Singstar Review for PlayStation 3

System: PS3	Review Rating Legend
Dev: SCE Studios London	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Sony Computer Entertainment	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: May 20, 2008	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-2	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Teen	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

The real draw to this brand-new SingStar for me has to be the SingStore. The SingStore features downloadable songs for about $2. The great thing about the SingStore is the organization and ease of use. You can search by artist, genre, song, and even browse for songs using different categories. The SingStore is also pretty expansive and, as of launch, has a list of over 200 songs (complete with video) which is only growing.

Singstar screenshot

Another great new feature in SingStar for the PS3 is the opportunity to record and play back your own SingStar media. Whether its your best friends vocal track on Beck's "Loser" or your social nemesis' video of herself singing The Smashing Pumpkins' "Today", you'll definitely find some interesting things to do with this feature. If you're feeling especially confident (or vindictive depending on the situation), you can upload your media to the SingStar channel for the entire world to see. This is a pretty nifty feature. I know if I had more confidence in my own singing ability (and an eye toy) I would definitely be a video posting fool!

Visuals in this game are pretty standard as far as SingStar graphics are concerned. It is worth noting that the music videos playing in the background are all presented in HD, but I'm not sure how many people will be paying attention to this detail. But overall, the menu design, note bars, and even the different wallpapers all look great and give this title a very sharp feel.

In conclusion, SingStar for the PS3 is the most complete entry in the series thus far. The singing mechanics that you have always known and loved are still the same, but SingStar makes leaps and bounds in the areas of downloadable and user-generated content. What makes this title so great is that it really focuses on tailoring the experience to the user: you decide what songs you want, what media to save, and are even able to upload it. There are many ways to customize your experience and that is what makes SingStar for the PS3 so remarkable. So if you're into karaoke, or planning a party sometime soon, SingStar for the PS3 is a must!

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Freelance Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.5

Graphics
Everything here looks very sharp and all the videos are presented in HD.

4.0

Control
You pick up the mic and sing…pure and simple.

4.2

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The pre-loaded music offers great variety and if you still can't find something you like, there's always the vast SingStore!

4.3

Play Value
You can sing the pre-loaded songs all you want and, when you get bored, there's always the SingStore to fall back on. SingStar is amazing fun for large groups and can't be missed for karaoke fans.

4.4

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

Game Features:

A true interactive singing experience where everyone is a star as they sing along with their favorite artists to the authentic videos of chart-topping tracks.

With the SingStore feature, you can download and purchase hundreds of songs and videos from across multiple genres to build your ideal SingStar playlist. You pick the songs and create your own personalized SingStar party collection!

Exclusively on PS3, experience My SingStar Online, where you can share your personal SingStar performances and experiences by uploading your own photos and videos created from within the game. Meet friends and view and rate videos created by others within the SingStar online community.

Utilizing the Blu-ray disc and PS3's high-definition support, you can view select videos in full HD.