Rock Band has become the mother of
all music games, but pop-friendly karaoke diversions like Singstar '90s have their uses. The big
problem with Rock Band's near-impeccable taste in tuneage is that it leaves those
with more mainstream sensibilities feeling left out. Sure, music geeks adore
deep tracks like The Clash's "Complete Control," but not everybody has a
passion for punk that takes them that far into the band's catalog. That's where Singstar '90s
comes in. It's a party game that aims for recognition over indie cred.
Those with musical chips
on their shoulders will likely cringe when they hear the shameless playlist.
One-hit-wonders like Len play next to serial cheese-meisters Hootie & The
Blowfish. Multi-platinum rap tracks "U Can't Touch This" and "Ice Ice Baby"
provide opportunities for wannabe rappers to stumble over even the most
simplistic flow. With two mics, nearly any track can be sung as a duet, making
Paula Abdul's chirpy "Opposites Attract" a surprising highlight. And in the
context of karaoke, Stone Temple Pilots' "Plush" feels more fun than most of
Pearl Jam's superior but dreary hits. The original music videos that spool
onscreen make for great conversation pieces, especially among those who find
endless amusement in out-of-date hairstyles and clothing fads. Nirvana's
"Lithium" and Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun" are the few nods to the Rock
Band
diehards standing in the back of the room with their arms folded. They'll get their
turn.
Beyond the game: Strangely enough, Karaoke
Revolution Presents American Idol might be a better choice for those with discerning
tastes, especially on next-gen consoles, where tons of Motown tracks are
available for download.
Worth playing for: Failure really brings down
the mood. Bad singers don't bomb out of songs in Singstar '90s, they just finish with
low scores. A straight-up karaoke setting does away with points and
pitch-meters altogether.
Frustration sets in
when: Medleys
string bits of songs together, but not very well. In an era of mash-ups and
cut-and-paste artists like Girl Talk, we expect our master mixes better brewed.
Final judgment: The ideal opening act for
an all-night music-game party.