Customer Reviews

Amplitude

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Amplitude is a music game which is unique in the fact that it uses songs from established artists - some you most certainly have heard. If you are familiar with music games you would be at home here - the music plays and you perform a part by "playing" the controller while the "music" moves by on the screen. It is the sequel to a game called Frequency and some of this review compares this game to that one.

The game also allows you to remix songs but I did not get into that on Frequency and again fail to find it enjoyable. Also the head-to-head mode of this game is kind of strange - the single player is much more enjoyable in my opinion.

One of the best parts about Frequency was getting introduced to groups I hadn't heard before and hopefully some of these artists will turn out the same. The music in Amplitude is a mix of familiar and unfamiliar artists. Strangely it seems to be harder to play the songs that I know (Weezer - Dope Nose or Blink 182 - Rock Show) than songs I haven't heard before. Some of my favorite songs on Amplitude are Baseline by Quarashi, Cherry Libs by Garbage, and Urban Tumbleweed by the Baldwin Brothers. Ultimately I feel like somehow these artists were picked to promote them for Sony - I wish there were more variety of tracks.

Amplitude is easier to beat than Frequency was - there are 4 difficult modes (Mellow, Normal, Brutal, and Insane) and I started on Brutal when I first got it and played through in about 2 1/2 hours. The expert mode of Frequency was much more difficult. Easy mode is easy enough for my 6 year old to play.

I would have been happy with the Frequency base game with new music - what Sony needs to do in the future is modify this game with new music every 3 to 6 months and rerelease it for $20 or so. Much of the effort in the sequel seems to have gone into the system that allows you to create your own "guy" and as you play you unlock new clothes - whatever. Your guy sort of plays along with you - if you are on a guitar track he plays guitar and when you play drums he switches to drums.

A final word about the music. I love 4-letter words in my music as much as anybody but while I enjoyed playing Frequency with my kids, some of the songs in Amplitude have bleeped out words and are about mature subjects - and some words that in my opinion should be bleeped aren't.

Musical fans will really get into Amplitude. Modern songs are pulled apart, and the game is actually playing out the various parts of the song, in time.

Sometimes you don't realize just how much intricacy there is to a song until you start to listen to each track separately. Look at how the drums counterpoint the rhythm guitar. The voice interweaves perfectly. It's fascinating to play along with a given part, to see just how well it fits into the mix.

The downside of any game like this is always going to be the music mix. For example, Amplitude includes songs by Garbage, Quarashi, Chris Child, Run-DMC, The Baldwin Brothers, Weezer, and more. If these bands appeal to you, you'll have a blast. If you really hate these bands, you might enjoy the game, but it will madden you to have to listen to the songs over and over again.

I fell somewhere in the middle. I really enjoyed some songs, but just didn't like others. Luckily, I only had to win through a given song once before I could put it behind me :)

Graphics are reasonably good, but really the sound is key here. You barely notice the graphics that swirl around you as you focus on the song, the track markers, and the notes you're aiming to hit.

The game has great difficulty progressions so you could literally play this game for a year or more before you master some of the more difficult levels. If you have any interest at all in being a musician at all, those skills aren't wasted, either. Being able to master those complex rhythms are a real life skill that will serve you well.

Highly recommended.

I had a chance to play Amplitude at this year's Game Developers Conference and I must say I was quite impressed.

The gameplay is very similar to that of it's predecessor, Frequency, with some minor changes here and there to have it play smoother.

The graphics look a lot brighter and cleaner than Frequency. The little FreQ avatar is no longer just an icon but a 3D model that break dances and plays different instruments depending on what trpe of track you are currently on.

On the music side, Ampitude keeps it kickin' with popular artists such as blink-182, Garbage, Weezer, David Bowie, Run-DMC, and Pink. There are also quite a few returning artists from Frequency such as Freezepop and SymbionProject.

Multiplayer has had quite a bit of change. The play field is no longer divided into 4 squares when 4 people are playing. Instead, everyones is on the same screen and the tracks are laid out in a semi circle (as opposed to the "tunnel" in Frequency). There is also a new power-up: Slow-Mo. Which (obviously) slows down the music for a short period of time. There is built in net play for all of you with the network adapter (perfect for those times when you don't have anyone to play against).

I only got to play multiplayer at GDC, but from the limited time I spent with it I was hooked. The only disapointment came when I heard it wouldn't be realease till the end of March.

Just when I thought they couldn't improve anymore, Harmonix goes full out and surprises even me. This is probably one of the best games I've ever own/played, and that's probably thanks to my love for music, but still.

Amplitude has, without a doubt, the BIGGEST REPLAY VALUE EVER in a game. Not only with it improving the variety and amount of songs its has and the added extras from the first and all the improvements, but it also keeps the imfamous REMIX function(with even more functions this time around)

One of the most evident improvements is graphics-wise. The backgrounds and "scenery" while playing the game are no longer a killer to your eyes. The menus and "note-blaster" and all the little things are improved to give the game that added kick.

