Lips: Number One Hits

Microsoft's Kareoke party starter

Our first encounter with Microsoft’s answer to Sony’s all-conquering SingStar began badly. Assuming, as you would, that each variety of 360 microphone was essentially the same product wrapped in different clothes, it was a real blow to discover that Lips: Number One Hits absolutely refused to recognise our trusty Rock Band mics.

Sure, once we’d laid our hands on some proper Lips mics, we could appreciate the benefits of wirelessness and their in-built accelerometers. But it would have been nice if MS had given its game at least some operability with other microphones: the last thing our groaning games cupboard needs is yet more crap thrown in it. The sooner games companies realise that compatibility isn’t a dirty word, the better off we’ll all be.

The game itself? Well, with Lips you really won’t get any surprises. It’s a karaoke game with some nice features that go at least some way to differentiate it from SingStar. This is where the accelerometer comes in, with on-screen prompts demanding you ‘rock out’ in ways that only MS execs could ever think cool. You can also rack up extra points through using the mic as a simulated tambourine / shaker / Lurpak container full of dried peas.

The interface is pretty nicely thought out, with a bunch of play modes allowing for duets and vocal battles as well as the ability to create playlists of your top tracks. Loading times are a bit of a pain though when you’re busting to get your groove on, but at least most songs come with their original videos. The on-screen layout is also, in our opinion, less fussy than that of SingStar and therefore a bit more suitable for drunken get togethers. More sober players will also find a remarkable amount of depth in the game’s solo mode.

Pitch detection is spot on, and the ability to play your own songs via MP3 is a definite life-extender. This is especially important as if we’re honest we really didn’t think much of the game’s tracklist. Really, who would ever want to submit their friends to Roxette’s The Look or Hey There Delilah by The Plain White T’s? Fortunately, tracks by the Pet Shop Boys, Beck and Marvin Gaye raise the bar somewhat.

Whether or not you buy Lips is probably a foregone conclusion – if you don’t own a PS, this is the only karaoke game worth considering. It’s a solid and enjoyable experience throughout, and we just know that it’ll be making an appearance the next time we get the mates round.