Pop Idol is a brilliant music-based rhythm-action game where you become one of the hopefuls and compete as a singer through the auditions, the heats and on to the finals. Players have to face comments on their performance from a computer-generated Simon Cowell - making him the ultimate end-of-level game baddie.
It's all about rhythm and timing as players control the voice of their Pop Idol contestant by matching the song's lyrics and beats with well-timed button-press combos or Dance Mat movements. The game features a track list of 40 top-ten songs to master, including "Baby One More Time", "I will Survive", "Suspicious Minds", "Livin' La Vida Loca", "Like a Virgin" and "Let Me Entertain You".
Timing and accuracy is key, match the button-presses to those displayed on-screen and your Pop Idol wannabe sings a sweet harmony and dances to the rhythm. Put on a good performance and you'll receive praise from the judges and progress onto the next round.
However, lose the beat and your singer's voice fades and quivers off key, prompting unrest in the audience and a tongue-lashing from Mr Cowell.
As well as controlling your contestant's performance via joypads or keyboards, Pop Idol will also include Dance Mat game modes. Connect up a dance mat to the game and players need to keep their toes tapping on the mat and control the voice of their in-game Pop Idol contestant to impress the judges. Trip or slip and you can kiss goodbye to making anywhere near the final spectacular.