Lips: I Love The 80s, is the latest in a long string of karaoke titles from iNiS and Microsoft Game Studios. Themed, as the title suggests, on the 80s; this new title features 40 classic songs from that era. As party games go, the 360′s market is filled with big band franchises such as Guitar Hero, and Rock Band. Can the latest Lips instalment tip the scales in the battle with its accessory driven peers?

It was a time of crazy hair, and really strange fashion blunders (which mostly involved neon colours and leg warmers), however most people who lived through the 80s remember its music fondly. With groups like The Communards, Culture Club, Human League, and The Police constantly rocking the charts, the 80s left its distinct mark on music history.

Lips: I Love The 80s attempts to recreate that classic era in your living room, with a string of titles that span the decade. Presented with their original music videos, you and up to 3 other friends can sing through the likes of Tainted Love and The Power of Love.

With a simple and stylish interface, songs from Lips: I Love The 80s can easily be selected for a single play-through, or added to a playlist for an extended vocal session. Content isn’t restricted to the 40 included songs, as all Lips DLC will work perfectly with the latest instalment. The added ability to play tracks stored on your mp3 player or HDD, means that you can also sing along to the music in your own personal collection. However this mode, obviously, lacks the on-screen lyrics and videos that make the official tracks stand out.

Each track features sets of pitch waves, each of which must be hit in order to score points and build up your Star Stream (similar to GH’s star power meter), which can be unleashed for a huge score bonus. In addition, during quieter moments, you’ll be able to perform percussion “noise makers” as well as various timed gestures. These also add to your Star Stream, and the rewards are great if you successfully perform all of the events in the song.

I was petrified when I first picked up the wireless microphone, worried that being absolutely tone deaf would hamper progress within the game. However, Lips: I Love The 80s didn’t seem to mind (my neighbours did though), and I was even rewarded for holding the correct pitch and rhythm through a number of songs (which probably means it’s broken).

I found that singing to the on-screen lyrics, and performing the timed noise makers was almost second nature. However with the gestures, I discovered that they were sometimes hit and miss; especially frustrating when trying for that all important “perfect” performance.

While I can’t promise that it will help you shine in your X Factor audition, Lips: I Love The 80s will draw in those who are put off by peripheral driven games, and provide your party with an entertaining digital experience. With the promise of further 80s themed track packs, I can only see the 80s coming back into fashion again.

If you’re looking for an interesting experience that is truly accessible to people of all ages, you can’t go wrong with Lips: I Love The 80s. Now excuse me while I grab my body warmer, and jump into my DeLorean; I have a date with a girl called Jennifer.

8/10

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You can help support Old School Gamer by purchasing Lips: I Love The 80s from the following sites: -

ShopTo: Standard Edition (Solus), Deluxe Edition (with Microphone).
Amazon: Standard Edition (Solus), Deluxe Edition (with Microphone).
Play.com: Standard Edition (Solus), Deluxe Edition (with Microphone).