Amazon.co.uk Review
Based on the television phenomenon of the same name,
Pop Idol marries many of the key features of the show. And while there are times when you can't help feeling that this isn't the most substantial game you've ever played, there is some fun to be had.
The idea is simple. You create a singer and take them through the heats and qualifying rounds to the final. If all goes to plan, you get crowned the Pop Idol. If it doesn't, you get to suffer the acid tongues of the three judges, including the infamous Simon Cowell.
Clearly, a video game is going to have troubling assessing your vocal talents and that is a downfall. Instead, Pop Idol substitutes a simple rhythm-style game, not a million miles from classics such as Parappa the Rappa. Basically, symbols correlating to your control pad head towards the middle of the screen and you need to have the relevant button pressed at exactly the right moment. The more you get it right, the better you do. You're also assessed on your outfit, which you choose along with your song before every round.
It's ultimately quite a simple, straightforward title and one that could have been better, could have been worse. It's going to find favour more easily with the casual, less demanding gamer, though, and dedicated fans of the show. --Simon Brew
Manufacturer's Description
Pop Idol is a music-based rhythm-action game that allows you to create, style and train a contestant through auditions, various heats and the grand final, just like the hit TV show. Create your own idol with fully customisable hair, appearance and wardrobe, and keep the rhythm going to join Will Young as champion and Pop Idol. Sing and dance with your hands to match the combination of buttons displayed on screen and your contestant sings a sweet harmony, dancing to the rhythm of the song. Get it wrong and their performance fades and goes out of tune as the judges, and later the audience, grow unsettled. Get it perfect and make the song your own with ad-libs to really impress.
The tracklist has 40 international hits to master--including "Oops I Did It Again", "Genie in a Bottle" and, of course, "Evergreen"--so prepare to get full feedback from the judges whatever your performance is. If your contestant sings the song perfectly you'll receive a few words of praise from Simon Cowell and the other judges and win a place in the next round. However, if your contestant squeals and howls out of tune then prepare for heartache as Simon delivers one of his famous put-downs before you get booted off the show.
