I’ve decided to combine these previews for two reasons. First: They’re the same game, but with different themes. Second: They’re the same game, but with different themes.  Do not, however, be discouraged from dropping your dough on both though. If you don’t have a PS3, one game won’t be enough. I promise you.

Let’s Start From the Top

I’m gonna start off by breaking down SingStar, as a franchise, for those unfortunate enough not to have played one yet. It’s a karaoke game. No controllers necessary (well, that’s not absolutely true, you need ‘em to make selections) just you, your PS2 and a microphone. Each title has 30 songs and each song has three difficulty settings. The machine judges your notes, and the length of time you can hold them.  Easy enough…if you know the song.

SingStar Amped

SingStar Amped
Themed around the loud and crazy, the hip and the happenin’, SingStar Amped is our chance to feel cool. With artists like Sublime, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Ramones, Radiohead, Blink-182, Cheap Trick and Poison there aren’t many who’ll feel left out. Rock out with the Blitzkrieg Bop or mellow out with Every Rose has its Thorn.





Full song list for Amped:

Would? by Alice in Chains
Cochise by Audioslave
I Miss You by Blink 182
(Don't Fear) The Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult
More Than a Feeling by Boston
I Want You to Want Me by Cheap Trick
Changes by David Bowie
This ain't a Scene, it's an Arms Race by Fall Out Boy
Best of You by Foo Fighters
Alright Now by Free
Real Wild Child by Iggy Pop
You've got Another Thing Comin' by Judas Priest
When You Were Young by The Killers
Ace of Spades by Motorhead
Savin' Me by Nickelback
Come as You Are by Nirvana
Love and Memories by O.A.R.
Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne
Alive by Pearl Jam
Every Rose has its Thorn by Poison
Cum On Feel The Noize by Quiet Riot
Creep by Radiohead
Blitzkrieg Bop by The Ramones
Born to be Wild by Steppenwolf
Vasoline by Stone Temple Pilots
Santeria by Sublime
Burning Down The House by Talking Heads
Gold Lion by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Owner of a Lonely Heart by Yes
Gimme all Your Lovin by ZZ Top

Singstar 80s

SingStar 80s
Following so soon after Guitar Hero Encore, our blast to the past has been extended. As a child of the 80s, I ain’t complaining. After thoroughly humiliating myself with my best Madonna, and visualizing myself jogging determinedly behind a bicycle with Eye of the Tiger, I found true happiness with Cyndi Lauper. I swear to you, I’ve never missed my Bongo jeans and jelly sandals more. Oh hell, I’ve dated myself haven’t I…



Full song list for 80s:

Uptown Girl by Billy Joel
Caribbean Girl by Billy Ocean
Heart of Glass by Blondie
Do You Really Want To Hurt Me? by Culture Club
Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper
You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) by Dead or Alive
Come on Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners
Rio by Duran Duran
A Little Respect by Erasure
Final Countdown by Europe
I Ran (So Far Away) by A Flock of Seagulls
I Want to Know What Love is by Foreigner
Kids in America by Kim Wilde
Our House by Madness
Material Girl by Madonna
Who Can it be Now by Men at Work
99 Red Balloons by Nena
Brass in Pocket by Pretenders
Stand by REM
It's Tricky by Run DMC
Don't You Forget About Me by Simple Minds
Tainted Love by Soft Cell
Tempted by Squeeze
We Built This City by Starship
Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears
Hold Me Now by Thompson Twins
The Best by Tina Turner
We're Not Gonna Take It by Twisted Sister
Wake Me Up Before You Go Go by Wham

Words to the Wise

I’ve heard many a people play this game, and it’s nearly as interesting to observe as it is to play. I’ve heard grown men sing Brittany Spears, and young girls sing The Rolling Stones. The most common mistake I’ve heard is folks trying to pitch their voice to the singer. It’s not necessary. An undisclosed Sony employee explained to me the  C is a C, whether it’s a high C or a low one, it counts. So guys, stop trying to sound like you’ve had a kick to the groin, and girls you don’t need to sound like Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

The Final Word

Due mid-September, these SingStars are sure to make interesting additions to home social functions. Get a few cocktails in your neighbors, video tape their attempt at Uptown Girl, and they’ll never give you a hard time about your unsightly lawn again.