SingStar Take That vs. Lips: Number One Hits Review

Who's top of the pops?

Version tested: PlayStation 3

Microsoft and Sony are attempting to throw yet more karaoke fun your way this autumn. PS3 is celebrating the life and work of Take That, while Xbox 360 owners get a follow-up to last year's Lips. Both discs feature a range of chart-toppers, include the proper videos and are compatible with wireless mics. So which is best? FIIIIIGHT.

SingStar Take That

In which Robbie, Gary, Howard, Mark and Oranges follow in the footsteps of Abba and Queen with their very own SingStar compilation. There are 25 songs on the disc, a range which spans the group's entire career. It all began back in 1991 with their first single, Do What U Like, which was accompanied by an amazing video. (Devastatingly the censors have cut all the images of naked buttocks from the SingStar version. One of them has been replaced with a shot of Gary Barlow wobbling a giant strawberry jelly on his chest, which is some consolation.) With lyrics like "Jam - can't spread no more, you've took my bread," it's a miracle this song only made it to number 82 in the charts.

There are plenty of better known and less rubbish songs on the disc including Babe, Back for Good, A Million Love Songs, Could it be Magic? and Everything Changes. Not to mention It Only Takes a Minute (eerily topical lyrical highlight: "If you get a flu attack, for 30 days you're on your back"), Pray, Relight My Fire and Why Can't I Wake Up With You? (The answer to which during the mid-nineties was, for some band members at least, "Because you've had so much drugs you can't even blink, never mind sleep.")

On top of that you get a big batch of songs from Take That's comeback era. There's Patience, I'd Wait for Life, Reach Out and Greatest Day, plus Said it All, Rule the World and Shine. In fact the only glaring omission on the disc is the group's cover of the Bee Gees' How Deep is Your Love? This is presumably due to licensing issues, or perhaps they were worried about encouraging kids to stab their pop heroes in the neck with a fork.

'SingStar Take That vs. Lips: Number One Hits' Screenshot 1

Take That: the conference years.

Otherwise there's not much to report. The format is just the same as previous SingStar games - you can sing solo, duet, take part in battles, play pass the mic and so on. You can plug in wired or wireless mics and pick songs using voice control. Pressing Select while on the menu screen allows you to swap SingStar discs without having to turn off the PS3.

You do still have to swap discs though, which is a bit of a pain. Why not let users rip tracks to the PS3's hard drive? Or at least create a reference list of all the songs on the discs they own, so they can see all the options at a glance? In fact, while we're at it, why not introduce a Netflix-style system where you pay a small monthly fee to rent unlimited songs from a huge library?

Maybe then playing SingStar would be as good as going to a proper karaoke place. Considering you can now download almost any song in the universe to your mobile within a minute, the current system is starting to look dated.

'SingStar Take That vs. Lips: Number One Hits' Screenshot 2

Style personified.

All the same, there's nothing quite like holding your own version of X-Factor in your very own living room. Or office, in our case. Dan "Cheryl Cole" Pearson, wearing a black vest with a load of spoon handles stitched round the tits, described mine and Bertie's attempt at Never Forget thus: "If I was a weather forecaster, I'd say long periods of average with scattered showers of OK." Better than John and Edward? "Yes." Judge for yourself..

SingStar Take That doesn't move the series forward technically but it's just as polished, slick and enjoyable as previous instalments. So it really comes down to the selection of songs on the disc - which is excellent. Old buffers will find plenty they remember from the nineties but there's also an extensive catalogue of newer hits, plus a few treats for veteran fans. At £19.99 for 25 songs, it's a good deal if you like this sort of thing.

In fact the only people who don't enjoy SingStar Take That will be people who hate Take That. Or SingStar. Or both, in which case they probably hate everything, and ought to be left alone to think about how much cooler and better that makes them than everyone else.

8 / 10

Lips: Number One Hits

The Lips series, for those who aren't familiar, is Microsoft's answer to SingStar. The first instalment scored just 5/10 on Eurogamer, with Tom bemoaning the shallow gameplay and lack of online functionality. So have things improved for Lips: Number One Hits?

No. As far as Xbox Live options go you can view rankings, challenge friends to sing-offs and buy more new tracks, but that's about it. You still can't plug in a camera and video your performances, which is one of the best things about SingStar PS3. In fact even the original PS2 SingStar games had this feature, so why is Microsoft still playing catch-up?

