Karaoke Revolution (2003 video game)

Karaoke Revolution is a karaoke rhythm game developed by Konami Computer Entertainment America and published by Konami in 2003 for the PlayStation 2. It was a significant title in the development of the karaoke video game genre, introducing features that would become staples in later games.

The gameplay centers around players singing along to on-screen lyrics and matching the pitch and rhythm of the original song. The game judges the player's performance based on their accuracy, awarding points and providing feedback. Players use a microphone (either a dedicated USB microphone or a headset) to sing.

Karaoke Revolution featured a selection of popular licensed songs from various artists and genres. Players could compete against each other in multiplayer modes or play solo to improve their scores. A key element was the game's "crowd" response; the virtual audience would react positively to good singing and negatively to poor performance, adding to the immersive experience.

The success of Karaoke Revolution spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs, including titles focusing on specific music genres and artists. Its impact is considered substantial in popularizing karaoke gaming on consoles and influencing subsequent rhythm game design. The game's popularity helped to expand the audience for music-based video games beyond traditional instruments and controllers.