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Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore: Navigation

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Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that the game contains nothing objectionable beyond some mildly suggestive lyrics. The songs are drawn from a wide variety of genres spanning four decades, which means there are enough songs to satisfy most musical preferences.

Families can talk about whether players enjoy the competitive modes of the game or would rather just sing for fun. Does being at the mercy of the judges in the game give you a greater understanding of what the contestants on the show have to go through? What qualities do you think a pop star needs to have?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Erin Bell

KARAOKE REVOLUTION PRESENTS: AMERICAN IDOL ENCORE is a follow-up to the 2007 PlayStation 2 title of the same name (minus the "Encore" part), and introduces American Idol hopefuls to 40 new songs that they can sing along to using the included USB microphone. The game's eclectic song list includes a variety of rock, R&B, pop, rock, ballads and disco tunes from the 60s to the present day. The all-new soundtrack includes hits like "Satisfaction," "Black Hole Sun," "Tainted Love," "Knockin' on Heaven's Door," "You Can't Hurry Love," "My Heart Will Go On," and "Copacabana." If you're off pitch, helpful arrows indicate whether you need to lower or raise your tone to match. After each performance you're awarded a score and will hear some feedback from the show's three judges, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, and Randy Jackson.

This game is a worthy follow-up to the first American Idol game, and it's nice to see that the quality continues to improve as the series progresses. In this version, players can toggle difficulty settings, opt to sing shortened versions of songs instead of the full version, or create a medley of several tunes. American Idol fans will be pleased with unlockables like interviews with the judges and video clips of classic American Idol performances, such as Season 6 runner-up Blake Lewis singing "Time of the Season." Besides American Idol mode the game also offers a Quick Play mode, a Duets mode (a second microphone, not included, is required for this), and a multiplayer Battle mode for 2-8 players.

For other sing-along games, try the original Karaoke Revolution Presents American Idol, Karaoke Revolution Party or High School Musical: Sing It!.

Platform Notes

Nintendo Wii
The Wii version lacks an online component, and is less impressive graphically. The motion sensitivity of the Wii remote doesn’t factor into the gameplay in any way.

Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 version of the game has an online component where players with an Xbox Live Gold membership can participate in multiplayer modes with friends online. New songs can also be downloaded through the Xbox Live Marketplace.

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Content
		CS	adults	kids
Sexual Content
Violence
Language Mild lyrics, like a single use of "hell" in Soungarden's "Black Hold Sun."
Message
	Social Behavior
	Commercialism Uses logos and music from the TV show, with likenesses of Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco The occasional mild reference, like a line about smoking cigarettes in "Satisfaction."
	Educational Value The game offers guidance on singing with correct pitch and rhythm.

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