When Microsoft first announced Lips, it wouldn't have been stretching the limits of cynicism to think that it was just another tick in the Xbox's 'casual market' checklist, with the console on its ceaseless drive to become all things to all people (or, depending on your viewpoint, innocently expanding its audience). It was only when I heard that iNiS were involved, cult creators of such rhythm-action classics as Elite Beat Agents and – best of all – Gitaroo Man, that my interest was piqued. Any hope that iNiS' grasp of eccentricity would carry over into the mainstream world of karaoke gaming was dashed when Lips eventually emerged last year; nevertheless it was a well-designed, exceptionally slick affair. The only surprise was how traditional their take on karaoke actually was (a bouncing ball for the lyrics the most pointed – and cute – addition). iNiS' involvement was also reassuring because it showed that Microsoft had an awareness of the history of music gaming, as well as a desire to release a karaoke game of real distinction. Did we mention that the wireless microphones had pretty lights?
On this edition of Know Your Industry, Loading Reality gets the chance to have a chat with Roger Kurtz, one of the Producers for the upcoming Lips: Party Classics and the already released Lips: Number One Hits. He describes his pursuit of getting into gaming by taking it slow, favorite experiences working with Lips, top tracks in his Lips playlist, and what to expect from the newest game in the Lips series.
I love the Lips series and can't wait to get my hands on Party Classics. A lot of songs in that game that have needed to be on a singing game.
IG writes: "Parents! Were you there in 80 years is so crazy that Culture Club and the Pet Shop Boys to and uninvited were turned? Children! Annoy you if you die to the fact that Lady Gaga and Jason Mraz TMF not to be hit? I hope you both questions with a firm "no" is answered, otherwise you can instantly scroll to the bottom, watch the score and three points from pulling. Lips: Number One Hits contains as usual mountain of bad pop music nearly all decades."
Pads & Panels writes: "Lips: Number One Hits attempts to make karaoke at home an enjoyable experience, but a limited song selection, inconsistent scoring and some technical issues make it nothing more than a one-hit wonder."
