Karaoke Revolution

Reviewed by Angie Quidim
March 2005

Developer: Harmonix Website: Click Here Publisher: Konami Platform(s): PS2, Xbox Players:1-8 ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) Review Rating: 9 out of 10

Finally it happens!  Harmonix has put out a party game that doesn't require much movement at all.  Konami has released Karaoke Revolution, a party game that just requires a USB headset or microphone for your system and four friends to praise or cut you down.

The PS2 version has 3 volumes released with the first volume available with or without the USB headset and the third volume only available in a bundle pack with a USB microphone.  The Xbox bundle contains volume 1 through 3 of the PS2 version with a handheld microphone as a bonus. Each version has a well rounded soundtrack, which includes 35 songs such as Burn as well as old time classics like New York, New York and What a feeling, the theme from Flashdance.

For the PS2 version, each release improved on the previous versions of the game. In the third installment of Karaoke Revolution, they have included a new duet mode that allows players to sing in unison, performing songs like Summer Lovin' from the musical Grease, or compete head-to-head in a sing- off mode.  The developers added colorful characters, backgrounds, and amusing videos that are unlockable going through the showtime and multiplayer modes.

The game requires little to no effort to set up, and once you get going, it's so addictive it really is hard to quit.  For singers young and old, this is a fun way to connect with family and friends without leaving the comfort of your own home.