Enjoy karaoke minus the public embarrassment
By Sid Lipsey
CNN Headline News
(CNN) -- I don't speak Japanese, but I would guess that the word karaoke translates into "drunken humiliation."
That phrase perfectly describes the typical karaoke experience: sitting in a bar drinking multiple bottles of "liquid courage" until you conjure up the nerve to climb onstage and mangle your favorite song before an audience that, depending partly on the state of its own collective inebriation, will either cheer lustily or boo mercilessly.
Last fall, Konami gave PlayStation2 owners the chance to re-create that experience in the privacy of their homes with "Karaoke Revolution." Now Konami keeps the music playing with "Karaoke Revolution, Volume 2."
The sequel offers players a new list of 35 selections, ranging from the Steve Miller Band's "The Joker" to Britney Spears' "Toxic."
Assuming the guise of a character you select and outfit yourself, you use a USB headset or microphone to perform your song in front of a throng of screaming virtual fans. (The lyrics scroll beneath your TV screen as you sing.) You also have your choice of venues -- anything from a county fair bandstand to a ritzy stage that resembles the "American Idol" set.
And just like in "American Idol," your singing is critiqued -- but not by a surly British guy in a fitted T-shirt. Using vocal analyzer technology, "Karaoke Revolution" compares your singing voice to that of the song's vocals (which Konami had professionally re-recorded for the game) and judges how well you match the pitch and rhythm.
Match it perfectly, and you will rack up points and, more importantly, win the adoration of the virtual crowd, as I did with my spirited rendition of the Police's "Every Breath You Take." But if you sing off-key, mangle the words or generally stink up the place William Hung-style, the crowd will boo you off the stage, as they did during my feeble version of Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On."
A warning to all you Fantasia Barrino wannabes: This game doesn't judge your singing ability per se but how well your singing matches the original vocal. If you add too many soulful musical flourishes, you will be penalized.
And although "Karaoke Revolution 2" offers a diverse list of songs, don't expect to find any hip-hop -- at least not yet. You can suggest songs for a possible sequel at the game's official Web site. I've already placed my request for 50 Cent's "P.I.M.P."
Of course, you could also buy a real karaoke machine if what you want is a home-based musical experience that doesn't involve singing in the shower. And if you find public shame to be a critical element of karaoke, you can always go to a real karaoke bar.
But Konami product manager Jason Enos says the "Karaoke Revolution" series delivers the most interactive and entertaining karaoke experience you can find anywhere. "And," he jokes, "you don't have to worry about paying the bar tab. Or sobriety tests."
"Karoake Revolution 2" requires a USB headset or microphone. They are sold separately -- so is the "liquid courage."
