ROCKBAND PLAYERS can sing into the microphone, strum the guitar and play the drums as musical notes flash across the screen. -- ELECTRONIC ARTS

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The release of the much-hyped video game, Rockband, in Singapore has been delayed for several months, and Electronic Arts (EA) Asia still has not finalised the release date for the sold-out game.

The Sunday Times understands that EA is still discussing the Asia-Pacific distribution rights with the game's producer and publisher, and this has contributed to the delay in the release.

EA declined to comment on this, but Mr Jon Niermann, president of EA Asia, did say that while marketing plans were still being finalised, the intention was to launch the game in Europe, then Asia.

As for Singapore, it was simply announced at last Thursday's EA private party that the game would be available some time this year.

Rockband is one of many music-related games to be launched in recent years.

In the United States, the game is developed by Harmonix Music Systems, published by MTV Games and distributed by EA. It is priced at US$170 (S$240). It was released last December, and 1.5 million units have been sold already.

The game is available on PlayStation 2 and 3 and XBox 360 consoles, and it comes complete with a microphone, a guitar controller and a drums controller.

The game features rock songs from the likes of Nirvana and Metallica, and players perform the songs using the various controllers. The microphone offers a sing-along experience not unlike karaoke, and the ability to strum the guitar and tap the drums as the corresponding musical notes flash across the screen has won over fans around the world.

Rockband offers multi-player modes, allowing a group of friends to perform a song together as a band, with a singer, a guitarist and a drummer.

Demand for Rockband has outstripped supply, and this has caused delays in launching the game outside the US.

In Singapore, eager gamers have resorted to buying parallel imports of the game which currently retail at about $380.

'Games like Rockband and Guitar Hero are different from the usual button-pressing game,' says student Muhammad Fahmi, 18, who is looking at buying either one of the games.

'You get to perform for your friends and play together, and it's almost like you're doing the real thing.' For now, he would have to wait a little longer if he wants to pick up Rockband, but for gamers who are more keen on flexing their vocals, or displaying their guitar or dancing skills, here are a few other music-related games that can bring the show to their living rooms.

Singstar

IMAGINE a game where you can sing along to the original music video of your favourite pop act.

While there are other music-type games that allow you to sing as the game measures your voice and pitch, Singstar has set the bar relatively high, with its selection of songs covering rock, pop and even Bollywood.

The latest version for the PlayStation 3 has been released in Britain and Australia, and will be out in the US in May.

Apart from the 30 songs featuring U2, Gwen Stefani and REM included in the game, gamers can also buy tracks from the PlayStation Online store, which offers tunes from Depeche Mode, David Bowie and Coldplay.

Guitar Hero 3: Legends Of Rock

FOR this game that inspired Rockband, players simply have to use a replica Les Paul guitar controller to hit coloured notes as they flash across the screen.

Guitar Hero 3 allows two players to challenge each other to the tunes of Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Rolling Stones, but those who are more into guitar solos can consider picking up its predecessor, Guitar Hero 2, which allows gamers to jam to the riffs of Guns N' Roses, Heart and Aerosmith.

The game is available for PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and PCs.

Dance Dance Revolution Universe

INTRODUCED in arcades 10 years ago, the game that involves dancing on an electronic mat to steps displayed on the television screen has yet to lose its lustre.

For those who are totally clueless, the mat displays four arrow panels, namely, up, down, left, right. When players step on the panels in sequence, the moves create a dance sequence.

The latest version for the Xbox 360 features 65 new songs for dancers to step up to.

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