Survivor by Destiny’s Child is just one of 30 songs you can sing along to in SingStar Pop, a great party game.
SingStar Pop
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Platforms: PlayStation 2
Rating: E — Everyone 10+
Game type: Simulation
*** 1/2 (out of 5)
What’s the premise?
Grab a mic and sing along with 30 classic and modern pop songs featuring artists like U2, Franz Ferdinand, Snow Patrol, Rihanna and The Clash.
This game is most similar to…?
SingStar Rocks, Karaoke Revolution
Can I let my kid/kid brother play it?
Only if he can carry a tune.
One player or more?
SingStar Pop is a party game that is at its best when groups of two or more are making spectacles of themselves trying to hit Whitney Houston high notes in their living rooms. It comes with a pair of mics for using in duets and in competition.
What’s missing?
More tunes. Thirty sounds like a lot until you start weeding out the ones you don’t care for or can’t sing along to, and then you’re wishing there was a download option.
The (not-so) secret to success is…?
Don’t be afraid to break out of the norm. Everybody loves when heavyset guys sing Avril and Britney tunes, so just go for it.
And in the end?
If you’re a karaoke fan and you can carry a tune (this game doesn’t care if you follow the right words — so have fun) you should enjoy SingStar Pop.
Pocket Pool
Publisher: Eidos
Platforms: PSP
Rating: M — Mature 17+
Game type: Sports
** 1/2
What’s the premise?
Chalk up your cue and rack ’em as you take on a collection of pool sharks in order to unlock a series of images and video clips of sultry models.
This game is most similar to…?
The Hustle: Detroit Streets (the only other pool game on PSP)
Can I let my kid/kid brother play it?
You probably shouldn’t even let him look at the box.
One player or more?
It’s just you and your cue (although you can go Wi-Fi if you can find anyone else who will admit they have a copy on them).
What’s missing?
Real physics. This is the pool player’s equivalent to golf’s “swing and swear” and can get quite frustrating.
The (not-so) secret to success is…?
Aim it in the general direction of the pockets and say a prayer.
And in the end?
The point of the game is to win so you can take a peak at the pretty girls, but the designers should have taken more time to make a better game of pool so it doesn’t come off so trashy.
JONATHAN P. KUEHLEIN/metro toronto
jonathan.kuehlein@metronews.ca
