Lips: Party Classics

Party Classics is the third main game in the Lips karaoke series, expanding on the previous games’ concepts. The graphics have been slightly updated, most notably in the menus, which now feature several themes. The same styles are mainly supported, as is the ability to sing lengthy or short versions of the songs. There is a single-player option and multiplayer featuring co-op and other mini-games. While a video plays in the background, players must sing along with the lyrics on the screen using a microphone to fill empty bars and pitch and timing lines to get it right. Songs can never be failed; instead, players gain fewer points. Real music videos, as well as bespoke, animated ones, are supported. Accuracy is rewarded with points. This generates a meter that can be used to trigger a Star Scream. When it’s ready, tilt the microphone, and all lines are filled with stars. You can then fill in the blanks with your voice.

The motion controls are still employed when your avatar (or a silhouette if you don’t have one) appears between verses. They demonstrate a move, such as moving their hands in the air or playing the guitar, and you must imitate it. You move the microphone as if it were an instrument. There are new moves, such as clapping in rhythm to the beat.

The series’ sensitive wireless mics are supported, like in previous games, but for the first time, standard USB microphones, such as those used in Rock Band or Guitar Hero, can be used as well. Because specific peripherals are not motion-sensitive, avatar movements, mini-games, and percussion instruments are not supported. Importing custom tracks from a USB device into Freestyle mode is also still viable.

The disc-swapping functionality that allows you to import tracks from other Lips titles remains. That music can be imported in-game by simply swapping the CD. The only difference is that the original disc no longer needs to be reinserted after each song. For example, after inserting Lips: Number One Hits, you can continue singing songs from that disc without frequently switching back—the mic tutorial returns to help with microphone synchronization.

The performance viewer is a new addition to the series. Any performance can now be saved and viewed later. The Jukebox mode has been replaced with the option to create a playlist from the main menu.

The 40 tracks on the disc, which range from the 1960s to the 1990s, are as follows:* 4 Non Blondes – What’s Up