt-'em-out favourites (We Are Family, Celebration). The trouble is they aren't all the proper versions. Elvis isn't Elvis, Frank isn't Frank and in Mikey Jackson's shoes is a bloke who can't even get the high notes right.

One thing Konami does know, though, is control. A tiny arrow makes all the difference, showing just how far above or below the right pitch you are. Without SingStar's binary you've-got-it-or-you-haven't judgement, it's much easier to change pitch, do those throat-wobbling tone-shifts or just hold a note. The incentive system's much clearer too. Fill up the bar just above the pitch-shift and you get a bonus. Get a bonus and the crowd cheers. Get enough cheers and by the end of the song the crowd has gone from three disinterested commuters to an array of clapping Japanese salarymen - a much better incentive to blast out the finale of Wind Beneath My Wings that SingStar's sterile videos. Although it's arguably less interesting for spectators.

The (minor) downside is that all the lyrics fly past at the same lung-draining pace. Try to sing It's The End Of The World As We Know It without memorising the words in advance, and you'll have eye-strain by the middle of verse two.

Ultimately, SingStar's a polished product, perfect for impressing people who think PS2's a glorified DVD player. Karaoke Stage is, well, more of a game. It's hurt by the lack of multiplayer options (there's no Pass The Mic mode, and no option to blast through shortened sings a la SingStar) but either game is near-essential party fodder. ASnd the good news is, you get Like A Virgin and Complicated either way.

Graphics 60%
Mincing tunesters, but still not bad.

Sound 70%
Seriously, who is that singing Billie Jean?

Gameplay 100%
Even more accessible than SingStar.

Lifespan 80%
You'll bring it out at every party. Fact.

Overall 80%
Different enough from SingStar to be interesting on its own merits, Karaoke Stage is huge fun and worryingly addictive.