Karaoke Revolution ships for PS2
by VGLN Staff

Wednesday, November 5, 2003

Sing like an Idol, a dorky, video game idol.

Konami Digital Entertainment - America today announced that it has shipped Karaoke Revolution for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system to retail outlets nationwide. The first-ever interactive karaoke videogame, Karaoke Revolution lets aspiring pop stars of all ages and abilities sing along to over 35 hit songs while scoring their performance on pitch and rhythm.

Players can sing popular tunes using a headset microphone that comes bundled with the game. The game even makes use of proprietary "voice analyzer" technology to rate the player's performance. With this innovation, Karaoke Revolution is the first-ever videogame to register pitch and rhythm, judging the accuracy of each note and lyric sung by the player. A dynamic crowd cheers players on as they hit the right notes and advance through the game, or boo players off stage as they miss their cues and keys.

In Karaoke Revolution, novice singers and experienced crooners can enjoy singing hit songs made popular by famous artists, including Avril Lavigne, Barenaked Ladies, Michelle Branch, R.E.M., and Nickelback. Featuring songs from a wide range of music categories such as pop, rock and R&B, Karaoke Revolution gets the party going with hit titles such as 'Billie Jean', 'Like a Virgin', 'Chain of Fools', 'Red, Red Wine', 'Celebration' and 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun'.

In "ARCADE MODE" players hone their skills and sing their way to a high score, while in "SHOWTIME MODE" players set out to work their way up from singing in subway stations to performing at virtual clubs and eventually playing an enormous concert stadium. However, for those that are not quite ready for the big time, the game also features "KARAOKE MODE" that allows players to sing in the traditional karaoke style and practice their favorite song without being judged or scored.

Rated E for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Association. The game is available now, bundled with a headset microphone at an SRP of $59.99.

--- Kit