Singstar: ABBA
Playstation 3
Rated T for Teens
Release Date: December 2, 2008

In an effort by both XBox 360 and Playstation 3 to make their system more than just a game console, various new types of games have tried to capture the multi-use nature of the systems. SingStar ABBA, the latest SingStar game, is a perfect example of this trend.

Based on the Singstar series which started over on the Playstation 2, the game is basically the vocal version of another popular game involving music, Dance Dance Revolution combined with karaoke. Players choose a song in the game and sing the lyrics that are highlighted as you would do in karaoke. Along the way, there are various vocal bars that appear on the screen that you must hit to rack up points. At the end of the song, they tally up the points and rate your performance.

For this version of the game, all the songs came from the super popular pop band from yesteryear ABBA. Yes, you too can sing their smash hit songs “Dancing Queen” to “Mamma Mia!”, and even “Knowing Me, Knowing You” in the privacy of your home (you know you want to) or with a friend.

There are many features from battles (where two players go head to head on a song to see who can earn the most points), to the pass the mike option, which gives multiple players a chance to see a snippet of a song. There is also a duet mode, where you and another player can sing a song with one of you as lead vocals and the other as back up. While you can play by yourself, the fun really comes from playing the game with others.

I played the game with my sister, Anne Bauerstein80, who happened to be in the area at the time, and had a blast. It mainly stemmed from the fact that neither one of us could carry a tune, myself in particular. I can’t help it. I sing just like I would air guitar or dance: with wild, reckless abandon, (lyrics be damned). Unfortunately, the game does not share my love for balls-out singing or at least chooses not to reward it. Remember, you hit the correct vocal notes in the game to rack up points, otherwise you don’t earn any points. (Don’t worry though: This game is not an American Idol tryout: As long as you sing close to the vocal bars, you should gain a good amount of points.)

Those without a few close friends to play this game with, fear not: there is plenty for you to do, provided you are online equipped and have the digital recording device Playstation Eye. Those who choose to sing solo can sing their hearts on a song and record the session both in audio and video form (the video only can occur with the Eye present). Once done, you can send the video into the internet and place it on your YouTube account or perhaps if you are truly brave, you can post it up on the SingStar web page and show it friends, family, or strangers.

I cannot find anything particular wrong with this game. I did need a few moments to get use to the microphone, which you would need to buy separately. If it is too close to your mouth or not close enough, your vocal pitch will not register. Other than that, the game is pretty fun to play.

I had a blast playing SingStar: ABBA but gamers beware: if you are not a fan of karaoke, then this is not a game for you. Also, if you are a fan of karaoke, this might not feel like the real thing but if you are not able to do the real thing, this could very well be a good alternative. If you are willingly to let your hair down and just have fun, SingStar: ABBA will no doubt bring out the star in you.