MSRP: $14.99
Age Range: 8 and up
SKU or Item #: Ask 1556
Launch Date: July 2008
Age Range: 8 and up
SKU or Item #: Ask 1556
Launch Date: July 2008
| Category: | Music CD-ROM Electronics |
Karaoke Edge is a new computer game published by Audiostream Inc. Karaoke Edge allows users to play the game in a computer or use it as a regular karaoke disc in a karaoke machine. Karaoke Edge offers users the chance to show off their vocal talents and be scored on their performances. New releases of Karaoke Edge are offered quarterly. "The Karaoke Edge computer game is included on a unique Hybrid CD+G disc which can be used in a variety of ways: Users can play the Karaoke Edge game, sing karaoke using a Windows PC, or use the disc in a karoke machine or regular CD player," explained Chris Wright, VP of sales for AUDIOStream. "This feature gives the product flexibility and an appeal to both karaoke machine owners and PC owners." Launch date: 07/29/2008
TDmonthly Review:
What It Is
Karoake Edge is a computer game on a hybrid CD+G disc that can also be used in a karaoke machine. It scores singers based on their ability to match pitches and is supported by various albums users can collect to build their karaoke library. In the game, the words of the songs show up as notes on a staff, convenient for sight-reading, and turn red or blue according to whether they're sung correctly or incorrectly. Singers use a microphone that plugs into the computer.
What We Thought
I enjoyed both the game and the on-screen feature that allows you to sing karaoke as you normally would. I was encouraged to see words like "Wow!" and "Awesome!" over many of the notes when I sang one of Taylor Swift's songs on the "Easy" level, but noticed when I tried to conquer the "Hard" level for the same tune, such praises were few and far between. The program stores scores so that individuals can compete against each other and even try to beat their own best performances. I liked, too, that for those who might be unsure of the notes or their pitch, it offers the option of having the vocals on, or even having a vocal come in when the singer fails to utter a note. My main complaint is that I couldn't see all the notes on the bottom staff of the game, and the window wouldn't expand; perhaps a formatting change might help.
Why They'll Want It
Who doesn't want to imitate their favorite rock star or country artist? Or better yet, steal the spotlight! For anyone who loves music (and especially loves to sing), this is an ideal gift. It would be a fun and competitive activity for friends to go back to again and again, with different songs, and would be awesome entertainment at a party. — Julie L. Jones, 12/23/2008
