Silicon Fusion >> Reviews >> Amplitude

	All Platforms
	Xbox
	GameCube
	PlayStation 2
	PC
	Game Boy Advance

Site Sections:

	Updates
	News
	Games
	Publishers
	Developers
	Reviews
	Previews
	Release Dates
	Editorials
	Glossary
	Contact Us

Review:

17th October 2003:
Amplitude
Frequency is one of the most original and fun games we have had the pleasure of playing but how does Amplitude its sequel square up? Find out in our full review.
Posted by John Wasabi - PlayStation 2 - UK and Europe

For those of you who did not know, Amplitude is the follow-up to last year's critically acclaimed Frequency and it continues the inventive game design created by developer Harmonix. As with all great sequels, Amplitude improves upon every feature of the original.

Amplitude is a frantic mix of puzzle game and music/rhythm game and derives its unique gameplay from a straightforward principle: Press the corresponding buttons to match the onscreen indicators with the right timing to create musical samples and slowly bring together a full song, one instrument at a time.

The original Frequency playing level is an octagonal "tunnel." In Amplitude, this "tunnel" has gone and been replaced by a "highway" that consists of 6-7 tracks, depending on the song. Every track represents a different musical instrument such as guitar or drums or an element of a song such as vocals or synth effects. Each song is then broken down into 4 or more sections, with each section's tracks broken up into 16 or more bars. (Hope that makes sense. The game is honestly very easy to get into and understand, as it is very pick up and play). Essentially, Amplitude is about mixing the song together in real-time by adding vocals or guitars to the background beat of the song so that the song becomes complete. Miss the beat too many times and your energy depletes, do well and it increases but its not as easy as it sounds. Amplitude has a unique score system, nonstop, uninterrupted streaks of combos will add multipliers which you'll need to be doing if you are to unlock the 5 boss songs and 6 secret songs. Ultimately the main goal is to complete the song before your energy bar hits zero and you start over but getting multipliers will allow you to aim for the all important high scores that will unlock secrets and this really adds longevity to the game as it is no easy feat.

Graphically, Harmonix has done an incredible job of increasing Frequency's colorful and fluid visuals with Amplitude's extremely dynamic arenas and environments. Amplitude's game arenas and game menus now flow together in an enormous network of highways, tunnels, bridges, futuristic cities and landscapes. The amount of commotion in the 3D environment in the background is impressive ranging from giant TV screens showing video clips of the music artists in the game to flying cars and beautiful explosions.

The play modes in Amplitude are very impressive and include, Solo, Multiplayer and Remix modes. Solo mode is a typical campaign that offers 4 difficulty modes: Mellow, Normal, Brutal and Insane. Carrying out each mode unlocks new arenas, new bonuses, and new songs. Multiplayer pits two to four players against each other in a battle royale situation. Remix mode adds an important amount of replayability to the game by allowing players to take accessible tracks and lay down notes and apply numerous special sound effects to them, creating a new sound for a song using it's existing sound samples. Amplitude also adds the Duel mode to Multiplay and Online which is refreshing as Duel mode allows two players to take part in a game of "Horse". Amplitude's online mode has been immensely enhanced when compared to the original Frequency's rushed online option. With Microsoft leading the way with their Xbox Live service, Sony has paid homage and added an online ranking system, as well as the ability to search for buddies online.

Undoubtedly though, the most essential aspect of the game is the music itself, and in this region Amplitude manages to accomplish something truly worth remembering as it provides a varied selection of musical genres. Music ranging from rock, rap, jazz, funk, techno etc is all beautifully represented in the game. With big names and not so well known names, the list of artists include Weezer, Blink 182, David Bowie, Garbage, Run DMC, Papa Roach, Herbie Hancock, Pink, BT, P.O.D. (remixed by The Crystal Method), the Baldwin Brothers and any others.

To give my verdict, Frequency was one of the best music titles out there on the market at the moment and we are glad to say that Amplitude goes that extra mile and is even better in every possible manner. It manages to be easy enough for the beginners who just want something to pick and up and play but at the same time it is challenging enough for even the most skilled Frequency players. Amplitude is superior in every way possible and for a sequel to pull it off is a great achievement on its own. Not only does it keep the magic of Frequency alive without destroying its identity, it also sets forth a brave new path for the game. As this is a PS2 exclusive, anyone out there who enjoyed Frequency or looking for something new, original, and fun to the core should look no further. If you own a PS2, you owe it to yourself to go out and give this title a go as original gaming like this comes rarely in a crowded market full of sequels and licenses.

John Wasabi

Latest Images:

Review Scores:

Graphics:
Sound:
Gameplay:
Length:
Overall:
Click here for our Review Score Guidelines .

Related Games:

Amplitude
for PlayStation 2

Screenshots

Review

Click here for
All Game Information .

Go Back To Main Page

Go To Top Of Page