Amplitude

"Coordination and Dexterity a must!!!"

Now, I never played Frequency, but I was immediately hooked on Amplitude. Great music, trippy visuals, and a good challenge DO make a good game.

Graphics: 9/10

These are some very colorful graphics. The different tracks, the disco-esque flashing lights, and the high quality FMV are all done very well. This is definitely putting the DVD format to good use.

Sound: 10/10

The meat of it all. With tracks from acts like Weezer, Quarashi, Blink 182, Garbage, and one of my personal favorites, Run DMC will leave you bobbing your head to the beat. If you can, hook your PS2 to a stereo. It makes the music just that much more enjoyable. There are a lot of great bands in this game, and if you're not a fan of some of them before, you might become one now. This is the number 1 aspect of this game.

Control: 10/10

Swapping from track to track is simple. It's also nice having the choice of using the L and R buttons (which the game for some reason suggests in the practice mode), or the Square, Triangle, and Circle buttons (which I personally prefer). I have found that bobbing your head to the beat helps me keep the beat and tap the buttons accordingly.

Challenge: 10/10

Some of these songs are difficult to complete, especially the song by Dieselboy. Pay close attention to the BPMs on the song selection screen. If it seems like a lot, it's because the songs are fast. Drum N' Bass songs (like Dieselboy) in particular. This is where Hand-Eye coordination and Dexterity are a must. This is what's gonna keep you on your toes, and make you come back for more. You know deep down you got the skills, now you gotta step up and prove it. Fortunately, there are multiple skill levels, so you're not thrown to the wolves right away.

Replayability: 10/10

You like the challenge, you like the songs. Nuff said. You'll complete a track, but you're gonna want to go back and do better. You know you can put up a better score, and that's what gets you to come back. I know that kept me coming back for more. There is a good challenge and great songs. The higher difficulties have more songs available. More incentive to play. Need I say more?

Overall: 10/10

At $40, this game is worth it. For those of you who dig music like I do, this will be right up your alley. This game will put your finger speed to the test, no doubt about that. For the skeptics, rent it or score a demo version first. I had a demo version first, and I got hooked on that. So that alone sold me on this fine game. Trust me, you won't regret this one. Amplitude is one of the most unique games I've ever played. You'll probably be inclined to agree with me on that.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 05/20/03, Updated 05/20/03