Another big improvement are the FreQs(your on-screen alter ego). They're now 3-D characters!! Woohoo!!(even though the FreQs in the last game were somewhat more customizable) The FreQs in this game don't just flash in your face. They dance and play all the instruments as you switch the different tracks. And as you progress through the game you can unlock different accessories for your characters.

In Remix mode, they also made some adjustments. The vocal tracks are now automatic, so now you don't have to go through and hold ONE button for EACH segment. And while your switching through the different sections of the song, its now AUTOMATIC!! Yay!(let me explain...in FreQuency you have to wait for the sections to play through before its switches...which makes sense, 'cause it plays through the sections smoothly that way...but thats not the point in Remix mode!!)

So, in conclusion, this is an amazing improvement to a seemingly perfect game. And hell, pick up the original FreQuency while you're at it. Believe me, its worth it.

later

-tom-

This game has me in its grasp. I've been playing it for about 3 months now and have tried to beat it at every level. The slightly unusual controls (you use the shoulder buttons almost exclusively) took a bit of time to get used to, but the game makes it worth the effort.

Like Tetris, the game is deceptively simple: you use your ship to shoot note capsules which release the energy of the music you're listening to. Shoot enough capsules to complete a phrase, and the track plays for 8 bars before you have to return and re-activate it. Each song has six tracks to keep active, so you spend a good bit of time moving back and forth to keep them all alive. The more consecutive phrases you complete, the more points you score.

The game features a wide variety of song styles, with artists ranging from old known hands like David Bowie, Herbie Hancock and Run-DMC to newer artists like Pink, Garbage, P.O.D., and Slipknot to some really obscure bands like Freezepop. The variety is part of what keeps the game compelling--going through a level or two comes off like the world's strangest mix tape...the songs have nothing in common except that, within the game, they get progressively harder to beat. With up to 25 songs available (depending on difficulty mode) and the ability to jump around as you unlock each new level, it's easy to find a new challenge: I typically warm up for "Brutal" mode by playing a song or two that I didn't score so well on in "Normal" mode. This not only warms up my fingers, but it gives me a chance to up my overall score in the lower levels.

The Freqs (characters who dance and play instruments while you perform) come in all shapes and sizes, and each Boss and Bonus song you complete (there's one on each level) will unlock more options for customizing your Freq. They're great fun, but they're really there for anyone who's watching you play: your attention will be focused on the music tracks, and you'll really only notice your Freq when you're between sections or songs.

If all this wasn't enough, the game has an edit mode where you can create your own game-playable remixes of the tracks in the game, uploading them to other players to give them new challenges with old songs.

I've yet to play anyone head-to-head or online, but I'm looking forward to the opportunity. I can only imagine what competition would bring to an already fast-paced game.

If you like music games, you have to have this one. This is the closest thing to a perfect game I've ever played. I have just one complaint...I WANT MORE!

Amplitude is an exellent game. I was introduced to it a few years ago and I still play it once or twice a week. With a total of 5 difficulty levels this game never gets old. Mind you the GAME never gets old, but the songs do. That is my only compaint with amplitude. Other then that this game is awsome.
Solo and multiplayer modes are fun and always challenging. It takes a little while to get your chops down but as soon as you understand how the game works its all fun from there. Get your buddys together and push eachother everytime you play. Some people are better then others, some are still learning, but everyone can appreciate the skill it takes to play amplitude.
I would compare it to DDR or Guitar Hero, where you can really show your moves but in the privacy of your own home, and without haveing to buy an expensive controller to go along with the game. This game also truley proves that the Hand is faster then the Eye. I still find myself in awe watching people play.
Suggestion: take a break from amplitude every few hours to avoid brain anerisms. Although the back grounds and lighting of this game are trippy, and almost hypnotic to those around you who are watching, the actual player never even looks at the background. I can't even really explain it, once you are good at amplitude you are in a whole other world when you play. Please be considerate of those around you at a party while playing. Amplitude will take the life out of a party because no one can take their eyes off of it, and since the truley funnest way to play is with one player every one else kinda gets shut out.
This game has the best replay value of any game I have ever played. With its difficulty levels, bosses, and bonus bosses, few games can match amplitude. Just when you think you have figured it out, it throws another wrench in your machine. Let me tell you somthing, the difficulty level Insane is just that INSANE!!! Don't just stop playing after you beat it on Normal, if you think that is amplitude you are wrong my friend. As soon as you can bust out a 2000 plus score on I am Hated by Slipknot on Insane, then you know amplitude. I highly recomend this game, it should be in every true gamers collection, and at a price of 20 bucks, who can beat it?

