Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol - E10+

Wannabe pop stars take on Simon Cowell.

Publisher: Konami Category/Genre: Video Games - Music Platform: PlayStation 2 Price: $39.99 Online Enabled: No Graphics: Not very impressive, but this game is more about music than graphics. Playability: A fun and interactive way to climb the ranks as an American Idol. Reading Level: Heavy Release Date: 01/03/2007 ESRB Rating: E10+ for lyrics

Common Sense Note

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?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Marc Saltzman

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."

A tip to impress the judges and crowd (who also clap or boo your performance): if the song is out of your vocal range, you can sing an octave higher or lower. Speaking of judges, Paula Abdul is curiously missing. Similarly, you will hear host Ryan Seacrest, but will not see him.

The game faithfully recreates a virtual season, so you first audition in front of the judges. If Cowell & Co. like what they hear, you're flown to Hollywood to compete through the semifinals and then the finals. For added authenticity, this video game features the same graphics and music as the TV show.

You can tackle the game solo or play against up to seven other contestants (who can each create and name their own character) and then take turns belting out the songs for the judges. Other than the main competition mode, players can also choose to play a Quick Play game, One Mic Party, Two Mic Party, and straight Karaoke mode (no score-keeping).

Wannabe pop stars will love playing this game -- but only if you're willing to risk Cowell's snooty put-downs.

Another fun karaoke title is Karaoke Revolution Party.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content One Fallout Boy song makes a sexual reference to being "friction in your jeans."
Violence
Language Some may be offended by suggestive lyrics refering to sex, smoking, and alcohol.
Message
	Social Behavior Gamers can choose avatars from both genders, various ethnic backgrounds and ages, and different body types.
	Commercialism This game is, of course, based on the American Idol television show, but there aren't any Coke products in this interactive version!
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Very few references to smoking and drinking (in Billy Joel's "Piano Man").
	Educational Value On-screen information shows when you're singing in key (or if you're flat or sharp) as well as guiding players on rhythm.