Karaoke Revolution (Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3)
common sense media says
Edgy music videos play in background of singing game.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this newest edition of the long-running karaoke singing game franchise has, for the first time, real music videos in it. Those videos are sometimes filled with content and imagery that would be inappropriate for younger players. However, those videos are only seen in the background, behind the singing avatar, the back-up band, and lots of stage props. And they only appear in one of the many venues you can choose to play in. Even without the videos, though, many of the song lyrics can be deemed inappropriate by parents because of their sexual innuendo, drug and alcohol references, and bad language. Strong parental caution should be exercised.
Educational value:
Not applicable.
Positive role models:
There are no real characters to be role models in the game, but the characters that can be seen in some of the background music videos are very negative role models -- drinking, having sex, destroying property, playing terrible pranks, and generally behaving badly. Again, though, players can easily avoid this by not playing in the Music Video Venue.
Ease of play:
The different levels of grading, from easy to hard, are well delineated, giving appropriate levels of challenge for people of different skill levels.
Violence:
Some destruction of property can be seen in one background music video.
Sex:
Song lyrics are full of innuendo (e.g., "Waistline makes my soldier salute"), and a few songs are openly about sex ("Sex on Fire," "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy," etc.). "I Kissed a Girl" is about bisexuality. Sexual imagery can be seen in background if you choose to play on the "Music Video Venue" which shows the actual music video on a screen behind the avatar singer. These videos are purely background and difficult to actually see at times, but you can catch glimpses of people kissing and rolling around in bed, as well as scantily clad women feeling themselves. One video shows a super-brief glimpse of the Kama Sutra with drawings of sexual positions.
Language:
Mild swear words appear in several songs (sometimes even in the title, as in "Hope It Gives You Hell" and "My Life Would Suck Without You"). Sexual language is much more common.
Consumerism:
The Xbox 360 and PS3 versions allow users to purchase downloadable songs to add to their games.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
In background music videos, you can sometimes see people holding or drinking from beer bottles, or taking shots of liquor. Several songs contain lyrical references to alcohol and/or drugs (e.g., "I was so high I did not recognize...").
More on Karaoke Revolution
Screenshots
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Most useful reviews by all members
Kbugsmom
parent of 10 year old
parent of 10 year old
My 9 year old went to a slumber party- when I picked her up the girls were playing this game. Four of them were beliting out the lyrics to the song I kissed a girl at the top of their lungs with attitude " I Kissed a girl and I liked it..."sung by a girl. I dont think 9 year olds need to be thinking about kissing anyone. Unbelievable. Anyway, after checking the game out more thoroughly I find that it is completely inappropriate for kids- I think of any age. Lots of sex and violence. Do your kids a favor and go with the Disney Sing It or Americal Idol karoake versions.
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