My addiction started with Frequency, which I picked up for cheap at a used store. I was hooked from the beginning. As soon as possible, I got Amplitude. It fixed the one thing I didn't like about Frequency, and greatly improved on other things that I had no complaint about.
First off, the FreQs. They're so much better now. As your avatar in the game, there is a huge selection to go through making your FreQ, and if you don't feel like doing that, there are pre-generated ones to choose.
The graphics are awesome, the backgrounds are great. It's smooth, and no glitches at all.
For multiplayer, they have standard two player, and Harmonix jumped on the bandwagon and made Amplitude online. That's awesome. It's extremely useful to have a keyboard for messages, but other than that, it totally enhances the replay value.
Most importantly, the music. That was the only complaint I had about Frequency, I knew hardly any of the songs, and they were rather difficult, even on the easiest setting. Amplitude fixed that by getting more mainstream bands such as Blink 182, Pink, David Bowie, Papa Roach, Garbage, Run DMC, etc. Also, the learning curve is much better, it's a more gradual progression in difficulty.
Finally, the tutorial. It's incredible. It makes the game so easy to understand! It's very simple and easy to use without being condescending.
All in all, five out of five!

I love Amplitude, actully it's my sister's game.
But it is soooooooo much fun!!
I have it going on my PS2 right now!
All the songs are;
P.O.D. - Boom
Garbage - Cherry Lips
Quarashi - Baseline
Chris Child - Shades of Blue
Logan 7 - Uptown Saturday Night
Run DMC - King of Rock
The Baldwin Brothers - Urban Tumbleweed
Weezer - Dope Nose
David Bowie - Everyone says Hi
Freezepop - Super Sprode
Pink - Respect
Papa Roach - M-80
Mekon - What's Going On?
Herbie Hancock - Rockit
The Production Club - Rockstar
DJ HMX -Cool Baby
BT - Kimosabe
Slipknot - I am hated
Gameboyz - Push
Blink 182 - The Rock Show
Dieselboy - Sub Culture
Symbion Project - Synthesized
Komputer Kontroller - Robot Rockerz

There ARE a few $wear words in a few of the songs, but all of them are blepped out.
This game is sooo worth the $$$!!!!
are Mellow, Normal, Brutal, and Insane settings.
Hope this helped, and if you get it for yourself or a friend or relitive or WHATEVER, this is a GREAT choice!!
Have fun,

Well i felt compelled to edit this reveiw as it was short, full of spelling errors, and useless. so here you go, my new reveiw of amplitude.

Amplitude was developed by harmonix studeos. It is a music/rythem game. There is no plot or story to this game, but then considering the genre, its not drawing much away from the game. FreQuency (amplitude is harmonixes second that i know of music game with FreQ being the first) did not impress me at first, i found no point to the gameplay and was doing VERY BAD. this turned me off a while but when i finnaly started accualy trying to play it i found myself getting better. And enjoying it more. What im saying is if you have severe trouble with this game you may not find it enjoyable. The game can be brutally hard and the increase in difficulty on each progressive difficulty level is very obvious. YOU MUST HAVE GOOD REFLEXES IN ORDER TO BEAT THIS GAME. Some of the later levels are ridiculous. I have busted 3 controllers because the levels had so many notes to hit so fast that the trigger keys (used to play the notes) started sticking badly. So beware, dont play the harder levels reapetedly with your fav controller. The music in the game, the whole POINT to the game, is very good, with only a couple exceptions (like pink for example..... ughhhh...) But there is a moderate variety of music, the bands featured include BT, Slipknot, Manchild, deiselboy, papa roach, quarashi, garbage, freezepop,blink 182... im sure at least a couple of those ring a bell. There are also several other bands that are really 1 person, symbion project, dj hmx, komputer kontroller, cosmonaut zero (yeah that is where i got my account name from :P) all of these are the same person, Kasson Crooker i believe is his name and he searved as the music directer for amplitude as well. All in all this game is very good and i recomend AT LEAST trying it out, then if you like it, pick up FreQuency as well!


(...)

Amplitude is easily the most addicting game I have ever played. Reflexes, coordination, and a solid beat are required to truly master the game, but there are enough difficulty modes for everyone to enjoy. The easiest modes are designed so even someone who doesn't even play videogames can pick up a controller and learn how to play, much like the atari games of old.

In true Tetris like fashion, the game is extremely simple to learn, yet incredibly hard to master. There are only 4 buttons (for 90% of the game, only 3) that are ever used. Everyone I know has liked this game instantly upon playing. I actually was fortunate enough to receive a demo for this game that I literally played for a couple hours before I bought it.

I have had amplitude for nearly a full year and have only finally come around to "beating" the game on its hardest difficulty mode (insane). The game has the most replay value I have seen since the days of coin op games from the sega genesis and super nintendo era. There is still plenty left to do as there are Bonus Songs that can be unlocked only after certain high scores have been achieved. Online play is merely icing on the cake.

Whether the music appeals to you or not, you will find yourself so completely immersed in the game that it will hardly ever matter. For all intents and purposes, I could not (and still don't really like) stand Blink 182, yet the song Rock Show had me bobbing my head up and down a few times as I played. There are such surprises abound in the game. Some of the music will even grow on you, if you let it. Rest assured, there is a little something for everyone in terms of tastes in music.

I have been playing video games since I was 3 (I'm almost 18 now) and Amplitude is easily one of the most memorable games I have ever played. It has my highest reccomendation, and if you have ever played a "music" game before and even remotely enjoyed it, Amplitude will reel you in, hook line and sinker.