Sing synth star

The Christmas rush starts this Friday with the release of Pro Evolution Soccer 5. And, after having played a review copy for the last month, I can vouch for its brilliance. It's a grittier, more realistic football simulator and I can't wait to get stuck in on Xbox Live this Friday. But after speaking to some friends this weekend it seems the game they are looking forward to most is Singstar '80s. Sony's karaoke-style music series is, in my experience, the one thing that gets everyone playing, especially post-pub (or wine in front of telly, if you're a parent...) I know of at least four friends - of both sexes - who have bought a PS2 just to play one of the Singstar games. The latest version, out next month, is Singstar 80s, with Duran Duran rubbing shoulder pads with Wham and co. Don't go expecting any Gang of Four here - the choice of tracks is overly obvious - but do expect to be hollering at the telly with this at some point over Christmas.