Recently many karaoke games have released on Xbox One which feature great songs and similar interfaces, but they ignore Kinect. Now That’s What I Call Sing 2 is one of them. Just like Just Sing, Now That’s What I Call Sing 2 is just what the name suggests. It’s simply a game in which you sing and that’s it. It’s immensely fun to do with friends, and even better alone when there’s no peer pressure. Last year I played Now That’s What I Call Sing and I have to say that the interface is much better this time around. While Now That’s What I Call Sing didn’t have much competition, this year it does so the fact that it improved the interface is a welcome addition. More karaoke games are coming out soon though so we’ll check them out. However, I was greatly entertained the entire time I played this game.
This game ignores Kinect for some odd reason. It doesn’t work at all with it. I would expect that there would be at least some option to use it but it’s as if the accessory doesn’t even exist. Instead, you have to download the smartphone app—which I couldn’t find on the Apple App Store just so you know—or use a USB microphone. For me, the only way to play it was by using a USB microphone. I have to admit the feeling is a little strange considering an expensive camera and microphone are just sitting in front of my television.
Just like Just Sing, using a USB microphone or smartphone app is better because the voice is much clearer because the microphone is right next to your mouth. I don’t think holding the giant Kinect camera would work if you had to constantly hold it to your face.
The singing part of the game is great. You can sing directly into the microphone which I found to be more fun. Your performance is analyzed after each song and I believe it’s judged based on your ability to sing the words rather than sing it in the proper tune. I’m not sure though because I think I was absolutely terrible but did rather well. I think I might have to stream myself playing Now That’s What I Call Sing 2 and let you decide.
The music library is okay, but not that great. As you know, I enjoy karaoke pop and I didn’t see many hit songs. It would be nice if they could be added later. I couldn’t find the artists I like so I’m hoping maybe there’s a pack you can download in the coming months. It would be nice if they can negotiate a better deal with the record companies because the music selection is the only detriment to this game right now. Just like Just Sing, this makes Now That’s What I Call Sing 2 seem more like an experiment to gauge interest rather than one which offers a truly compelling karaoke experience. This is their second attempt at this, why does it still not feel like a full-fledged game?
Summary
In conclusion, Now That’s What I Call Sing 2 is a good karaoke game. The fact that it ignores Kinect is a little annoying but there are other ways to play it which enhance accessibility. It’s simple, fun and addictive. However, the music library is lackluster and I want better songs. I really hope they can offer more popular songs in the future even if they are paid content packs.
Xian was a regular ICXM contributor between 2015–2017, publishing 162 articles across game reviews, Windows and PC, and Xbox news. Their work focused on hands-on reviews, platform commentary, and breaking-news reporting during the Xbox One X launch year and Microsoft’s wider Play Anywhere / UWP gaming initiative.