Thinking outside of the (juke)box, Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) joined forces with Harmonix and released an innovate video game that puts you in control of the tunes. In 2001 SCEA published Frequency for the Playstation 2. The idea took off in 2003 with the release of the stunning sequel, Amplitude. Frequency idolizers saw improved graphics, gameplay, and a new variety of songs to conquer.
Choosing from human and nonhuman body parts, you are able to customize your own character, or FreQ. A training mode gets you started into the musical madness.
Slowly at first, you have to complete each instrumental and vocal track to keep your up health meter. After training you can play easy, normal, brutal, and insane modes. You’re introduced to familiar bands, such as POD, Garbage, Papa Roach, Blink182, and Pink.
Powerups add fun to the experience. Amplitude is so addicting you will be tackling insane mode in no time. When you’re ready, there are three different two-player styles. You can play a game, duel each other, or even remix one of the songs included in the game.
The best feature of the game is its online capability. Connect your PS2 to the internet and battle it out with other FreQs. A game online can have up to four players. As you compete you’ll receive a rank. You can even share remixes online and download them onto your memory card afterwards. Though not brand new, Amplitude is definitely exciting and a must have for any PS2 owner’s collection.
Interested in this game? If so, you may also want to endeavor in more musical gaming journeys like Frequency, Gitaroo Man, Parappa the Rapper(1 and 2), and Um Jammer Lammy. None of these games strike your fancy? E-mail activist@ucrwcu.rwc.uc.edu to suggest a video game to be reviewed.