REVIEW
SingStar PS3
By Michael Pugliese - July 4th, 2008
After my introduction into the SingStar series only a few months ago, I was excited to get my hands on the much-anticipated SingStar PS3. It’s not that I thought the gameplay was going to differ drastically, or the graphics were going to blow my mind; I mean, come on, it’s words over music videos, right? No, what I was really stoked for were the enhancements to the online model, and the new community aspect that would come along with it.
The graphical focus of SingStar has never been anything but simple, and that stands true even on the powerful PS3. The music video for the song currently being sung plays in the background with the lyrics overlaid for easy viewing. The exception to this layout comes when the PlayStation Eye peripheral is hooked up, allowing you to be the (Sing)star. Okay - cheesy writing aside, there are some noticeable quality issues with both the music videos and camera feed that need to be pointed out, as neither seem to be as crisp and clear as they should be. Still, the focus of the series has never been on graphics, so most of you (and I’m including myself here) won’t care.
What can I say about the sound? You’d think this is an area that needs to be heavily scrutinized given the type of game this is. Truth is however, it really doesn’t matter what the game sounds like, it’s all about the player taking center stage. That being said, I had no issues with the sound quality of the tracks, with all of them being master recordings. A new feature that has finally been introduced into the series is the ability to completely turn off the vocal track: very cool. No longer do I have to sing along with Rivers Cuomo (not that there’s anything wrong with that), but now I can delude myself into feeling like I am the eccentric Weezer lead.
The biggest and most important improvement introduced into this SingStar iteration is the online component. It’s really difficult to comprehend how perfect the implementation of the strategy is without actually experiencing it, but let me try to break it down for you. First comes the online store, where you can purchase songs and fill your SingStar music catalogue with ease. There are hundreds to choose from right now, with word from Sony that up to 50 new tracks will be added each month.
The store isn’t the only piece to SingStar’s online strategy, nor in my opinion is it the most important. Imagine, if you will, the ability to take short clips of a performance you’re proud of. Great right? Now imagine you can upload these clips for everyone’s viewing pleasure, browse other’s uploads, rate those clips, message other players and PlayStation network friends, and essentially dwell in this online cornucopia of badly sung music. I think this introduction of a social component will have the biggest impact on users, combining various strengths from some of the largest social hot spots of the web (think Facebook, YouTube).
SingStar has always been and continues to be a game that shines in a party environment. Like I said last time around, this is a niche title that appeals to a certain type of gamer. From the changes we’re seeing in SingStar PS3, it looks like Sony may be trying to grow their audience. I know the new online features have made me pop SingStar into my PS3 on random evenings, an act usually reserved for when friends are over. Sony really stepped up to the plate this time, and I’m really excited about what might be coming next. If you even remotely like the thought of considering Karaoke as the platform for a good time, buy this game.
