Konami Digital Ent. Inc. has release new information regarding the upcoming release of KARAOKE REVOLUTION PRESENTS: AMERICAN IDOL for the PlayStation 2. Gamers will not only come face-to-face with judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson as they rate performances and provide feedback, but Konamis artificial intelligence (AI) will also enable them to critique specific parts of any performance, a first in the franchises history.
"Over the years AMERICAN IDOL has produced some amazingly talented singers, but let's be honest most of the people who turn up for the auditions are useless," said Cowell. "For anyone who wants to know what it's like to audition in front of me, now you're about to find out. This game is a great representation of AMERICAN IDOL.
The number one show on television and the top karaoke video game around wow, this is going to be big time! said Jackson. Its amazing what Konami has accomplished in making this game look and feel like the TV show. Our goal with KARAOKE REVOLUTION PRESENTS: AMERICAN IDOL is to deliver the experience of being a contestant on the television program. Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson have become synonymous with the show and having them as part of this game adds one more layer of authenticity, said Matt Knoles, product manager at Konami Digital Ent. Inc. Cowells and Jacksons presence goes beyond just their likenesses. With the addition of our groundbreaking AI, their personality will really be felt in the game as they critique specific parts of a players performance.
The game lets players sing and perform using a USB headset/microphone, as they compete through a fully recreated virtual season of the show. In their quest to become the next American Idol, players can take part in auditions, earn an invitation to Hollywood and compete through the Semi-Finals and Finals stages just like on the popular television show. As players progress through the game, comments from the individual judges, both positive and sometimes outrageously negative, affect whether or not they move on to the next round of competition. Additionally, KARAOKE REVOLUTION PRESENTS: AMERICAN IDOL offers support for the EyeToy USB Camera. By utilizing the EyeToy Camera, players can put themselves into the game by creating a 3D model of their head, and watch themselves perform on big video screens within the 3D venues.
As they attempt to be named the next American Idol, Konami is providing gamers a selection of 40 songs, including all-time classics, contemporary favorites and, of course, hits from the television program. Selections include songs and video footage of performances from former Idols of the past five seasons. The list of songs also include an eclectic variety of genres from contemporary R&B and pop to classic hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s.
The song list was carefully chosen to ensure that there was something for every taste and generation. We want to give everyone the opportunity to perform their favorites as they attempt to become the next American Idol, said Knoles. With signature songs from former American Idol contestants, faithfully designed American Idol venues and a variety of single- and multi-player game modes, KARAOKE REVOLUTION PRESENTS: AMERICAN IDOL is the closest players can get to being on stage without going to an audition.
Konami (www.konami.com) is a leading developer, publisher and manufacturer of electronic entertainment properties. Konami Corp. is a publicly traded company based in Tokyo, Japan with subsidiary offices, Konami Digital Ent. Inc. in the U.S. and Konami Digital Ent. GmbH in Frankfurt, Germany.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
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