Congratulations for getting this far Pop Idol. The competition's tough and you've done well to reach this stage. Of course, you've got an immediate advantage over the other rhythm action games - you've got "Pop Idol" written all over you! But is that enough to make you a household name?

Well, frankly, no. We're not saying this to be mean, but we really expected more from you. Let's take a look at your appearance. You make a good initial impression, but that cel-shaded look just doesn't last the distance. Stylistically it carries you through the application process well enough, and you've got a great number of wardrobe choices, but on stage? Where's the emotion, Pop Idol? The contestants' expressions are vacant, and their body language is painfully clunky. Did the nerves get to you?

Then there's your technique. Actually, here you do fare a little better. The familiar precision button-bashing is lifted a little by an injection of long notes (hold down the button in question), combos (two buttons combined in a single movement) and bonus 'flait' icons that serve as rewards for spotless timing. What's more, when the timing slips, the vocal performance suffers with ear-crucifying bum notes. It's not pretty to hear but it's what the TV show's all about, right?

True, but when you consider that Sony's upcoming Sing and Konami's Karaoke Stage promise competition based on clever pitch recognition of gamers' real, live, vocal ability, a Pop Idol game that has you bashing buttons (or stomping on a dancemat) rather than rating your ability to carry a tune seems, well, end of the pier.

Your choice of songs is fine. With 42 tracks ranging from Lionel Richie's Easy to Will "I won last time" Young's Evergreen, you've got a good range. We would have loved to have heard some achingly up-to-date tracks but maybe that's being too harsh. Pop Idol has always favoured singers' songs, and these all fit the bill.

Here's where we come to your versatility Pop Idol. It's a bit patchy, isn't it? The competition mode follows the show neatly enough from piano accompaniment in the rehearsal room through to the big-budget studio funal, punctuated throughout by a trio of judges including Mr. Nasty himself, Simon Cowell. But no Foxy, Nicki or Pete. Pity that. Party Play extends your range by enabling four mates to perform and then vote for one another. Fair enough. But what's up with Karaoke and Juke Box, Pop Idol? Removing the vocal track from songs and pasting the lyrics on the screen is a good start, but without the means of hooking up a microphone, this mode feels unfinished! And as for Juke Box - is there really anyone who would actively choose to listen to sound-alike cover versions over the real thing? If these crazy people do exist, we've certainly never met them.

But, as you well know, Pop Idol, it's the public vote that counts, and given your high profile franchise there's a good chance you'll find a lot of supporters out there in the run up to Christmas. However, we can't help but think you missed your opportunity to pull out all the stops and make something really special happen here today. You may be called Pop Idol, but that was distinctly cruise ship.

Graphics 60%
Cartoonish contestants who totally lack emotion.

Sound 70%
Good singalong tracks but nothing very recent.

Gameplay 50%
Rhythm action button bashing. Nothing more.

Lifespan 50%
The novelty of Cowell dissing you will tire quickly!

Overall 50%
An opportunity has been missed - squandered on an average game that relies entirely on its franchise.