Quick Paced Fun Makes Amplitude A Good Buy For Rhythm Game Lovers
With a market that is becoming completely over saturated with games that require one to purchase an armful of Fisher Price-esque peripherals, it is easy to forget that the rhythm game genre is also home to games that only ask the player to use a standard controller. Games like Rez, Parappa the Rapper, Gitaroo Man, and Frequency are just a few shining examples of this. Amplitude is also such a game.
The 'sequel' to Harmonix genre redefining hit Frequency, Amplitude is one of the last games of its kind to have come out with this style of game play. It takes the greater points of its predecessor, and turns them into a gaming experience that benchmarked a genre.
The game plays very similar to the current model used in games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero, having you hit specific note markers on a track to trigger the music. Their is only one key difference; instead of only being limited to a set track of one instrument, you are given the freedom to jump between 5 to 6 different instrument tracks at any given time. Once you hit the required string of notes on a track, it will temporarily disappear and play it for you. This leaves you free to jump to another instrument track to complete another line. These tracks typically consist of some variation of drums, bass, guitar, vocal, and synth. With the option to switch tracks at any given time, comes the ability to play a song in any way you please, adding in parts of songs if and when you see fit. Throw in the different "power ups" such as Auto Blaster, Slow-Mo, and Freestyle, you get an action packed music game that will keep you on your toes and your fingers spry.
Of course with a game that is centered around playing music, what would it be without some catchy, fun to play jams. Amplitude delivers again, with tracks by bands and artists like Garbage, Blink 182, Pink, Slipknot, David Bowie, and Weezer. Not only are these songs fun to listen to, but they are also a blast to play.
On top of the main solo mode, their are also several other game modes in which to play. With a song remixer that allows you to take any of the songs in the game and mix their tracks to make your own remix, as well as both local and online multiplayer, Amplitude provides an extremely full experience that delivers hours and hours of game play.
Next to Frequency, Amplitude is probably one of the deepest and most enjoyable non-peripheral rhythm game experiences out there. With fast paced game play and a good variety of songs, Amplitude provides a top notch experience, as well as an insightful look at what was to come from developer Harmonix. Overall, if you are looking for a game to fill the gap between the next installments in the Guitar Hero or Rock Band franchises, or are just trying to find a wholesome, peripheral-free rhythm game, Amplitude is sure to fit the bill.