Karaoke Revolution attempts to reboot this long-running singing series by finally implementing licensed master tracks and dumping the American Idol license. The results, though just as competent as we expected, still can’t compete with livelier rhythm fare.

After years of mediocre covers, we appreciate that the game’s finally embracing master tracks. The 50-song soundtrack is impressively packed with recent hits like Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl” and Taylor Swift’s “Love Story,” as well as classic singles like Modern English’s “I Melt with You.”

Karaoke Revolution offers a bit more gameplay customization than Lips, and it also includes online play (which its competitor lacks), but the straightforward singing experience is largely unchanged from nearly every previous iteration, making it tough to drum up much enthusiasm for the game. And between the bland menus and creepily animated singers, Karaoke Revolution even looks the part of a last-gen holdover. But the game ultimately does its job, even if it’s without style or exuberance. Let’s just agree that it shouldn’t be called a revolution.

On Xbox 360

+ Finally, the series is using licensed master tracks!

- Straightforward approach to the singing.

- Underwhelming visuals compared to other music titles.

? Will anyone miss the American Idol license?

6.0