Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol

Best For: Ages 10 and Up
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone
Genre: Music/Rhythm
Available For: Sony PlayStation 2
# of Players: 1-4
Fun Factor: 5 out of 5

Konami's Karaoke Revolution series lets wannabe pop stars sing, and it actually judges your skills based on pitch, intonation, and timing. Being able to carry a tune is helpful, and knowing how to read is mandatory. The result is a fun game to plan a party around. In a match seemingly made in TV-fan heaven, Karaoke Revolution comes to us this year with the "American Idol" license. With it comes perhaps the greatest videogame villain of all time, Mr. Simon Cowell. "Um, this is the point in the show where people at home turn down the volume," says Simon, responding to your performance in his usual dry manner. That's not all, expect Randy Jackson to tell you he "didn't feel it" and call you "Dawg" and the voice of Seacrest pops in to keep things moving. Aping the show's structure, you begin by auditioning and hoping for a ticket to Hollywood. Then, against the game's crooners or up to three friends or family, you've got to prove you have the pipes, get Cowell happy with you, and hopefully win it all. Paula is missing and Seacrest only appears in voice, but we get 3D versions of Cowell and Randy (with their voices) as well as all the music, titles, and visual effects that scream "American Idol" to audiences. The presentation feels just about right.

Songs include "Piano Man," "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me," "Can't Help Falling in Love," "Hungry like the Wolf," and more (all sung by sound-alikes). Parents take note The songs are generally clean but expect some very minor sexual references in some of the tunes. The songs fly by -- words often broken apart to show you how to sing it. In the background are animated 3D characters and the venue changes from audition space to the big theater where the winner is crowned. Also, the Eye-Toy camera can be used to put yourself into the game, making performing all the more interesting and embarrassing.

Karaoke Revolution 1-3 and Karaoke Revolution Party are both highly recommended family videogames (and they're cheap ways to pick up an extra microphone too), but this year they added "American Idol" (and Simon Cowell) to the mix, making a good game, that much better. Remember, if you're new to the game you need the version with the packed-in microphone. So you think you've got the pipes to get that Golden Ticket? Are you Kelly Clarkson or William Hung? Try and see for yourself.

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