The difficulty level does appear to have been tweaked slightly for NOH. You can no longer get great scores just by rubbing the microphone on the carpet, though it's still possible to earn some points this way. Just like in the previous game, you can bluff your way through rap tunes by gibbering any old nonsense in a monotone voice. The menus have been spruced up and it's now easier to navigate around, but otherwise there have been no major improvements.

'SingStar Take That vs. Lips: Number One Hits' Screenshot 3

One of very few men who will forever be associated with a style of trouser.

So once again it comes down to the songs on the disc. There are 40 to choose from and there's a decent mix of genres and time periods. There are golden oldies like Pretty Woman and I Get Around, while eighties highlights include Karma Chameleon, She Drives Me Crazy and Everybody Wants to Rule the World. You can also expect nineties hits (U Can't Touch This, Lovefool) and noughties horrors (Barbie Girl, Atomic Kitten's version of The Tide is High).

There are also plenty of more recently released tracks such as Coldplay's Viva La Vida, Just Dance by Lady Gaga and Lily Allen's The Fear. It's not all pop, either - rap fans get to enjoy the likes of California Love by 2Pac, while for rockers there's Nickelback's How You Remind Me.

Viewed as a total package, however, the song selection is disappointing. Despite the range of genres and timeframes, almost all the tracks are mediocre mid-tempo affairs. There aren't enough dancefloor fillers or epic ballads. Too many of the songs are inspid, instantly forgettable examples of mediocrity (yes, we're talking to you, Jason Mraz. Rihanna, Disturbia is not your finest work. And Fergie, Big Girls DO Cry if they're forced to sit in a room with your records for long enough). With a title like Number One Hits you might expect a few more true classics. Don't Phunk With My Heart by the Black-Eyed Peas is hardly up there with Bohemian Rhapsody.

'SingStar Take That vs. Lips: Number One Hits' Screenshot 4

Poor George, always the bridesmaid, never the bride.

It doesn't help that Microsoft wants £34.99 for the standalone disc. Yes, that's 20 quid cheaper than buying all these songs individually on Xbox Live - but chances are you wouldn't want them all anyway. For the same money you could buy 25 songs of your own choosing which, looking at the tracklist, seems like a better deal. Or, if you're a Take That fan, you could just buy SingStar, get 25 songs you like and save 15 quid into the bargain.

The real problem, however, is that Lips: Number One Hits doesn't just fail to move this series forward - it fails to resolve the serious issues with the first game. Both NOH and Take That may be expansion packs in essence, but at least SingStar lets you adjust the difficulty levels, use voice controls, hook up a camera, join an online community and so on as standard. Lips just doesn't offer the same expansive experience, and for that reason Number One Hits deserves a lower score. Also: James Morrison.

5 / 10

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Comments (44) Latest comment 2 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • Ace_McCloud #1 2 years ago

    Classic EG Sony bias
  • RedSparrows #2 2 years ago

    I am insulted that 'rockers' would like Nickelback.
  • YobRenoops #3 2 years ago

    I'd be itching to see what Sony London can do to move it forward. We've got 320 or so songs Downloaded and to be honest the carousel is starting to groan. Apparently they're doing something to sort out the servers in December which will be a small mercy.
  • StooMonster #4 2 years ago

    Tis sad but true that Lips sucks
  • Toothball #5 2 years ago

    From what I gather the disc swapping for Lips is even worse than with Singstar, as it insists on swapping back the disc after every song you sing. They both need to get with the Rock Band system.
  • GamesProgrammer Verified Games Team Programmer, Eutechnyx Ltd. #6 2 years ago

    I played lips at a haloween party last weekend, and in comparison to sing star its bloody awful, its not even close to the same quality of product.
  • andywilkie35 #7 2 years ago

    Hahaha "James Morrison", reason enough not to but the game.

    I've got both Lips and Singstar, I have to say that Singstar shits all over Lips from a great height. I think what helps is that Singstar scores are capped at 10k so its more competitive, whilst on Lips I find that you can sing like La Roux/Pixie Lott/Little Boots/anyofthesegenericAmyWinehousewannabecunts and get scores over a million...shit game
  • carrotcake #8 2 years ago

    Can't see a score for the first game (viewing on eurogamer iphone app).
  • RobotRocker #9 2 years ago

    And INIS are still doing this instead of Ouendan 3/Elite Beat Agents 2/Gitaroo Man 3

    Priorities, pffft (And the fat wads of cash MS are throwing their way too I guess)
  • Fletche #10 2 years ago

    "Why not let users rip tracks to the PS3's hard drive?"

