One the select few next-gen titles that can be truthfully labeled with the term addictive.
User Rating: 9.8 | Amplitude PS2
Amplitude is the high-octane sequel to Sony's underground hit Frequency. Calling them cousins is the best way to put it as each game is great in their own way. Graphics - For this genre, the graphical presentation is near-perfect. Psychedelic backdrops and colors jump out at you from all over the place, so if you are one of those people who "gets off" from that stuff this is for you. Certain SFX like the network adapter-only crippler and slow-mo look excellent. FMV clips are used as well, but unlike most critics they didn't distract me. Each "track" is clearly labeled unlike Frequency's which made that game feel funny at first. You can even change camera views if you want to. The menu's have been cleaned up since Frequency. Their are lots of player models you can put in a pop-up window which adds a unique flair to the profiles. It's not a tech pusher by any means, but great care has been used to create a convincing world, and that's what counts. Sound/Songs - I preferred the playlist more then Frequency's simply because it's more varied. Of course there could of been more, but what's there is fun to play, and that matters more than the status of bands included. Like Frequency, people who don't listen to raver/techno may change their mind after this game. I don't know why Sony doesn't let Harmonix release expansions like Konami; Avenged Sevenfold's guitar solo in "Second Heartbeat" or Menemic's off-key "Liquid" would be worth the asking price alone. Gameplay - Having purchased Amplitude before Frequency, getting used to the gameplay mechanics is quite easier than it first seems. The game comes with a tutorial guide which tells you all you need to know to get started. The rest comes with practice and persistence. Unlike most games, sucking isn't a big deal since it is very engrossing from the start. One of the reasons Amplitude hooks the most jaded gamer is it's pure innovation. Playing something you haven't been through already is always more interesting than playing something done to death. That means some Frequency players may prefer that game, since the novelty of the new experience is no longer there and they may not feel at home with Amplitudes modifications. The first thing I couldn't grasp was timing the shots on songs I already owned and memorized, so I kind of felt my way through normal. It wasn't a cakewalk by any means which I feel uncomfortable to admit, since normal to me now is unplayable. This is due to a couple of reasons and actually brings up one nitpick; some songs, especially on the lower difficulties, are laid out contrary to what you are listening to which gets a little bit disorienting at times. The addiction started to really come on as I made my way through brutal, as there is a clear skill barrier that you have to eclipse to move on past certain songs on there. By that time, you should have each of the powerups and combo possibilities imbedded in your head, as each little thing can make the difference between losing and winning before your flashing red health goes out. Stopping at the powerups, they all have their place, but freestyle is a bit too generous and can be a pain online when red streaks get in your way. Insane requires skill in doses and you have to get into a Zen concentration for many of the higher tiers songs...they can take hours to master. What surprised me was some of the most mainstream songs like Pink and Blink 182 were the nastiest. Blinks’ bass picking, Slipknots’ percussion and Papa Roaches’ all have sections that are straightforward(just very quick) but so easy to goof up ruining the run. Yes Slipknot, you and your damn song are hated. If you somehow manage to memorize perfect runs on insane, you can always connect online to download remixes or compete online. Multiplayer is surprisingly just as good as the single player and isn't an afterthought. Combos come into play more frequently here and the exclusive power ups have their own roles. The only qualm I have about online is this game was released before the DNAS, so it really gets tough to distinguish sharkers from outright skill sometimes. But other than that there is very little glitching, so bouts usually come down to who will slip up first. Another thing is it's annoying when people create their own remix and think they are special since they can beat everyone else at it well duh you made it loser. Conclusion - If you run into Amplitude sometime, don't hesitate to give it a shot. You can't go wrong.
