Review: Amplitude (PS2)
System: PS2
Title: Amplitude
Publisher: Sony
Writer: Frodo
Overview: Based on the hit ps2 rhythm game Frequency, Amplitude is more than a pure sequel. Amplitude features a very unique style of gameplay, as you fly through songs, playing different instruments depending on what buttons you press in time to the music. As a rhythm game it is very innovative, and just happens to be fun too. Featuring tons of songs from actual artists like David Bowie, Freezepop, Blink 182, Weezer and more, Amplitude is a fun and exciting game you might have missed the first time around.
Shininess: This game does not rely on detailed textures or bump-mapping, but still manages to look incredible. There is a certain techno-future style in this game that sort of puts you into this world where these DJs fly spaceships that compose the music that they play. Sounds silly, doesn’t it? Well, it’s not. Why don’t you pay attention and wait until I’m done to judge, huh? Why does it always have to be like that? Why are you always such a jerk? Ahem. Amplitude has a great style and is colorful and entertaining, while not being too distracting to the main point of the game, keeping the rhythm. The graphics keep up to the beat and help you along, while videos of the artists play in the background. The shiniest part of this game is the music, however. Unlike some games that use session players to play covers of popular songs (cough Donkey Konga cough) Amplitude has the actual artists playing their actual songs. They have some unknown DJs of their own, but the majority is bands like Garbage, Pink, The Crystal Method, BT and more. Frequency featured more techno songs, and Amplitude seems to focus a bit more on the rock-electronic songs but the formula still works. The songs are great and will keep you coming back for more.
Funness: Amplitude captures the feeling that you are taking part in the music. It is a way of musical expression on par with clapping your hands, tapping your feet or dancing. You use the L1, R1 and R2 buttons to activate nodes along tracks in time with the music. You have this little spaceship thingy that zaps the nodes to release the music in time, and after you zap enough nodes, it unlocks a track, like drums or vocals or synth. After a couple verses, the tracks come back and you have to keep up the line of unlocking each track and zapping nodes. The game starts you off easy and gets progressively more and more difficult. There are a couple powerups that help you out in the game, but the main point is to match the beats, which, when successful, is immensely satisfying. There are over 30 songs to play through, and multiple difficulties and modes, including multiplayer, both online and off. Amplitude came out a while ago, though, so watch out when you go online. There are some pretty hardcore players there. It’s fun to unlock songs, it’s fun to play through songs and to do song battles with your friends. Amplitude is a different kind of rhythm game fun than, say DDR, but its so unique that it will keep you coming back for more.
Worthiness: If you don’t enjoy rhythm games because of the strenuous activity, maybe you don’t like to dance and you don’t like to beat drums, maybe Amplitude is for you. With the amount of songs it offers, along with the online component and exponential difficulty, this is a game that will keep you hooked for quite some time. You might be able to find it at your local used game store for around $20, but I found it new for $12 on Amazon. A really great deal for a game that is now a vital member of my PS2 library. If you haven’t checked it out yet, check it out now. I give you my permission.
Score: 4/5 Buy it!
