Official PlayStation Malta Site - A salute to SingStar

It has become a gaming phenomenon that only SCEE London Studio could have predicted. The success of the SingStar series has been nothing short of a blast of fresh air to videogaming's lungs, emitting sweet sweet music regardless of whether your vocals manage to match the on-screen melodies.

Either way, it's a whole lot of fun that's only been increased by the ever growing range in the SingStar catalogue. So to help you in your quest for vocal glory, we've provided an essential rundown of the series and some of the standout tracks that each SingStar game offers.

SingStar
The one that started it all; providing a party experience that introduced us to the concept of singing not just for out and out fun, but also for star approval based on how accurately you croon to your chosen song. Your rating is based on factors such as pitch and timing, with the added incentive of being able to sing along or against a partner, or even with a group of friends in a variety of different modes.

There's an admirable range of music to choose from in the 30 available songs, too, with the popular strains of Madonna's Like A Virgin, classics like Elvis' Suspicious Minds and even more contemporary pop along the lines of Pink's Get The Party Started. And who can resist a blast from YMCA by the Village People? Although we suggest you let someone hold the mic for you while you do the hand actions to accompany your chanting...

SingStar Popworld
For a more recent spin on the SingStar format, SingStar Popworld provides the chart hits of the last few years that we've all been guilty of humming (at the very least) along with at some point or another. Adding to the many features of the original, Popworld throws in a voice filter for when you want to enhance (or make fun of) your played-back performance, and also a Rap Scoring mode for any budding emcees who are willing to battle for ultimate mic supremacy. Naturally this means there's a couple more hip-hop driven tracks in the roster, such as Roses by Outkast, joining the bootylicious Beyonce's Crazy In Love, Robbie's foot stomping Let Me Entertain You and many more to blast along to. Poptastic? Of course.

SingStar Party
It was inevitable that one of the most party driven titles on PlayStation 2 would eventually be blessed with a dedicated version for such an occasion, and SingStar Party provides 30 tracks ideal for any gathering. There can't be too many of us who don't have a soft spot for Video Killed The Radio Star by The Buggles, or Elton John & Kiki Dee's Don't Go Breaking My Heart. Although the same probably can't be said for The Birdie Song, which SingStar Party thankfully spurns. Phew.

SingStar Rocks!
Enter SingStar's school of rock with this offering that allows us all to indulge in something a little heavier than when you want to party or go pop. After all, there are times where everyone wants to Paint It Black with The Rolling Stones. Or maybe you feel a bit "woo-hoo" and heavy metal like Blur does on the immortal Song 2. Either way, this will allow you to get your rocks on, regardless of if you want to head bang to Nirvana or prefer the more considered strumming of Coldplay. You'll want to stand up for this one, although you'll have to provide your own amplifier to kick over when you're in the guitar squealing moment.

SingStar 80s
If all the above is a little too much or maybe you just want to reminisce over a more mellow time, SingStar 80s transports you back to an era of neon T-shirts, frilly shirts and lace fingerless gloves - without the need of having to grow a mullet again. That alone is an instant recommendation, but musically it means you get to relive the wonders of Blondie's Atomic, and Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and The Waves. Something the mid-20s and over in your group are more than likely to appreciate.

SingStar Anthems
Similar to SingStar 80s, Anthems partly harks back to yesteryear with its selection of 20 glitter ball driven tracks that would normally have you camping up the dancefloor like a true glamour queen. Now you can go one better and blast your larynx to Gloria Gaynor's I Will Survive and The Weather Girls' It's Raining Men. Some of the more contemporary alternatives get their chance to shine in the limelight too, including Don't Cha by the Pussycat Dolls and Scissor Sisters' Laura. It's a veritable bonanza of kitsch classics for the diva within.

SingStar Legends
Rounding things off is the version of SingStar that includes musical masterpieces which will likely outlive us all. Legends is full of tracks that are decades old yet refuse to bow out from the spotlight because they're that damn good. The appeal of Aretha Franklin's Respect, The Jackson 5's I Want You Back, and Roxanne by The Police is undeniable, and there are numerous other timeless songs present.

Perfect for getting a family of all ages involved in the fun, Legends is the sort of game that will have you singing up a storm - even if you were usually the one who used to mime your way through hymns at school. Yes, we know you did that too - but this is the ideal Christmas gift to make it all better. SingStar Legends, we aurally salute your eternal class.