American Idol E3 2003 Preshow Report

Codemasters has today released new information on American Idol, a rhythm action game closely based on the popular reality TV show of the same name. In the game, which is currently in development at Hothouse Creations, you'll get to create your own entrant for the show before battling your way through auditions and, if you're good enough, the final stages of the competition.

"American Idol is the most popular reality-based show in television history," said Steve Lux, Codemasters' senior vice president of marketing for the US. "It has already proven to be an interactive favorite with millions of fans voting each week. Codemasters' video game is the ultimate in interactivity, as it actually puts you right into the action."

As you progress through the contest with your chosen character, you'll not only perform on bigger stages and in front of bigger audiences, but you'll also unlock music tracks from a selection of 40 included in the game. A full list of the top-10 tracks in the game has not been released at this time, but those already confirmed include the likes of I Will Survive, Livin' La Vida Loca, Like a Virgin, Baby One More Time, and A Moment Like This. As you attempt to tap buttons in time with the song your character is singing, your own performance will directly affect the quality of theirs--with the audience and judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Paula Abdul all providing feedback in their own way.

In addition to the main American Idol competition mode, the game will feature duet, singing practice, jukebox, and karaoke modes of play. Duet mode will allow up to four of you to alternately "sing" verses from the same song in an attempt to outperform each other. Singing practice will allow you to rehearse any song that you've unlocked before daring to perform it in front of the judges. Jukebox mode will allow you to listen to any unlocked track being performed by one of the six vocalists that have lent their voices to the game. Karaoke mode is essentially a chance for you to put your own voice to the test by singing along to tracks using the onscreen lyrics and being judged by any friends or family unfortunate enough to find themselves in the same room as you.

American Idol is scheduled for release on the PS2 and PC this fall. For more information, check out our previous coverage of the game.