If you’ve never played SingStar on the PS2, it’s a karaoke rhythm game where you get points for singing the proper notes to your favorite songs. The first two editions, Pop and Rock, have been enormous hits throughout the world. To add to the great series, Sony recently released expansions for 80s and Amped. Here is a breakdown of some of the facets of Singstar: 80s and Singstar: Amped for the PS2:

Presentation and Graphics: SingStar games feature the original videos of each song where available. This proves hilarious for the 80s edition. There’s nothing better than watching Wham! run around with big Flock of Seagulls haircuts. Otherwise, it’s standard fare for a SingStar game. There’s not much needed in terms of graphics for a karaoke game. I’m assuming the upcoming PS3 version will pretty it up, but the PS2 versions only have white backgrounds with the video playing in the middle of the screen. 3 of 5

Sound and Music: This is the area that SingStar is designed to shine, and it works very well. Each song has terrific original sound for you to rock out with. Most rhythm games these days don’t give you the original tracks for all songs, but SingStar does this well. 5 of 5

Gameplay: To play SingStar, you sing in time with words that pop up on the screen. Not only do you have to time things right, but you need to be on key as well. In the middle of the screen is the proper intonation for each word. If you’re too high or too low, you won’t score any points. So just grabbing the mic and screaming isn’t the best bet to get a high score in SingStar. Once you master your voice, you will rack up big points for consecutive streaks and singing special lines properly, just like in other rhythm games. Another cool option is using the EyeToy peripheral to record yourself dancing around like you’re in a boy band. 4 of 5

Multiplayer: Multiplayer is the bread and butter of SingStar. If you like to sit in a room alone and sing karaoke, that option is definitely there. But the best part is co-op 2 player singing. You can use up to 8 players in multiplayer party mode, where you go through and see who can sing better. There’s no online play in the PS2 versions, but it will exist in the upcoming PS3 SingStar. 4.5 of 5

Lasting Appeal: With each edition having 30 songs, there’s plenty of appeal to keep playing these SingStar titles. The game works best with friends in a party setting, so it’s not really a game you’re going to pick up mid week and play everyday. If you have a friend, roommate, significant other, or family member who likes to sing, this could be very addictive. 4 of 5

Final Word: SingStar is insanely fun if you like the songs in each game pack. If you’re not a fan of the songs, you probably won’t enjoy those editions of the game. But if you like to sing karaoke, definitely look into picking up 80s and Amped. Keep in mind you’ll need to buy either Rock or Pop with the microphones to play.

Overall: 4 of 5

1 = Not worth the bandwidth.

2= Demo is enough, not worth your money.

3= Game is good, depending on the price, seriously consider picking it up.

4= Worth your money. Should provide some good times for quite awhile.

5= Buy the game. Lock your door. Pick up a case of beer. This could take all night.