Karaoke Revolution Party

Brief Description

Karaoke Revolution Party goes multi-platform for the first time and expands upon what has already made the series a popular hit. Featuring the largest library of songs ever released in a Karaoke Revolution game, the newest title in the groundbreaking music series will let karaoke crooners sing with – and compete against – friends with expanded multiplayer and party modes that are sure to enhance any party. Singing won't be enough this year as Karaoke Revolution Party supports the Dance Dance Revolution dance pad peripheral for a "Sing and Dance" mode which combines Konami's groundbreaking music franchises into one unique gameplay experience. Additionally, Karaoke Revolution Party provides support for Xbox Live® and the EyeToy® USB Camera (for PlayStation®2) – delivering the ultimate interactive karaoke experience for the entire family.

SecretAsianMan: Whenever a game like this comes along, every inch of me wants to partake in the potential fun, and even more potential embarrassment that the game provokes, but I don't. Even with dandy prizes up for grabs, such as the iPod mini Konami was giving away to the winning contestant at this year's Konami BBQ, I didn't partake. It's the 'potential embarrassment' portion that keeps me away, as I must maintain the guise that I am "too cool for that". Perhaps if the beer flowed a bit thicker, I could have thrown caution to the wind and got up on that stage – like Pachoey did – and make a complete ass out of myself – again, like Pachoey did.

But then again, at least he tried.

Vansau: I maintain that his competition hit those high notes in "Take On Me" a little too easily… not to mention the ease with which he busted out those dance moves. No white guy should be that capable on his feet.

Seriously, though, the extra challenge of basic DDR goodness is actually kind of cool. The two features blend nicely together and make for a very challenging experience. Even better, the dancing challenge is completely optional, so we don't have to use it while we're playing Karaoke Revolution… only if we're feeling particularly masochistic.

SecretAsianMan: Now, while I know for a fact that poor Pach can sing, and sing damn well, he utterly failed to please the crowd this day – or at least the built in scoring system of Karaoke Revolution Party. The fault lied in his poor choice of song (White Snake's 'Here I Go Again') fueled by audience request. Hmmm… could Pach pull it off? I had every bit of confidence in him, regardless of the vocal acrobatics David Coverdale pulled off in the original. Man was I wrong!

Vansau: Hey, don't forget, he also won that DVD by Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul about "How to Sing Like the Stars". Just wait, by this time next year he's going to be on American Idol having an affair with Ms. Abdul and sleeping his way into the top ten.

SecretAsianMan: Note to Pach: Next time, make DAMN sure you know how the melody of the song goes, and DON'T pick a song solely based on the audience's roars! For not remembering the melody to such a classic, I hereby temporarily banish you to listening to nothing but 80s hair metal!

Vansau: However, if you bust out the Winger CDs, we might have to break your kneecaps.

SecretAsianMan: On a side note, I don't think he hit any 'bad' notes, just the wrong ones. He at least stayed within the key of the song J

Pachoey: Um…yeah, lets be clear here – I let the audience choose the song and everyone knows that White Snake is well out of my natural range. It was all in the name of entertainment. Had I gone with my pick, Material Girl, or Start Me Up, it would have been another game entirely. Ahem…yeah. Now, where's that Europe album…*sings*it's the final countdown!!*sings*

SecretAsianMan: Enough with prolonging Pach's embarrassment. Here's what to expect when the game is released this November:

Key Features:
· Largest song list yet with 50 all-new classic favorites and current smash hits
· New "Sing and Dance" mode supports the DDR dance pad and allows players to showcase their superstar talent
· Expanded multiplayer and party modes including team games, duets, head-to-head battles, mini games and the all-new KR Challenge
· All-new character customization where players can completely modify the body shape, hair, clothes, and accessories
· A new unlock and award system where players receive constant rewards for their progress including new songs, venues, characters, clothing, accessories and more
· Create a 3D model of your head and see yourself perform on stage using the EyeToy® Camera
· Add over 100 additional songs to your karaoke library with Xbox Live® (song pack downloads from the previous game will also be supported)
· Includes a playable demo of Dance Dance Revolution Extreme 2 (exclusive to PS2) and Dance Dance Ultramix 3 (exclusive to Xbox)

Song List:

(I've Had) The Time of My Life (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing Ain't Too Proud To Beg Always American Woman Brick House Call Me Crazy Crazy in Love Do You Really Want to Hurt Me Drive Dust In the Wind Endless Love Every Little Thing She Does is Magic Everybody Wants to Rule the World Everywhere Fame Fly For You I Will Headstrong Greatest Love of All Here I Go Again I Don't Wanna Be I Left My Heart in San Francisco

I Love Rock and Roll I Will Always Love You If You Could Only See I'll Be Material Girl Me and Bobby McGee Pain Pieces of Me Play That Funky Music Start Me Up Superstition Sweet Caroline Take On Me Takin' Care of Business That's Amore The Game of Love Time After Time Truth Is Turn The Beat Around Unforgettable Uptown Girl Waiting For A Girl Like You What I Like About You Who Can It Be Now? You're My Best Friend

SecretAsianMan: With two new DDR games announced (Dance Dance Revolution Extreme 2 and Dance Dance Revolution Ultramix 3) for release this Fall, I say, why only dance when you can sing and dance! At least, when no one is looking that is.

Pachoey: Agreed S.A.M. – this one looks to be a party pleaser much like myself – heh –yeah! The game can be a bit difficult to wrap your head, and feet, around at first. That whole 'pat your head rub your tummy' test comes to mind here. Mike and the gang at Konami have ensured you can find your way in gently by not making the steps too difficult but you'll definitely want to spend some time on your own before taking this to the masses.

If you've played DDR (any version) and Karaoke Revolution – then you know this game already. There are a couple additional modes to keep the party going – including one in which you, and another mate, must save the on-screen stage-divers from a Bobby Brown, 'Your Perogative' style faceplant. [see early Damon Wayans HBO comedy specials for this reference – ED] As they approach the front of the stage you must sing the words 'Yo', 'Dude', or 'Rock' at the correct pitch into the mic to launch them out over the waiting crowd. This starts out harmless enough but the pace quickens and becomes frantic – if not quite hilarious - as two of your friends find themselves yelling, "Yo!, Dude!, Rock!, Rock!, Yo!, Dude!" into the microphone at an ever quickening pace.

This should definitely be on your X-mas party shopping list (as well as at least two Logitech microphones)! Just a little word to the wise - steer clear of the White Snake.

Vansau: Both of the games look like a great deal of fun, I'm personally looking forward to busting them out at my next party.

See More: Konami Summer BBQ Bash Coverage