Page 42 - OSG Presents Classic Gamer Magazine #7

modern
modern

trying to match each song’s note (depicted There are only three main modes of play, eos of “normal” people singing the songs
by a series of dashes of varying height but what’s featured is fun, addictive, and are a hoot, however). The cartoon-like
and length), and hitting each note at the easily worth the price of admission if you characters, with big heads and sinewy
right time. The on-screen interface is so want to convince a spouse, significant bodies, look like something that could
helpful that even if you turn the volume other, roommate, or group of non-gaming have been done on the original Play-
completely off, you can still get an excel- friends the benefits of PlayStation 2. In Station (think Bust-A-Groove) and all lip
lent score just by watching the screen and addition to straightforward karaoke, which sync to the correct words even if you flub
making the right vocal adjustments. lets players sing to their hearts’ content a line or deliberately change the lyrics.
Though Karaoke Revolution’s voice without worrying about a score, are ar- You can’t make the characters dance or
recognition software is the best yet seen cade and showtime modes. The latter is move, and customization is limited to
(err, heard), it’s not perfect. The game the heart of the game, where players se- choosing an outfit. Hopefully future install-
does not recognize what you sing, just the lect an alter ego and perform their choice ments will do something a little more
pitch and how long notes are held. So if of four songs in each 3D venue (eight in meaningful, such as incorporating a cre-
you are having problems with REM’s “It’s total, from a house party to a sports sta- ate-singer mode, the option to purchase
the End of the World as We Know It,” and dium). If players rack up a certain score, individual items such as tattoos, jewelry,
you will, you can fudge the lyrics by sing- wowing the audience in the process, or clothing, and so forth. Why not add a
ing “badda bop, badda bop, badda bop” they’ll advance to a new venue and select career mode where players can earn re-
over and over again to match the rhythm. from a more complicated group of songs cording contracts or corporate sponsor-
Thus the words to Weird Al’s “Like a Sur- (each is rated from one to three in com- ships?
geon” will do just fine if you’re sick of “Like plexity). These are minor complaints, though,
a Virgin.” Men having problems with a Like the developer’s previous music because the core game is excellent. Har-
song’s range can pull a Tiny Tim and go game, Amplitude, the replay incentive in monix continues to surprise with its Play-
falsetto with startlingly good results. What Karaoke Revolution is tied to unlockable Station 2 lineup, and Konami was wise to
passes for excellence in the game does characters and outfits, which to be honest, enlist their talents. Though you may have
not necessarily translate to the real world, are not exactly inspiring (the hidden vid- been blessed with a tin ear in lieu of
as you’ll quickly find out from the snickers golden pipes, you will have fun playing
and chortles of your soon-to-be former this game, with or without a group of peo-
friends. ple and whether you’re soused, stewed, or
A game like Karaoke Revolution lives stone cold sober. Since the developers
and dies by the quality of included songs, understood the golden rule of karaoke
and the developers have culled together (not everyone who sings can actually
an incredible 36 hits, more than three sing), they included some forgiving diffi-
times the number of songs featured in a culty settings as well as an option to re-
typical karaoke CD. While none of the duce the microphone output for shy types
original artists actually sing the included who prefer a more soft-spoken approach.
songs, the 17 hired vocalists are all of pro- To quote American Idol judge Simon Cow-
fessional caliber. In some cases, you may ell, Harmonix has “raised the bar” with
even prefer their renditions of the songs. Karaoke Revolution in terms of accessi-
Classic gamers in particular will appreci- bility, peripheral use, and overall enjoy-
ate the extra attention spent on the great- ment. And you haven’t lived until you see
est period of music ever created, the a friend, family member, or loved one try
1980s of course, with the inclusion of Mi- to sing the impossibly high ending to Mr.
chael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” Pat Bena- Mister’s “Broken Wings.” Broken, indeed!
tar’s “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” Cyndi
Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,”
New Order’s “Bizarre Love Triangle,” and Rating:
more, representing approximately one-
third of the total song list [see sidebar].

Addicted Everything You Want Save Tonight
All You Wanted Girls Just Want to Have Fun Science Genius Girl*
Are You Happy Now? Hey Jealousy She Talks to Angels
Believe Hit Me With Your Best Shot Smooth Criminal*
Billie Jean How You Remind Me Son of a Preacher Man
Bizarre Love Triangle I’m Coming Out The Power of Love
Broken Wings It’s the End of the World As We Waiting for Tonight
Celebration Know It When a Man Loves a
Chain of Fools Kiss Me Woman
Complicated Ladies Night* Wind Beneath My Wings
Crawling in the Dark Like a Virgin You Really Got Me
Don’t Know Why One Week* You’re The One That I
Every Morning Red, Red Wine Want

*unlockable
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