PlayStation 2

Karaoke Revolution Party

Singing and dancing at the same time, Karaoke Revolution Party's biggest addition is sure to delight some, while disappointing many others. Trying to dance while singing is tougher than it looks, but if you're up for it, it adds a whole new twist to the game. If you don't own a dance pad, there's really not much here to warrant spending $40, because you're not getting anything new, other than some songs.

Want to have hours of fun this holiday season? Want to break out your favorite game console and get the whole family to play? Madden gets the sports fanatics, Mario Kart attracts the speed freaks, but there’s only one video game that everyone will play, even non-gamers: Karaoke Revolution Party. Any version you choose will do, but why not choose the latest and get the newest songs? The cornucopia of 80s hits will make you want to grow a mullet (as if Solid Snake didn’t already make you want to do that!). From rock to pop to the genres in between, Karaoke Revolution Party has got it covered.

Since the first volume of Karaoke Revolution, the series has been known as a great party game for the PS2, and the addition of this title just enhances an already astounding series. If you were a fan of the older KR versions, Karaoke Revolution Party will also make an excellent addition to your collection.

Karaoke still isn't even remotely for everyone, but if you don't have a problem making a fool of yourself, this year's installment is the one to play.

In all, Karaoke Revolution Party is the finest and most fun karaoke game on any console and even rivals many PC-based karaoke programs. In other games, you sing. In this game, you sing and the computer tells you how much you blow. If only Britney Spears had this much input. Pop this game in and you'll find that even the uptight girl in the corner with a glass of merlot is going to enjoy herself at your karaoke party when Sweet Caroline hits the airwaves. Good times never seemed so good.

All in all, Karaoke Revolution Party is a dish best served up with a bunch of friends, a case of beer and a lack of inhibitions.

All of the additional options and modes definitely make this the biggest game in the series, but diversity in this particular kind of game doesn't necessarily make it stronger. The few changes that are here don't necessarily make it a must-have if you already have other games in the franchise.

Disappointing detours aside, what matters with a title like this is "does it work?" and seeing as how this is a formula that has been perfected since the first game...yes, yes it does. Having some friends over, grabbing some mics and belting out the hits like "Take On Me" or "Here I Go Again" is still as entertaining and as embarrassing as ever. Whether you're looking to further your Karaoke Revolution collection or are new to the series, the formula of good friends, booze and microphones is a combination that never fails. Now if only it weren't so obvious that Harmonix spent all their creative energy on a certain, far more rocking game.

Karaoke Revolution Party has all the makings of shaking off the traditional karaoke reigns, but the added pressure of graded dancing while trying to keep up with the on-screen lyrics proves too much in the end. While the concept doesn't necessarily need to be ditched, a little more creativity poured into the actual karaoke gameplay and a song selection that didn't sometimes reek of "what else can we stuff on here that's quick and cheap?" would be refreshing next time around.