    Because users would and then sell the disc, makes perfect sense to have to disc swap and it is probable they have to do this due to licensing/copyright issues

    Anyway, the recent release Singstar Mowtown is better than either of these
  • sonmi451 #11 2 years ago

    Would love to see a Singstar Beatles game or is the Rock Band license exclusive?
  • j-bo #12 2 years ago

    "In fact the only people who don't enjoy SingStar Take That will be people who hate Take That. Or SingStar. Or both, in which case they probably hate everything, and ought to be left alone to think about how much cooler and better that makes them than everyone else."

    Ellie, you're, as ever, a breath of fresh air in gaming journalism:)
  • davisorle #13 2 years ago

    "Pressing Select while on the menu screen allows you to swap SingStar discs without having to turn off the PS3.You do still have to swap discs though, which is a bit of a pain. Why not let users rip tracks to the PS3's hard drive?

    Amen for that BR thats been so usefull into gaming, huh? Those extra GBs have seemed so usefull this far...
  • Ignatius_Cheese #14 2 years ago

    Yup, Lips is balls. Only thing good about it is the wireless mics that are now useable in Rock Band 2/Beatles Rock Band.

    I'll definitely be picking up Sing Star Take That on PS3 with the wireless mics, along with which ever Volume allows you to use the PS2 discs in a non-BC PS3.
  • youhavenomail #15 2 years ago

    The competition is irrelevent to SingStar on this occasion. Nothing can beat Take That for fun this Christmas, including your so-called Beatles.

    I pity Lips for having to go up against Relight My Fire.
  • black2 #16 2 years ago

    "I'll definitely be picking up Sing Star Take That on PS3 with the wireless mics, along with which ever Volume allows you to use the PS2 discs in a non-BC PS3. "

    I think all of the PS3 ones allow you to do it now - you have to download a patch immediately on first play to do it.
  • betahoven #17 2 years ago

    Post deleted at 09:36:16 17-12-2011
  • Mortey #18 2 years ago

    "In fact the only people who don't enjoy SingStar Take That will be people who hate Take That. Or SingStar. Or both, in which case they probably hate everything, and ought to be left alone to think about how much cooler and better that makes them than everyone else."

    It doesn't make me cooler, but it does show I have better taste in music than everyone else! :p
  • gabsta69 #19 2 years ago

    I own lips and wife loves it, i enjoy it too and get everything out of that game that i actually want, singing against a song. Yes it doesnt have additional features, but EG seem to be forgetting the point that the main element of the game is singing and the choice of songs available are good. I think that review is a tad harsh- the game deserves at least a 7, by e.g. it is half of a perfect version of this genre is and I think it is in fact more than half.
  • gabsta69 #20 2 years ago

    I own lips and wife loves it, i enjoy it too and get everything out of that game that i actually want, singing against a song. Yes it doesnt have additional features, but EG seem to be forgetting the point that the main element of the game is singing and the choice of songs available are good. I think that review is a tad harsh- the game deserves at least a 7, by e.g. it is half of a perfect version of this genre is and I think it is in fact more than half.
  • Rubarack #21 2 years ago

    Why not just get Rock Band Beatles then Sonmi? You can use Singstar mics, the vocal recognition system is miles better, the option to (mostly) strip out the original vocals, vocal harmonies (which are suitably awesome) a decent number of tracks next to Singstar, even if a tad fewer than Take That I reckon it's worth it for being The Beatles. You lose out on a few features and access to your DLC from the menu but it should still be a very solid substitute.
  • Cuke #22 2 years ago

    As a fan of both series and having just picked up the new Lips I'm actually thinking Lips is the better 'game' with SingStar offering a better track selection and online options. Were Lips to have a similarly well populated store I'd prefer it to SingStar I think.

    I know it's hardly significant but the little Lips features make all the difference. Like the fact you can see all the available DLC in the main song list rather than having to go to an online store to view it, the medals you can pick up in each song meaning it's not just about one big score, the 'star power' style score multipliers, using your mic as a tamborine or air guitar for extra points... All little things but all fun and something SingStar doesn't do...
  • MENTAL1ST Verified Senior Software Engineer, Picsel UK Ltd. #23 2 years ago

    I am insulted that 'rockers' would like Nickelback.

