This Autumn sees the European release of Pop Idol from Codemasters, and the publisher has revealed new details of the game’s Party and Dance Mat modes. The Party Competition game mode allows up to four players to compete in a special sing-off showdown. Wannabe popstars take it in turns to perform a song as best they can by matching button presses in the god old rhythm-action style. At the end of each player's performance, as well as a verdict from the judges, the other players give the performer a hit or miss result through secret joypad-button presses, a sneaky inclusion meaning you can stab your fiercest competitor in the back with a virtual sharpened microphone and they’ll never know who did it. Oof!

Dance Mat mode is fairly self-explanatory. Connect one up, and start to move your feet in time to ‘Like a Virgin’ or ‘Living la Vida Loca’ for example, and just hope you can make it through to the end without putting a foot wrong and incurring the wrath of the man in black - the nearest thing to an end of level boss in Pop Idol - Simon Cowell.

However you choose to play Pop Idol – whether by button presses or with the mat – any deviation will result in a tuneless performance and a tongue-lashing from the judges. It all sounds like ideal party fodder to us!

Pop Idol: The Official Video Game is due for European release on PC and PlayStation 2 this Autumn.