Game Review: Karaoke Revolution

By Kate Pavao and Aaron Lazenby

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What Parents Should Know
Some of the outfits show a bit of flesh, and some songs reference adult themes, like drinking and one-night stands, but for the most part KARAOKE REVOLUTION is good, clean fun. Group play allows players to anonymously judge each other, which may be a bit too mean-spirited for younger kids. If your kids are playing in groups, you may want to remind them that it's never funny to put someone down and that everyone has different talents--not everyone is blessed with Kelly Clarkson's range. Also, be aware that even if your kid is playing alone, the audience will turn down the house lights if her performance isn't up to par--sensitive kids could easily get crushed. You may want to adjust the judging levels so that no feelings are hurt.

Note: Make sure you get the version with the headset--it (or a microphone) is required for play.

Common Sense Media Review
Featuring songs ranging from Avril Lavigne's "Complicated" to Aretha Franklin's "Chain of Fools," Konami's KARAOKE REVOLUTION lets players (virtually) rise from house party hobbyist to arena-playing rock star. Donning a headset, you choose a character, an outfit, and a song that shows off you pipes. While your avatar struts to "Billie Jean" or "Like a Virgin", lyrics and symbols representing the pitch and duration of notes scroll across the screen's bottom. Stay on pitch and earn cheers from the crowd -- and a gold or platinum record. But if you don't do the song justice the audience will let you know, even turning down house lights on a disastrous performance.

Singing some of your favorite songs in privacy is a definite treat, but the game's real fun is the multi-player mode. Up to eight players battle in arcade mode, scoring points for stellar performances and unlocking hidden songs and outfits along the way. In Karaoke mode, players anonymously rate each other's ability, with one player ascending "American Idol"-style to the top of the heap.

Outfits can be revealing, and some songs reference adult themes, like drinking and one-night stands, but for the most part this is good, clean fun. The excited crowd and other touches (in one level, your name flashes in the background while you perform) make you feel like a real rock star -- and, best of all, you will learn something about singing along the way. The game encourages you to practice your rhythm, stay on key and hold those notes.