    You have to admit that they'd be despised by the mods, though.
  • MENTAL1ST Verified Senior Software Engineer, Picsel UK Ltd. #24 2 years ago

    shits all over Lips from a great height

    I think I've seen that video.
  • giant_frying_pan #25 2 years ago

    Personally, I think it's great that Lips suck.
  • kangarootoo #26 2 years ago

    @Ace_McCloud

    The irony of your own blind bias is clearly lost on you.
  • kangarootoo #27 2 years ago

    @Ignatius_Cheese

    "I'll definitely be picking up Sing Star Take That on PS3 with the wireless mics, along with which ever Volume allows you to use the PS2 discs in a non-BC PS3."

    All of them do (so long as you update the game via PSN).
  • PYF #28 2 years ago

    Lips? Flaps, more like.
  • IronGiant #29 2 years ago

  • SpaceMidget75 Verified Senior Software Developer, Minerva Computer Services #30 2 years ago

    Seems to be an awful lot of people that have tried said shit game?
  • sonmi451 #31 2 years ago

    @ Rubarack. So you don't need to buy Beatles Rock Band with all the instruments? You can just use it as a singing game with the Singstar mics? I didn't know that. If that's the case I'll grab a copy. Cheers.
  • Peew971 #32 2 years ago

    They're not on the same platform anyway, Lips serves the purpose of having a karaoke game on 360 and that's probably enough for Miscrosoft. It's not like you're going to buy a console just for one of these.
  • miiiguel #33 2 years ago

    These kinda games are a bit passé nowdays, aren't they? I mean with the Guitar Heroes and stuff. It's just my perception though, I can be wrong.
  • kangarootoo #34 2 years ago

    The two aren't as similar as they first appear imo. If you want to play rock music using a controller you choose one set of games, if singing pop is your thing you choose the other. Horses for courses really.
  • drumbaby #35 2 years ago

    So, Xbox can't do music games.
  • Les #36 2 years ago

    "Seems to be an awful lot of people that have tried said shit game?"

    It's just the overrepresentation of the target demographic on this forum that gives you that impression...
  • psousa #37 2 years ago

    "These kinda games are a bit passé nowdays, aren't they? I mean with the Guitar Heroes and stuff. It's just my perception though, I can be wrong."

    yep, you're wrong.
  • Collymilad #38 2 years ago

    "These kinda games are a bit passé nowdays, aren't they? I mean with the Guitar Heroes and stuff. It's just my perception though, I can be wrong"

    Nah you're not wrong. They are pretty redundant.
  • davisorle #39 2 years ago

    @betahoven

    Its funny that having tards like you -rating me and you calling me an idiot is not only less offensive than how much offended you feel by my post but its rather funny.

    Do me a favor you and all the pathetic ignorants tha cared to -rate me thinking i give a flying fuck where I stand wrong on my post and I can easily prove you how correct I am. And to think that i didnt even tak shit about your fucking PS3 but just about BR not being helpfull in the way they said in the first place before even release up to now. On how better and needed the extra capacity would be. But you are THAT stupid and incapable to accept something wen they show it to you. Dumbass.

    Next time you call someone an idiot, please, do yourself the favour and dont be such an ignorant. At least do it like the rest that get so hurt for their console's company. Rate "-" who doesnt praise your console without commenting back to not show who you are. Low profile is your best bet.

    As on the game I dont care about those since I would rather just go and sing with my friends in a studio instead of the console... Its not my thing to sing for a console instead of the real deal.
  • EvilBob_leeds #40 2 years ago

    @Collymiad & miguel

    I disagree. If you just want to sing, and have two people sing against each other, then Singstar and Lips are hard to beat. There is also the breadth of music they can cover - keyboard heavy / only tracks, orchestral backing and so on, that wouldn't really be viable in Guitar hero / Rock band.

    In short for non guitar based pop they're perfect. Not my cup of tea, but the sales figures speak for themselves.
    Edited by 3 at 07/11/09 @ 12:31
  • Gazza_UK #41 2 years ago

    BAM! right in the kisser
  • MeBrains #42 2 years ago

    hey chapskis... a face-off which is in Sony's favor! O_o

    woooaaahhhh!
  • tossrStu #43 2 years ago

    sonmi451: You must have missed this, but Beatles Rock Band is actually available for the PS3 in a bundle with two SingStar mics (wired, I think), which was a canny bit of cross-promotion IMHO.
  • Bigglesworth #44 2 years ago

    @MeBrains
    Doesn't count until Richard tots up the pixels.