Karaoke is a strange little activity, isn't it? It was first made ridiculously popular in Japan, allowing people to sing along to their favorite tunes in place of the vocals that were originally there, and the results can be anywhere from great to disastrous, depending on the quality of the singer. It has since become a big trend in the US (I myself am embroiled in it, dare I say), and it has now crossed over into the realm of video games, courtesy of Konami's Karaoke Revolution series. The series has enjoyed some great success on the PlayStation 2, and now it's Microsoft's turn, as the Xbox will be receiving an edition of this game later this year.

The game's presentation is simple enough. You basically take control of a virtual singer with the help of a microphone and sing along to the lyrics of a number of chosen songs in the game. However, your pitch and volume are carefully watched by a meter, so the closer you get to perfectly singing the song, the better you'll do. Do badly, and the crowd will grow restless and you'll be slapped with a bad grade.

The game's support of microphone peripherals is staggering. Along with being compatible with Konami's own Logitech microphone (available for an additional $10), you can also use the Xbox Live headset or the Music Mixer microphone for full support. This is a nice touch, as it brings more people to the party.

The game features an initial set of songs that's pretty nice. Here's the selection...


  • Addicted - Simple Plan
  • I'm Coming Out - Diana Ross
  • All You Wanted - Michelle Branch
  • It's the End of the World as We Know It - R.E.M.
  • Are You Happy Now? - Michelle Branch
  • Kiss Me - Sixpence None The Richer
  • Believe - Cher
  • Billie Jean - Michael Jackson
  • Like a Virgin - Madonna
  • Bizarre Love Triangle - New Order
  • Broken Wings - Mr. Mister
  • Red Red Wine - UB40
  • Celebration - Kool & The Gang
  • Save Tonite - Eagle Eye Cherry
  • Chain of Fools - Aretha Franklin
  • Complicated - Avril Lavigne
  • She Talks to Angels - Black Crowes
  • Crawling in the Dark - Hoobastank
  • Don't Know Why - Norah Jones
  • Son of a Preacher Man - Dusty Springfield
  • Every Morning - Sugar Ray
  • The Power of Love - Huey Lewis and the News
  • Everything You Want - Vertical Horizon
  • Waiting for Tonight - Jennifer Lopez
  • Girls Just Want to Have Fun - Cyndi Lauper
  • When a Man Loves a Woman - Percy Sledge
  • Hey Jealousy - Gin Blossoms
  • Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler
  • Hit Me With Your Best Shot - Pat Benatar
  • You Really Got Me - Van Halen
  • How You Remind Me - Nickelback
  • You're the One That I Want - Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta

That's a great selection thus far, but the game will also feature downloadable songs via Xbox Live, including a variety of favorites from Otis Redding, Jamiroquai, and more. You can also unlock a few new songs, as well as participate in a number of lively game modes to keep the fun going.

Karaoke Revolution was quite a party on the PlayStation 2, in both chapters, and it looks to be nothing but just as much fun over on the Xbox. The addition of new downloadable material is only icing on the cake, and the ability to use a number of different peripherals is a sweet touch. Look for more singing bliss upon the game's release later this year. I'm sure the staff can't wait to organize their next karaoke party.