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Codemasters To Make Pop Idol Game

17th October 2003, 8:31pm
Codemasters was hauled up in front of Pop Idol's no-nonsense judges recently as they got to pass their verdict on Pop Idol – The Official Video Game (It's known as Australian Idol to us, this is the American version). And Simon says and so does Foxy and Nicki... it's a hit!

The game lets anyone enjoy the full Pop Idol experience, controlling the singing voice of a contestant through rhythm-action music and Dance Mat gameplay.

The game also features the ultimate end-of-level boss: a computer-generated Cowell with over 3000 lines of put downs and positives.

So, for once, the tables were turned on Simon Cowell when his virtual alter ego judged his performance as a Pop Idol contestant in the game: "I get fiercely competitive when playing the game," says Simon, "The further you go in the game, the harder it gets, and it is strange to be on the receiving end of my cutting remarks for once. However, if I've played badly the criticism is justified, so I just deal with it and start again."

Neil Fox also had to face virtual Simon's judgement: "I've been practising away on the game. It's great fun but rather bizarre being on the receiving end for once – the judges' comments can be pretty cutting, particularly those coming from a certain Mr.Cowell."

For Nikki Chapman it was creating a virtual contestant and styling them that plugged her into the gameplay: "I think that girls are going to love it - they can create and style their own Pop Idol contestant, choosing their hair, make-up and clothes, then they take control of their singing voice and take them right through to the finals – just like competing in the TV show itself. It's also great for family entertainment and may well replace the usual old board games this Christmas."
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by Benjamin Murphy