PlayStation launches latest interactive musical title - SingStar - in the Middle East

The new game will be available at retail outlets across the Middle East from the 19th May, 2004.

Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) at its studios in London, SingStar's groundbreaking technology analyses the player's vocal skills, based on their pitch, tone and timing as they sing into the USB microphone attached to the console. The game's inbuilt program then judges the performance and gives the player a score.

Speaking on the launch of SingStar Mr. Masaru Tamagawa, Managing Director, Sony Gulf FZE said, "SingStar offers an engaging, social experience that encourages practically anyone to step into the spotlight and have fun. What makes it even more lively and entertaining is that it is compatible with the EyeToy game, which has already proven a success in the Middle East."

SingStar features three game-play modes that allow for between one and eight players to join in together. The Sing Mode encourages players to simply pick up the microphone and start singing, either alone or battling against another. 'Pass the Mic' is the ultimate party game, encouraging duets and team competitions; and Star Maker allows budding stars to follow their dream from singing in the bedroom to performing live in concert. The SingStar title comes packaged with a pair of microphones along with an adaptor and is competitively priced like any other PlayStation 2 software title.

Upbeat about the launch of SingStar, Mr. Tim Stokes, Sales and Marketing Manager, SCEE said that with its exciting features and sophisticated technology, SingStar is set to capture the imagination of all music lovers and gamers.

Addressing the media Mr. Tim Stokes said, "One of our key objectives in the region is to reach out to a wider, more mainstream audience, by focusing more on the sociability and simplicity of PlayStation. Music lovers, especially, will be wowed with this unique gaming concept where they have the opportunity to virtually sing along and compete with others".

"Like EyeToy, this type of software takes gaming to a new level, broadening the appeal and encouraging social interaction. As the number one console in world, this is the type of innovation and technology that consumers have come to expect from PlayStation 2", he added.

SingStar's expansive track list features a wide variety of well-known songs from world-class artists.