For the uninitiated, SingStar is an interactive game for PS2, the basic concept being that players sing popular songs - either competitively or co-operatively, using microphones that plug into the PS2's USB slots. It was a huge hit when it was first released mid-year 2004, and its popularity ensured there would be several additions to the franchise.
The first of these is SingStar Party, which can either be purchased with microphones, or as a disc-only expansion pack for those that already own the original complete pack.
The interface is more user friendly in Party than the original, and at the carousel (track selection) screen, the original SingStar disc can be inserted and its 30 tracks played with the new features.
It can also be used in conjunction with the EyeToy. Players may project their own image onto the TV screen instead of watching the accompanying video, and can take mugshots of themselves which will appear on the high score and menu screens. The EyeToy can also be used to create groovy psychedelic visual effects. Video clips are good - although not DVD quality. Audio quality is limited to what your TV or stereo speakers and the PS2's lasers can produce, although some tracks are of noticeably better quality than others.
Where the original was more suited to one or two players, SingStar Party contains some great new features which make it more attractive to groups of would-be karaoke stars. One such feature is the upgraded 'pass the mic' team mode with its points challenge, where the first player to 5000 wins. The random player/track selection feature helps avoid arguments whilst adding an element of surprise...or dread! Each team is allocated 'shuffle tokens' which can be used to reshuffle the songs if they should strike one with which they're unfamiliar. Also worth a mention is the new duet mode, which allows players to sing separate parts. The prime examples of this are Sonny and Cher's I Got You Babe and Elton John/Kiki Dee's Don't Go Breaking My Heart.
Like its predecessor the track selection is diverse, with something for practically everyone. Having said that though, we have to question the inclusion of one or two more obscure tracks. Elvis' Way Down is one which immediately springs to mind.
Overall, although SingStar Party may hold limited appeal for those with no closet NZ Idol ambitions or exhibitionist tendencies, with its 11 modes of play and neat new features it is great fun at a party and definitely a worthwhile addition to the franchise.
[b]Full Track Listing:
Alicia Keys - Fallin'
Ashford & Simpson - Solid
Bill Withers - Ain't No Sunshine
Blu Cantrell - Hit 'Em Up Style (Oops!)
Bob Marley - No Woman No Cry
Buggles - Video Killed The Radio Star
Busted - Year 3000
Cyndi Lauper - Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Destiny's Child - Survivor
Dido - White Flag
Duran Duran - Hungry Like The Wolf
Elton John & Kiki Dee - Don't Go Breaking My Heart
Elvis - Way Down
Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out
George Michael - Faith
Jamiroquai - Cosmic Girl
Javine - Real Thing
Kylie Minogue - I Should Be So Lucky
Little Richard - Tutti Frutti
Maroon5 - This Love
Natasha Bedingfield - Single
Pink - Just Like A Pill
Scissor Sisters - Take Your Mamma
Sonny & Cher - I Got You Babe
Spandau Ballet - Gold
Spice Girls - Who Do You Think You Are
The Beautiful South - A Little Time
The Foundations - Build Me Up Buttercup
The Police - Every Breath You Take
Tiffany - I Think We're Alone Now
