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SingStar Abba
Console
PlayStation 3
Publisher
SCEE
Genre
Music/Rhythm
Developer
SCEE
Release Date
12/02/08
8
ESRB Rating
Everyone
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Posted by:
Ryan Olsen
Reviews Director
REVIEW
SingStar Abba
November 23, 2008 | 6:24 PM PST

Kombo's Review Policy: Our reviews are written for you. Our goal is to write honest, to-the-point reviews that don't waste your time. This is why we've split our reviews into four sections: What the Game's About, What's Hot, What's Not and Final Word, so that you can easily find the information you want from our reviews.

What the Game's About
SingStar is the video game name for karaoke. The Sony franchise has taken on so many genres and editions that you'll trip over a copy of a SingStar game anytime you walk into the game section of any store. This time around, the singing game is all about everyone's favorite Swedish disco group, Abba.

What's Hot
Imagine something with me for a moment. You family is gathered for the holidays and your uncle has fallen asleep on your couch because of all the excitement of passing the gravy for Thanksgiving. You decide you need to liven up the party a bit and need to pick a game that even Aunty Mabel would like. Your choices are limited -- it's either "Taboo" for the millionth time or SingStar Abba. It isn't a choice; Abba it is.

Most people know a few Abba songs and who wouldn't want to belt out "Dancing Queen" into a blue trimmed microphone while the PlaySation Eye watches? The best part of any SingStar game is how seriously or foolishly you take yourself when you have to perform. Abba will get the party started and could lead into a multitude of amazing renditions of some of their most popular songs, which there are a lot of included in the game.

This is a full version SingStar game. You have the SingStore and all the online settings to explore and you can expand on your song collection beyond Abba if you want to jump into the SingStar craze that is still going on in casual circles.



What's Not
The negatives are pretty obvious; you only have one group on the entire disc. Since Abba is a polarizing group, you either love or hate them, and by extension, you'll love or hate this entry into the SingStar lineup. It isn't the potpourri mix of songs like other SingStar games and you need to be sure that you like the group and their songs before you purchase it. It is curious why a PS3 disc-based version was released since a huge pack of songs like this would be perfect for the SingStore.

Singing is the only task in the game and in the day and age with fake plastic instruments taking up corners of living rooms, it might seem limiting. Apart from singing, you can watch other people sing by streaming videos from the SingStar online mode, which equates to a lot of singing. If you aren't a good at carrying a tune, then the outcome will be disastrous.

Final Word
Since the winning SingStar formula remaining untouched, this Abba version is a winner. The game takes narrow look at the disco ear and all the glittery gold will keep this Blu-ray spinning around and around because Abba is always the crowd pleaser.
Visuals
The old school videos of Abba are a funny treat.
7.0
Sound
Those songs are just so darn catchy.
8.5
Control
Only as good as your voice.
9.0
Gameplay
The SingStar formula is always fun.
8.0
Lasting Appeal
Because you only have one artist, it might not last as long as a version with a bunch of artists.
7.5
Verdict
Abba is one of those groups that transcends space and time to put a smile on your face.
8.0
[not an average]
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November 20, 2009
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