SingStar '90s review

Like yet another Rod Stewart album, great performance can't keep this karaoke title from seeming old

GamesRadar+ Verdict

Pros

  • +

    Same slick SingStar presentation

  • +

    A ton of party modes

  • +

    EyeToy functionality

Cons

  • -

    Erratic songlist

  • -

    Still no downloadables

  • -

    Admitting you love "Kiss Me"

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You know the problem with SingStar ‘90s, the latest in publisher Sony’s juggernaut-like karaoke franchise? It’s not the presentation- the videos look top-notch, and the vocals are the original artists, so that's all copacetic. It’s not the game modes- with everything from a simple solo mode to four vs four “micro-medley” play, battle or survival modes, there are a wealth of options. You can even use the EyeToy camera to watch yourself sing instead of eyeballing the original artist’s video, and save your performances.

It’s the songlist.

Several years and something like a dozen games later (if you count the UK releases, which differ substantially), and even though this list leans toward anemic radio rock, we’re still getting a scattershot 30-song listing of music that crosses genres and styles too much, spreading the selection too thinly.

For instance, your humble author loves screeching along to Nirvana’s “Lithium”, and Sir Mix-A-Lot’s “Baby Got Back”- but will probably never jump on Boyz II Men’s “Motownphilly” or New Kids on the Block’s “Step By Step” unless there’s a lot of money or the threat of bodily harm involved.

Your tastes may differ, but no matter what you like you’re going to get a lot you don’t like, because it’s too varied. Unless you like country, in which case you’re just straight outta luck. Incidentally, the US and UK songlists for this game areradically different, as is usually the case.

Now, racking the songlist might seem like a nitpick, but the fact of the matter is, the gaming world has moved beyond this limitation. SingStar for PS3 is going to enable you to download individual tracks, just like Guitar Hero III, Rock Band, and competing publisher Konami’s latest offering, Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore already do (on next-gen platforms, at least).

More info

GenreOther Games/Compilations
DescriptionYet another polished entry into Sony's sing-along franchise. But where's the innovation?
Platform"PS2"
US censor rating"Teen"
UK censor rating""
Release date1 January 1970 (US), 1 January 1970 (UK)
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Eric Bratcher
I was the founding Executive Editor/Editor in Chief here at GR, charged with making sure we published great stories every day without burning down the building or getting sued. Which isn't nearly as easy as you might imagine. I don't work for GR any longer, but I still come here - why wouldn't I? It's awesome. I'm a fairly average person who has nursed an above average love of video games since I first played Pong just over 30 years ago. I entered the games journalism world as a freelancer and have since been on staff at the magazines Next Generation and PSM before coming over to GamesRadar. Outside of gaming, I also love music (especially classic metal and hard rock), my lovely wife, my pet pig Bacon, Japanese monster movies, and my dented, now dearly departed '89 Ranger pickup truck. I pray sincerely. I cheer for the Bears, Bulls, and White Sox. And behind Tyler Nagata, I am probably the GR staffer least likely to get arrested... again.