Let’s Sing 2022 review (PS4/PS5)

We’ve been enjoying the Let’s Sing series from Ravenscourt and Voxler for years now, and with the 2022 edition now here it’s time to dust off those microphones and get singing again. Our review is based on the PlayStation 4 version, but this year also marks the debut on next gen systems for the franchise, which is available on all major consoles.

Like clockwork, we’re getting a new Just Dance and a new Let’s Sing every year, just before the holidays. Combine that with releases like the Jackbox Party Pack and you have all the ingredients you need for a great holiday party – even though we’re once again in a year where those aren’t as likely as they once were. Let’s Sing 2022 offers a wide range of modes that even small groups and families can enjoy though, so we’ll certainly be firing this one up regularly over the next few weeks.

The Let’s Sing games have shown us that the genre has matured since the glory days of the Singstar franchise, with eight different game modes through which to enjoy the tracklist. You can still just go ahead and select a song before hitting “start” in the classic mode, but depending on who’s playing with you there’s a nice selection there – with many modes returning from the 2021 edition.

If you’re singing solo, then the Legend option is a fun take on a career mode, where you earn stars. Fancy taking on others? Then you can opt for the World Content and the online leaderboards. Once you’ve mastered most of the songs you can try your hand at randomly generated mix tapes as well, which is good for a laugh and it’s certain to throw a few curveballs your way. It’s best enjoyed with others of course, as is the case with the game’s team-based Let’s Party mode as well.

The Playlist Creator and Jukebox options feel more like features than full modes, but the playlist creator has been expanded to work with the “feat.” mode as well, which is all about trying to sing in harmony with others – to no doubt hilarious results. It’s certainly a rich suite of modes, but it hasn’t changed much since last year.

What has changed is next gen compatibility, though the PlayStation 5 version no longer works with SingStar microphones. Luckily, the PS4 and PS5 come bundled together, so you can easily go back to the PS4 version if you want the old hardware to work. Otherwise, any combination of smartphones (with a dedicated app), generic USB mics and/or headsets will likely do the job on either system.

What’s also nice about Let’s Sing is that you can import song packs you bought for previous editions into Let’s Sing 2022 as well, which is a more practical model than having to switch between game versions like you do with (for example) the Just Dance games. It’s always nice to be able to expand the game with content, especially when you don’t have to re-invest in it.

Of course, Let’s Sing 2022 also comes with its own tracklist, and ultimately we imagine it’s what will sway people to (not) buy it. As always, it’s a mixed assortment of songs, from classics to today’s hits and even a song from an animated movie soundtrack. Last year it was The Lion King’s “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King”, this year it’s “A Whole New World” from Aladdin.

New tracks include Ariana Grande’s “Positions”, Billie Eilish’s “Everything I Wanted” and Topic and A7S’ “Breaking Me”, but you can go back further in time to enjoy songs like Depeche Mode’s “Enjoy The Silence”, The Offspring’s “Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)”, Amy Winehouse’s “Back To Black” and Pink’s “What About Us” as well. Songs like “Giant” by Calvin Harris feat. Rag’n’Bone Man – Giant and “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes feel less suitable for karaoke because they rely more on instrumental than vocal delivery, but there are more than enough gems here.

Some songs are absolute party starters too, like “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” by the Backstreet Boys, but we want to give a special shoutout to the holiday-themed tracks in this year’s selection. Sia’s “Snowman” was from her Christmas album a few years ago, but our personal favorite this year – although it’s still a little early right now – is Wham’s “Last Christmas”. If you’re looking for a karaoke game to brighten up the holiday festivities this year, Let’s Sing 2022 has you covered and we fully expect the leaderboards for Last Christmas to explode this time next month.

Score: 7.9/10