Game review: Def Jam Rapstar

Published on Tuesday 30 November 2010 14:43

Like karaoke games Singstar and Lips, Def Jam Rapstar compiles music from the world's hottest rap acts and invites players to throw down their lyrical skills.

It's baffling that this is the first game to focus purely on rap because it's an absolute riot to play. Drawing together a string of high-profile acts such as Kanye West, Dizzee Rascal, Dr Dre and Run DMC, there are artists from across the past few decades.

Because rap can be complex, with rapid-firing syllables coming at you left, right and centre, it's not the easiest genre to commit to the karaoke format.

However, the interface is superb, using a bouncing ball format to break down syllables and give you a clear understanding of how each line flows.

There are also pitch-sensitive singing sections that task players with nailing the pitch and length of each word perfectly.

If you reckon rap is a talentless genre, you may change your mind after spending time with Rapstar's more gruelling songs, particularly Lil' Wayne's A Milli and Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See by Busta Rhymes.

Community plays a big part of Rapstar's appeal, as players can snap videos of their performances and upload them to the in-game social network.

You can watch and rate videos, challenge others to a battle or form an online rap crew. The initial track list may be short, but there are plenty of cheap additional songs available from the store, and as such, it's a strong first step.

Def Jam Rapstar39.99, PS3/Xbox 360

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This article was first published in The Scotsman, 11 December, 2010