Game Review: Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol
Rated by 1 member
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that a few of the songs included in
this game have suggestive lyrics that range from sexual
references ("Wishing to be the friction in your jeans" from
Fallout Boy's "Sugar We're Going Down") to alcoholic and
cigarette references in Billy Joel's "Piano Man." Songs like
this are in the minority, however, and this is a fun game
overall that focuses on trying to impress the judges by singing
along with your favorite songs.
Families can talk about the lyrics and the impact of the TV show on pop culture. Are there any songs that send up red flags? Are you an avid watcher of the TV show? Would you want to be a contestant or would you rather stick to the karaoke? How would you feel about being critiqued by Simon? Are there any Idol contestants you'd like to sing like or would you rather belt out the tunes in your own way? What do you think about some contestants early on who've pinned all their hopes and dreams on that yellow ticket? Do you think their goals are realistic? When you don't pass muster with the judges in this game, is it fun to make a stink about it or are you more resolved to do better next time?
Common Sense Media Review
Aspiring singers tired of watching others soak up the
spotlight on the wildly popular
American Idol
television show can now have their 15 minutes of fame (and
longer) with Konami's KARAOKE REVOLUTION PRESENTS: AMERICAN
IDOL for the Sony PlayStation 2.
With the aid of a supported USB microphone/headset (purchased separately or bundled with the game for $20 more), you can play as a contestant who must sing along with more than 40 pop and R&B hits from the past four decades, such as "Can't Help Falling in Love," "Do I Make You Proud?" "Hungry Like the Wolf," "Piano Man," and "Total Eclipse of the Heart."
You can create your own contestant by tweaking a male or female singer's looks, or go with one of the pre-made characters such as the scruffy, blond Jake, who resembles the late Kurt Cobain of Nirvana, or the diva Vanessa. As you work your way to becoming the next American Idol, you must sing along with the onscreen lyrics. The game's voice-recognition technology will determine if you're singing in the proper key. Rhythm is also measured, so fast lyrics such as those found in Ricky Martin's "She Bangs" may be quite difficult to keep up with.
But it wouldn't be an American Idol game if you weren't evaluated on your performances. The judges, including the outspoken Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson, will make positive, negative, or neutral comments about your pitch, consistency, and song difficulty. For example, if you butcher Elton John's "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me," Jackson will say, "Yo dog, I love that song. I wish I could say you did a good job, but, well, I can't." Cowell adds: "Um, this is the point in the show where people at home turn down the volume."
If you sing well, expect to hear praise, such as "Great song choice -- you looked great" or "I kind of felt tingly all over -- really great." Cowell may reluctantly concur with the other judges: "Yes, I think there's an element of truth there -- you did well in the middle of the song -- but I don't know if I'll remember you two hours from now."
