Gamescom'09 gave us the opportunity to have a look at the forthcoming Lips 2, well actually it's not being billed as Lips 2 but Lips: Number One Hits. The reason for this is obvious as the game features a heady mix of number one hits from across the globe, although there will be some localization seeing as German number one hits are most likely to be very different to UK hits, David Hasselhoff anyone? Lips: Number One Hits features popular number one songs from artists such as Coldplay, Rihanna, Tokio Hotel, Timbaland featuring OneRepublic, Extreme, Culture Club, MC Hammer, Roy Orbison, and Marvin Gaye to name but a few.
We did not partake in any actual singing, but the game's creative director and associate Microsoft representative were in fine singing voice and let rip on a couple of tunes - The Pet Shop Boys being one of them. For those of you a little unsure or unaware of what Lips is all about, let's recap a little. Basically the software allows you to sing along to popular tracks using a wireless microphone. What's more you'll be able to partner up with family and friends and start rocking the house as you belt out the wide selection of popular tracks. You can sing co-operatively or if you've got a competitive edge then against your opponent. The game tracks how well you pitch against the original vocal track and scores you accordingly.
Lips: Number One Hits improves from the first game in a number of ways, and not only with the technology used to capture your vocal efforts but the overall interface and ease of use. Looking at the screen and seeing the vast selection of tracks on offer, you can preview tracks and view the original music videos as well. You can also list them in a number of ways to suit your own style and needs. This is great if you've got some favourites or an audience with specific musical tastes. What's more using a disc swap method you can use the tracks from the first game with ease and any downloaded tracks from the Marketplace.
The game has tweaked the vocal input and although there's room for four players, only two vocalists can sing at any one time, amazingly you're able to drop in and drop out in the most casual of ways which makes the game very user friendly should you develop a frog in the throat or a bout of shyness as a soul diva walks into your house. The element of cheating has been addressed and we were told that rubbing the mic on trousers will no longer work, so you're going to have to sing properly this time if you're to score highly and enter the online leaderboards for each individual track. What's more, if you do manage to belt out the track very well then you'll receive a trophy for your efforts which is rather cool for bragging rights and completionists out there.
Looking at the actual singing for a moment and you'll notice that you can shake the wireless mic to the beat for additional points and also score combos when you start to get into the groove even more. The whole experience has been made to be a much more encompassing one, and with the inclusion of Avatar support where they will show you various actions on-screen means that there should never be a dull moment whether your strangling the cat or wooing your audience into submission with you vocal talents. You'll also be able to unlock some cool items for your Avatar as well to show off to friends via the Live network.
One new feature that was showcased and one that is rather cool is the ability to save performances for playback. Whether you'll be able to share these online is unclear but at least it gives players the chance to see how they performed and perhaps take cues on how they can improve their scores or if they are shared online, see how well your friends fare.
The freestyle mode has been improved also as the technology for using any audio track has been tweaked for better results all round. You can stream media via Media Center PC as well as from USB and other external devices.
Lips: Number on Hits, whilst not necessarily appealing to everyone due to its distinct slant on vocals only is looking like a whole lot of fun for those of us who enjoy the camaraderie of belting out classic tunes with no fear of retribution. Maybe you have loving neighbours who rather than bang on walls asking you to 'please turn it down' would rather step up to the challenge and join right in. Lips: Number One Hits is due for release this October and should prove to be a whole bucket-load of entertainment.
Preview By: Robert Cram
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