GamesRelay

Name: We Sing Encore

Karaoke games are an established genre now, with games such as SingStar, Lips and We Sing bringing the pub like karaoke experience to the living room, all you really need is numerous amounts of alcohol to improve one's vocal chords. You see, I wouldn't classify myself as a terribly bad singer, at least the shower head and car don't think so, thankfully they don't comment, but these types of games I approach with a sense of trepidation, usually because it involves making all manner of noises down the microphone to try and fool the game into thinking I'm singing, when I'm actually not - making me look, and sound, like a complete idiot.

We Sing Encore is no different, but where I thought I might be able to fool it, and in some ways you can, it isn't always completely obvious. Making peculiar noises down the microphone isn't something you'll find people usually doing, at least one would hope not, but if a karaoke game picks up noises as singing then you'll often think you're playing the game well, when in actual fact, you're probably not. Though strangely enough, Nordic Games, the publishers behind We Sing Encore, have placed a picture of a dog on the box with a microphone in its mouth, what exactly this signifies is anyone's guess. Can a dog really do Karaoke? My dogs couldn't, maybe yours can.

This sequel to 2009's We Sing brings more of the same to the Nintendo Wii, giving up to four players the opportunity to battle it out, vocal style, across 40 new tracks which are aimed at the more mature market. The tracks themselves feature artists such as Rihanna, Cheryl Cole and Lady GaGa, to older generations such as Spandau Ballet, B52's and Bonnie Tyler. The songs offer a wide variety of singing styles, but with only 40 tracks to choose from, and there being no ability to purchase more since the Wii doesn't do additional download content, the songs can only be sung so many times before they become repetitive. It would have made more sense to release a themed version rather than a small collection but that doesn't take away any enjoyment from what is included.

The actual singing is done through two USB Logitech microphones which are provided in the box. Onscreen you'll have a number of markers to hit which measure the pitch at which you're singing and score you depending on your accuracy. It isn't perfect, but it works fairly well, just as most similar games do. One of the keys to success is making sure you actually sing in to the microphone, you can't have it slightly to the side or below, or even above your mouth, it needs to be dead on and up close for it to pick up your voice. Something which you'll usually only be aware of when you notice the game not picking up your vocal talents. Having a louder voice does seem to help, especially during some of the longer harmonies where you'll be scored on filling the bar, or die from asphyxiation as you try too.

Solo play should be your first port of call once you start the game, it's one of many modes available through the main menu which lets you sing along to any of the songs, or take on some singing lessons. The lessons are split into mini challenges and attempt to teach you how to hold a note, however, its tuition is fairly limited and in the odd moment where you get stuck the game will simply carry on tutoring you, even though you're not doing anything. The singing lessons don't hold much value other than to configure your sound and the microphone, making sure that the sensitivity and volume is set correctly will help considerably, it won't fix some of the flaws but it will enhance the overall experience.

If you fancy going at it with some friends then the Party mode is where you'll be headed. Having other people singing alongside you really improves the game, the option takes the center stage in the main menu, reinforcing the idea that We Sing Encore should be a group experience. The party option offers a few different modes such as We Sing, Versus and a Pass the Mic, plus an Expert mode which involves singing along with no onscreen lyrics or pitch bars. Whether you choose to sing cooperatively on a song, or against each other is up to you. If you do choose to sing cooperatively then you can each take the place of either the main singer or the backing vocals in some of the songs such as Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler. If you fancy battling it out vocal style then each player will sing the same song and be scored based on their performance, the longer you can hold your note the easier it will be to win.

Being able to sing as the lead vocalist or a backing singer introduces its own set of problems though, one of which is how you're supposed to sing both at once in Solo play. When you choose which part you want to play, lead vocalist, backing singer, or even both, the lyrics will change to suit and can become very confusing unless you know the song already. If you choose to take on both then some of the lyrics will overlap towards the end of a line, meaning you need to be able to do the lead vocals and the backing vocals at near enough the same time, as you can imagine, it's pretty impossible. Thankfully you don't have to do both by yourself, either sing the lead vocals alone or have a friend do the backing singers for you.

With a choice of 40 songs We Sing Encore will last as long as you want it to in terms of replayability, that is if you don't mind singing the same songs again and again. Each song can be played in either full or half-length versions and on different difficulties which will adjust the pitch detection and scoring. Some are fairly easy, regardless of the noise that comes from your mouth, but the harder difficulties really do test your ability to hold a note. The completion percentage tracks the songs you have finished and you'll be rewarded with collectibles as you make your way through each of the songs. There's also a jukebox mode which if you're not fed up of singing the tracks then you can simply listen to them and watch the included music videos which play through nearly all of the songs.

We Sing Encore is a good Karaoke game, one which can much more enjoyable when played with friends or family, despite its problems. However, the limited range of songs on offer won't be enjoyed by everyone, meaning you'll be fed up of the music much sooner. Playing the game regularly spoils it, keeping it for those drunken parties where you won't give a damn about your singing ability, or lack thereof, will make We Sing Encore a truly hilarious game and one you'll certainly get your money's worth from.