By now everyone should know what to expect from a SingStar title, as evidenced by the lack of a flashy intro video taking up precious disc space. This bare bones approach continued as we scratched beneath the surface. After firing up our trusty PS2 we launched straight to the title screen. Following the standard procedure of setting up an optional profile, selecting a mode, difficulty level and track, we got down to the business of thrashing the mics in an extended session of vocal gymnastics... the prospect of which is guaranteed to clear a room quicker than the after-effects of a good curry.

The tried and tested modes and features remain, while others which made fleeting appearances in earlier titles have been stripped away. In single player mode you can challenge yourself to score as many points as possible, or sing freestlye, without the pressure of scoring. In multiplayer (party) mode you can sing a duet or battle it out with your friends – either one on one or by playing Pass the Mic with a group. As with earlier titles the game can accommodate up to eight players. Medleys still abound and of course the game is compatible with the EyeToy camera and with previous SingStar discs; just swap 'em out at the carousel screen for an expanded library of songs.

While we're on the subject of songs, the Australasian version of SingStar Legends features no Kiwi legends – not one. Instead we get a selection of Aussie bands and artists (Jimmy Barnes got two whole tracks to himself… two!). Admittedly the Australian tracks are good ones, but the lack of home grown material was, for us, one of the game's disappointments. Granted, we live in a small country but New Zealand has produced its share of legends over the years. Even a track by Crowded House would have been acceptable, since we can claim their lead singer for our own.

Track selection gripes aside, in our opinion SingStar Legends features one of the better tracklists in the series. However most of the tracks will present more of a challenge to the average punter's vocal chords than previous SingStar titles. This could put some people off, or it may prove to be a draw card. With everyone on the same footing - even more accomplished singers, it doesn't really matter how terrible you sound, especially when your courage has been sufficiently bolstered by plenty of Christmas cheer.

You won't find any groundbreaking new features on SingStar Legends, however all the essentials are onboard, along with an excellent tracklist which offers something for everyone. Overall it ranks as one of our top three in the series; well worth bringing along to liven up your end of year office party or family get-together.

Tracklist:

1. Aretha Franklin - Respect
2. Black Sabbath - Paranoid
3. David Bowie - Life on Mars
4. Dusty Springfield - Son Of A Preacher Man
5. Elton John - Rocket Man
6. Elvis Presley - Blue Suede Shoes
7. Jackie Wilson - Reet Petite
8. John Lennon - Imagine
9. Johnny Cash - Ring of Fire
10. Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama
11. Madonna - Papa Don't Preach
12. Marvin Gaye - I Heard it Through the Grapevine
13. Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
14. Pet Shop Boys - Always On My Mind
15. Sam Cooke - Wonderful World
16. The Jackson 5 - I Want You Back
17. The Monkees - Daydream Believer
18. The Police - Roxanne
19. The Righteous Brothers - Unchained Melody
20. Tina Turner - What's Love Got To Do With It?
21. U2 - Vertigo
22. Whitney Houston - The Greatest Love Of All
23. Jimmy Barnes - No Second Prize
24. Jimmy Barnes - Working Class Man
25. John Farnham - You're The Voice
26. John Paul Young - Love Is In The Air
27. Midnight Oil - Beds Are Burning
28. Silverchair - Tomorrow
29. The Angels - No Secrets
30. The Easybeats - Friday On My Mind