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 previous editions have been enormous hits throughout the world. To add to the great series, Sony recently released an expansion for Country music.

SingStar games feature the original videos of each song where available. Things here are pretty much standard for the series; there’s not much needed in terms of graphics for a karaoke game. Sound-wise, 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.

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. You can also use the EyeToy camera to record yourself doing some line dances, if that’s your thing. I’m a bit shocked that there are no songs by Garth Brooks here, especially Friends in Low Places. That would great to belt out with friends.

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, so bring some friends.

With the game having 30 songs, there’s plenty of appeal to keep playing this SingStar title. 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, but only if you’re a fan of country music. Somehow I don’t see many gamers being big country music fans.

SingStar is insanely fun if you like the songs in each game pack, and Country music might not be your cup of tea. If you’re not a fan of the songs, you probably won’t enjoy those editions of the game. Keep in mind you’ll need the microphones to play, so if you don’t have them from previous versions of the game, pick up the bundle that includes them.

Overall: 7 out of 10

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