Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol (PlayStation 2)

In Konami's KARAOKE REVOLUTION PRESENTS: AMERICAN IDOL for the Sony PlayStation 2, you can sing along with more than 40 pop and R&B hits such as "Can't Help Falling in Love," "Hungry Like the Wolf," and "Total Eclipse of the Heart" with the aid of a supported USB microphone/headset (purchased separately or bundled with the game for $20 more). The game faithfully re-creates a virtual season of American Idol, so you first audition in front of the judges. If Cowell & Co. like what they hear, you're flown to Hollywood to compete. The game features the same graphics and music as the TV show.

You can create your own contestant by tweaking a singer's looks, or go with one of the pre-made characters. You sing along with the onscreen lyrics and the game's voice-recognition technology will determine if you're singing in the proper key. The judges will make positive, negative, or neutral comments about your pitch, consistency, and song difficulty.

Paula Abdul is curiously missing, and you will hear host Ryan Seacrest, but will not see him. 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 scorekeeping).

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