American Idol

Look, you're not going to turn off SOCOM II to play this game. This is one of those niche titles that appeals to a certain crowd. But I think if you like the show, you're going to like the game. It's built so close to the show and has such solid gameplay that it makes you feel like you're really auditioning for the next season. And add to that dance pad compatibility and some multiplayer and you've got something here. Is it the next DDR? No. Will a 13 year old girl love this game? Yeah, I think so.

Zabawa z POP Idolem może zawieść wszystkich fanów tego muzycznego konkursu. Program jest najlepszym przykładem na to, że i z gry dźwiękowej można zrobić zręcznościówkę. Pop Idol pozwala niestety jedynie na krótką i stanowiącą niewielkie wyzwanie zabawę.

A couple of years ago this title might have flown but there are just too many music games currently available for the PS2, and American Idol just seems like a quick and dirty knockoff to cash in on the fever of the show. Fans of the show and girls 8-12 who like playing “dress-up” might find something to like here, but anyone looking for a quality rhythm game should probably look somewhere else. Check your rhythm at the door. A fast thumb is the only requirement to becoming America’s next superstar.

Es gibt weitaus schlimmere Spiele zu TV-Sendungen. Vor allem die Songauswahl hat mich positiv überrascht: Zu Elvis Presley, Dido, The Monkees und Robbie Williams schwinge ich durchaus motiviert das Tanzbein. Um so ärgerlicher finde ich, dass ich dafür mehr Reaktionsvermögen als Rhythmusgefühl benötige. Warum Codemasters das Spiel ausschließlich ohne Tanzmatte ausliefert (kostet immerhin 20 Euro), ist mir ebenfalls schleierhaft. Unsere Wertung bezieht sich deshalb auch aufs deutlich langweiligere Spiel mit Tastatur. Wer eine Tanzmatte besitzt, darf 10 Prozent auf die Wertung draufschlagen.

Codemasters' new rhythm action game, based on American Idol, attempts to combine the timing-based, performance-emulating mechanics of games like Parappa the Rapper with the pageantry of entertainment mastermind Simon Cowell's feverishly popular reality TV series. Neither of these facets of American Idol is executed quite right, thus producing a game that's built on compromise.

If you are a huge fan of the show and don’t have the voice or confidence to try out for the real thing then American Idol, the game, is probably as close as you can come to getting on TV. If you have access to a PS2 I think you’ll find that game significantly better, but if you prefer to take your talent show on the road then the GBA version gets the job done.

Even so, with the limited scope in gameplay, primitive graphics, and repetitive comments from the judges, this is a game best left for the bargain bin, a weekend rental, or perhaps just skip it altogether.

Codemasters' rhythm action game, based on the hit show American Idol, attempts to combine the timing-based, performance-emulating mechanics of games like PaRappa the Rapper with the pageantry of entertainment mastermind Simon Cowell's feverishly popular reality TV series. Neither part is really done right, resulting in a game that's built on compromise.

Overall though, this is a nice diversion from the DDR games, especially if you are a fan of American Idol and the songs that are generally chosen for performance in the show. Bad singing can, and will, get old. But while it lasts, it's pretty enjoyable.

Ultimately American Idol is a shallow game. It's a novelty that will disappoint many in the long run. Rent it if you must but if you're really interested in timing-based game and karaoke you are advised to check out Konami's Karaoke Revolution and Dance Dance Revolution for the PS2. Both games are miles above this stinker.

American Idol has a massive following here in the US, so it only makes since that a video game would eventually capture the Idol experience. The only problem is that the Idol experience isn't nearly as entertaining in video game form as it is on television. Fans of the show and gamers who like music and rhythm games will get some enjoyment out of the game, but Codemasters seems to have catered the game toward a female audience, so male viewers may want to look elsewhere for their Idol experience.

If you buy this, you've been duped. This game is a quick cash-in and isn't even worth a rental. Save the receipt and return it for Karaoke Revolution. If you want to relive the experience of the TV show, watch some reruns or just sing along with your favorite CDs. Check out Amplitude for some rhythm action or Dance Dance Revolution to see what's been ripped off.

Getting a bunch of friends and making fools of yourselves can be great entertainment, but this game can't facilitate that. As it stands, American Idol won't last as a party game, which is where it's only potential lies.

The only real function here is the ability to add your own vocal track to some music. With only 21 songs to choose from, this is pretty limited. The rest of the game is repetitive and boring and will only last about half an hour. Save yourself the money and just buy some new CDs to sing along with.

I know it’s tempting for companies to attempt to bring a game to every possible game system, but sometimes you really don’t need a portable version. American Idol just didn’t need to be ported to the GameBoy Advance; I cannot imagine there is a market that’s demanding to get chewed out by Simon no matter where they are. It’s far from the worst game on Nintendo’s portable, but comes real close to being the most unnecessary. Life is too short to spend even a second playing this ugly mess of a rhythm game.

Strictly for Barbie collectors or fans of the show who have no understanding of what makes a good videogame, "American Idol" is a cheap rip-off of other, much better games, and an overall unimpressive attempt to cash in on a popular TV phenomenon. This game is more fun if you sit the controller down and allow the contestants to croon completely off key. At least then it's good for a few laughs.

Overall, the studio isn't very deep and the controls can be a little awkward, but it does provide a small spark of creativity in an otherwise soulless title. You may even find yourself replaying the board game just to unlock all the effects and backdrops. But in the end, American Idol is mostly a vacuous attempt to capitalize on the success of the TV show, and even at its budget price, one that even the most rabid fans will have trouble enjoying.