As much as we like to tell ourselves we have the voices of an angel while we sing in the shower, the chances are you’re as tone-deaf as I am. However, while I’ll never be cast as the lead in a musical or break records in the charts, I’ll forever want to sing my lungs out whenever the opportunity presents itself. And with Let’s Sing 2024, that opportunity is always ready for you.
I was fortunate enough to not only get a copy of the Xbox version of the game, but also a physical Let’s Sing 2024 mic kit. I expected to find a lonely mic inside a cardboard box, confused why it wasn’t in the hands of a young popstar just starting out, yet what I unboxed was a fabulously pink, glitter-filled, pop-up party in a box. Make that a metallic pink box to be precise.
does the limelight of fame call to you? Watch the Let's Sing 2024 launch trailer!
With all the makings of a musical prodigy now within reach, there really was no excuse not to wow my neighbours with the might of my voice. Oh, how quickly I discovered that my voice, while able to hit the notes the game asks of me, is a sound that dogs can hear in the far distance. Still, while my fears about my potential singing career have been confirmed, what’s still up in the air for me is Let’s Sing 2024 itself.
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The reason I’m undecided on how I feel about it comes down to two factors: the lack of free songs, as well as having to purchase the VIP subscription to unlock more content. Let’s tackle the lack of songs first. Truly, I was shocked to see only 35 songs available to everyone, with additional music available for purchase via the VIP Pass subscription. Granted, Let’s Sing 2024 is very upfront about needing to pay to unleash even greater experiences, but it still doesn’t quite sit right with me, likely because I only casually play these types of games.
If you’re someone who regularly has friends over and one (or all of you) suggest hitting a karaoke bar before the night is through, then having the VIP subscription is totally worthwhile. Not only will it be cheaper than venturing out of your home, but you can stay in your pyjamas while you entertain your (frightened) pets. But for me, someone who will only break out the mic when I need to work out my frustration through the art of song, paying on top of the game price isn’t worth it.
As for the free songs themselves, there’s simply not enough variation, especially in the way of “timeless” songs – I’ve got an eclectic music taste, to say the least, and half of what was on there just didn’t interest me, or I genuinely had never heard of. Hence the VIP being offered, which then brings me back to my gripes about having to pay, and oh look, we’re in an endless loop.
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However, I will say that I had a marvellous time belting out Kelly Clarkson’s Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) down the microphone with all the angst of a heartbroken teenager. For anyone who intends to hold a private gig every night, I highly recommend the microphone – as handy as it is to just download the companion app and use your phone instead, I find the tangibility of a real mic far more satisfying.
Another aspect of the game that didn’t quite work for me was the career path. It isn’t that I don’t appreciate having a storyline to follow – I’m very much a gamer who needs a narrative to guide them, however loose it is – but because it felt a little too high school-esque. Although I appreciate that all age groups can enjoy Let’s Sing 2024, the story centres around someone who is clearly over 18 but younger than 25, so, a baby to my old and decrepit 33 years of age. There’s also the issue with songs being treated like homework or a lesson to be learnt, which took the magic out of it for me. I don’t want to be taught the ropes of a professional singer, I just want to have fun (like Cyndi Lauper intended).
Where Let’s Sing 2024 shines is the LS Fest, aka the global multiplayer arena of judgement. I didn’t venture in there for long, but being able to see my name climb the leaderboard despite my questionable vocal range was ridiculously fulfilling. Plus, you can simply lurk and listen to other budding musicians if singing to a global audience isn’t for you so early on in your career. Seeing my avatar self bust out some moves with her giant hands felt wholesome, as if the world had righted itself at that moment. Which brings me to another element of the game I appreciate: the customisation.
I love being able to tailor a character to my tastes, and with Let’s Play 2024, I wanted to represent myself as authentically as possible. Massive floating head and all. This is obviously a personal preference, like me preferring that the music videos are behind the avatars, with your singer being the centre of the show rather than the original artist. After all, this is about you embodying the role of a singer, why would you want to be outshone by a music video? The audience loves you, the camera loves you.
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These are changes in stark contrast to previous Let’s Sing titles though. Yes, this is clearly a rebrand, an attempt to change how the franchise is seen by its players, and while it doesn’t work for everyone, it’s a bold step that I commend the devs for. Did it work for me? I have no horse in this race if I’m honest. I wasn’t an avid player of the previous games, having only indulged the call of the mic at parties, so the changed format and style didn’t affect me.
Overall, Let’s Sing 2024 is a mixed bag; it’s a party that doesn’t reach its full potential, sadly fizzling out before it gets started. It’s a shame because I believe the core of the franchise is still there behind all the new licks of paint, it’s just harder to see when other, less favourable elements catch your eyes instead. But it still bursts with fun, ready to be unpacked at a moment’s notice and, for that reason, it’s a decent game in my eyes.
Pros: Easy to enjoy fun for all ages, even if you don’t have a microphone to hand
Cons: The subscription paywall is a major turn-off, leaving the game feeling lesser for it, with the cheesy “story” one that’s all too cliche
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For Fans Of: previous Let’s Sing, Let’s Dance, Just Dance
6/10: Good
Let’s Sing 2024 is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, and Nintendo Switch. Review copy and mic kit provided by the publisher. Read a guide to our review scores here.
Featured Image Credit: PlaionTopics: Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox