Mamma Mia! Sony announces SingStar Abba

The SingStar franchise is developing into one of the widest-ranging series around. Since its arrival on the PlayStation 2 in 2004, it has grown to encompass widely varied music genres within its karaoke-based gameplay, where players aim to sing along to the songs and keep in tune. From SingStar Bollywood to SingStar '80s, the game has left almost no musical stone unturned and has sold over 13 million copies in PAL territories. SingStar arrived on the PlayStation 3 in 2007 and continues to expand via downloadable content in the online SingStore.

However, it seems there are still new high notes to hit. This week, Sony has announced two new additions to the SingStar family. Sony Computer Entertainment America yesterday revealed details of a Country version for the PlayStation 2 that will be released in conjunction with Sony BMG Nashville on October 28, and the company's European arm has today announced SingStar Abba for both the PS2 and PlayStation 3.

SingStar Country, which is still developed by Sony's London Studio, promises 30 tracks from artists, including Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, and Faith Hill, and is set for US release on October 24. SingStar Pop vol. 2 and SingStar Legends will also be available in the US for the PlayStation 2 "this fall."

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe's collaboration with Abba will see not only the release of SingStar Abba, but also an agreement with the Swedish band's rights owners, Universal Music Group, of "exclusivity for disc-based PlayStation titles until December 2009." Abba has sold over 350 million units worldwide since it emerged in 1972 and has had a recent boost from the success of the musical and movie Mamma Mia!. The game will feature many of Abba's greatest hits, including "Mamma Mia," "Gimme Gimme Gimme," "Waterloo," and "Dancing Queen."

Fans who can't wait to sing along to the hits that have graced many a wedding disco will be able to get their hands on SingStar Abba in time for Christmas.