Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Wannabe pop stars take on Simon Cowell.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that a few songs 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 that focuses on trying to impress the judges by singing along with your favorite songs.

  • Gamers can choose avatars from both genders, various ethnic backgrounds and ages, and different body types.
  • Not applicable.
  • One Fallout Boy song makes a sexual reference to being "friction in your jeans."
  • Some may be offended by suggestive lyrics refering to sex, smoking, and alcohol.
  • This game is, of course, based on the American Idol television show, but there aren't any Coke products in this interactive version!
  • Very few references to smoking and drinking (in Billy Joel's "Piano Man").

What's it about?

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.


Is it any good?

 

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.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about the lyrics and the TV show's impact on pop culture. Do any songs send up red flags? Do you watch the TV show? Would you want to be a contestant or would you rather stick to karaoke? How would you feel about being critiqued by Simon? 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?


This review was written by Marc Saltzman
Teen, 14 years old
April 9, 2008
 

Flag as inappropriate 
Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Some Songs Inappropriate For Kids
We have played this game with extended family, at their house and I would advise parents to monitor WHAT your child is singing. I was not pleased with some of the song choices offered. Language can be bad (do 10+yr. old kids really need to sing about a God complex?) and sexual references are unnecessary when there are so many other songs out there. Ratings don't give all the details, check it out for yourself.

Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 15 years old
April 9, 2008
 

Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 15 years old
April 9, 2008
 

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
A real fun time!
I really enjoy playing this game with my daughters. They love to sing and they feel as if they are really on the show getting reviewed by the judges. They love it when Mom gets slammed by Simon! Great game!

Flag as inappropriate 
Kid, 13 years old
April 9, 2008
 

Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 16 years old
April 9, 2008
 

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This review was written by Marc Saltzman
Platforms:PlayStation 2
Available online?Not available online
Genre:Music
Developer:Konami
Release date:January 3, 2007
Price:$39.99
ESRB rating:E10+ for lyrics

This review was written by Marc Saltzman

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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