Singstar Queen Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

System: PS3, PS2	Review Rating Legend
Dev: SCEE	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: SCE Studios London	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Aug. 4, 2009	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-8	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: TEEN	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

Still, despite my qualms with the lack of varied content, there was one completely new feature that debuted in Singstar: Queen: vocal menu selections. This feature allows you to select songs by simply just speaking into the microphone. This feature also allows you to filter songs by genre and artist, which is great if you have content purchased through the SingStore. Though this might not initially sound like too much of a big deal, it keeps you from having to juggle the mic and the PlayStation controller. This was especially useful for songs like "We are the Champions", where the lyrics start immediately and its easy to miss if you are still fumbling with the controller.

Singstar Queen screenshot

When it comes to aesthetics, Singstar: Queen keeps things in line with its predecessors. Menu layout is beautiful, and the PS3 version includes some pretty sweet hi-def wallpapers. Of particular interest was the video quality of some of the older Queen videos. It's hard to believe, but songs like "Bohemian Rhapsody" are almost 35 years old, so the cleaned up video makes a huge difference, although you can still see some occasional noise.

Singstar: Queen is definitely a niche title. If you love singing, and you love Queen, then you have to purchase this disc. Not only does it contain some of the band's greatest hits, but it also is quite challenging, even for hardcore Singstar enthusiasts. However, if you're looking for something besides the same old Singstar game, then this entry has nothing to offer other than the menu upgrades, so you might as well wait for the next inevitable Singstar release to come along.

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Staff Contributor

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.8

Graphics
High-definition menus look great and the video quality, especially on some of the game's more archaic footage, is great.

4.2

Control
Voice menu allows you to abandon the controller and just use your mic to select songs and then sing.

3.9

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
If you are a fan of Queen's greatest hits, then there's plenty to love. However, some of the less popular tracks or some famous covers might have been nice for some variation.

3.0

Play Value
If you like Queen and Singstar, then this is definitely one to get. Though I can't imagine playing it for more than a few hours, it should be a hit at parties

3.5

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Chart Topping Songs and Music Videos: Featuring over 20 iconic tracks such as, 'Another One Bites the Dust', 'We Are The Champions', 'Bohemian Rhapsody', 'Under Pressure', and many more hits by rock legend Queen.

Multiple Game Play Modes: Including Solo and Freestyle, plus several multiplayer modes including Pass the Mic, Battle, and Duet. Compete against your friends and family to see who has the best chance at singing stardom.

Create Your Own Party Play List!: Access the SingStore in game from your PS3 and pick your favorite songs across multiple genres to create your own personalized party playlists.