Reviewing the vast array of SingStar games that Sony has released, one after another, has become a hard task. Even though every edition is a standalone release, the SingStar formula of karaoke hasn't changed at all, even going back to 2004 when the series was first unveiled. That said, the one thing that definitely changes from game to game is the tracklisting, whether that be an eclectic mix of old and new, or an all out Eighties marathon. And in only changing this vital element of the games, reviewing a collection of music that people could love or hate is very hard. But luckily for me, and even more for SingStar fans, Sony has added some brand new features with the series' second shot at the next gen party market. Do they make this even more essential than SingStar from six months ago?

The most substantial of these additions comes in the shape of a harmony mode. It's not as scary as it sounds, being no more than a way for two people to sing two different lines at the same time. This is achieved by moving the red mic's lyrics above the video of the song, allowing both sections to display both different words and different pitches. Some songs, such as The Mamas and the Papas, take the harmony part of the name very literally, which makes these songs even more enjoyable, even if you have no idea about the basics of singing. On the other hand, most just use it to separate different singers' voices that are performing the duet, making it easier to distinguish when you are meant to be singing. The Harmony mode adds a lot to the game, in terms of harmony, but it also helps to make the bottom lyrics bar clearer, separating the two parts to opposite ends of the screen. It may not throw the rules of SingStar out the window, but the Harmony mode is a great addition to the series, showing that Sony still have some tricks up their sleeve.

The other major addition to the game is the ability to access SingStar through your PSP, using Remote Play. This is intended to allow partygoers to buy songs from the SingStore when coming back from the pub, getting straight into the karaoke action from the moment you step in the door. But while this is a 'good' idea on paper, would you really see yourself doing this? Besides the obvious flaw that is the embarrassment that would accompany this, how many open Internet hotspots are there on you way home from the local? Probably close to none, and even if there were one or two, you wouldn't be able to access them if you were moving anyway, completely disregarding the point of the Remote Play functionality. You probably won't use it, but its addition shows some 'outside the box' thinking, which bodes well for the inevitable Vol 3.

If you already own SingStar on PS3 and are involved with either the SingStore or My SingStar, then the last two paragraphs may have felt a tiny bit familiar to you. You would be right in thinking this, as an update for the original next-gen SingStar was recently released that contains both of these additions. You may not have any songs available to you that support Harmony in the first game, but the fact that Sony is selling SingStar Vol 2 with these 'new' features is misleading. You don't need this game to play using Harmony, thanks to the update, and so Vol 2 isn't as essential as it might seem to fans. On the other hand, if you take a look at the track list, you may decide that this is essential, making this the most important feature of the game for what is now the fifteenth time.

My personal preference when comparing Vol 1 and 2's tracklists sways more in favour of the first edition, thanks to the more pop-orientated feel of the game. But my personal preference won't mean anything to anyone else when considering which game to pick; it's really down to your individual taste in music. The better songs in Vol 2 range from Kool and the Gang's Celebration to the Aerosmith classic Dude Looks Like a Lady. The Gossip's Standing in the Way of Control and The Killers' When You Were Young are both belters too, with Eminem's Without Me making sure everyone has a song to sing. And while this eclectic mix is decent, some choices of song seem just weird when put up against SingStar classics. Does anyone really want to sing Paul McCartney and the Frog Chorus? To be fair to those who answered yes, it all depends on whether you like the look of the songs found here, when compared to the first version. That's even forgetting the now great SingStore, a mix of classic SingStar and new flavours that is updated every fortnight, including tracks from Vol 1 that have only recently been added. The tracklist is varied to say the least, and while it may not have as many standout songs as some of the PS2 SingStar titles, there will always be people who like what's on offer here.

SingStar Vol 2 is just as essential as SingStar Vol 1, for the simple fact that they are exactly the same game. Both, thanks to the update, now feature the great Harmony mode, and the not so great PSP Remote Play; the tracklist is all that has changed. You should base your buying desicion on the songs; everyone who has ever enjoyed the brilliant karaoke of SingStar in the past should pick up one of these games, with your choice depending upon your personal musical preference. Toxic or Without Me? Chealsea Dagger or Common People? Maybe you want both, in which case Vol 2 lets you save around a tenner for the small inconvinience of swapping out a disc, rather than buying the songs separately. Everyone needs some SingStar in their life, whether that is Vol 1, Vol 2, or even both. Just make sure you warn the neighbours!

Reviewed by Sam Atkins for AceGamez (All Rights Reserved).