Simon does Pop Idol: this time on the PS2

No silence in this court as Simon Cowell, Foxy and Nicki Chapman audition Codemasters' Pop Idol - The Official Video Game.
Simon Cowell says, "It's a hit!"

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. And Simon says and so does Foxy and Nicki... it's a hit!

Pop Idol - The Official Video Game will launch on November 7 for PlayStation 2 and PC, with Game Boy Advance following shortly after. 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."

Set to be the mass-market smash hit video game this winter, Pop Idol - The Official Video Game launches for PlayStation 2 and PC on November 7, with Game Boy Advance shortly after, during the thrilling second series of the smash-hit reality TV entertainment show, co-produced by Thames Television and 19TV, on ITV1. For all the latest on the game, see the website at: www.codemasters.co.uk/popidol

ABOUT POP IDOL - THE OFFICIAL VIDEO GAME
Pop Idol - The Official Video Game launches November 7 for PlayStation 2 and PC. The Game Boy Advance title will launch shortly after. The game will be published by Codemasters, under licence from FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment the joint-owners of the Idols format.
[li]Have the full Pop Idol experience with auditions, rehearsals, go on the TV show and make it all the way to the final!
[li]Create your own Pop Idol contestant and dress to impress: style their clothes, hair and accessories.
[li]Control the singing voice of your contestant in brilliant rhythm-action gameplay.
[li]Match the beats and sing it sweet. Lose the rhythm and your voice quivers, fades and goes way off key.
[li]Have yourself a Pop Idol party - shake it in Dance Mat mode or compete in the four-player "Party Competition"
[li]Face Simon Cowell as he judges your performance. Will it be praise or will you hear "Rubbish. Not a Pop Idol, not now, not ever!"?
[li]Over 40 kickin' hits including "Baby One More Time", "Let Me Entertain You" and "Genie In A Bottle".
[li]Find out more about the game online at the game's website www.codemasters.co.uk/popidol

ABOUT CODEMASTERS
Codemasters is a leading developer and publisher of best-selling interactive entertainment products for a global audience on current and future gaming platforms and channels. Established in 1986, the company's dominant brands include Colin McRae Rally, TOCA, LMA Manager, and Operation Flashpoint. The company is headquartered in Southam, Warwickshire UK and maintains European operations in Germany, France, Spain, and Benelux. The company has its US headquarters in New York and maintains an online gaming facility in Oakhurst, CA. More information about the company and its products is available online at http://www.codemasters.com