Metacritic Games

Amplitude (Playstation 2)

The sequel to Sony's "Frequency" features music from such artists as David Bowie, Weezer, Garbage, Quarashi, Logan 7. Trigger drum, bass, vocal, and guitar tracks by tapping the control pad in time to rhythm, and you'll generate an amazing lightshow to accompany your musical stylings. Even better, Amplitude is compatible with Sony's online adapter, so multiplayer game aren't limited to folks sitting around in your living room. Online options will include full chat modes and a ranking system, as well as the ability to create a remix online, which can be saved by the system for other players to listen to and play.

Sony Computer Entertainment America
Music
Players: 4
T (Teen)
Developer: Harmonix Music Systems
Released March 24, 2003

Overall Metascore

This is a weighted, normalized average of all individual scores given by critics, on a scale of 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

86 / 100

Critic Reviews

100 Gaming Age
Superior to the original in every way, and retains its charm while creating a new direction for the series to follow. It is without a doubt one of 2003's best titles, not only for PS2 but across all platforms.
100 Cinescape
An awesome sequel to Frequency and one of the best music games on the PlayStation 2.
97 GameZone
An easy enough game to pick up and play on the easier songs, but also very challenging and intense on later levels. It also has one of the most fierce multiplayer modes I’ve ever experienced.
95 TotalPlayStation
One of the most finely crafted gaming experiences I’ve ever had the pleasure of taking part in... You would be doing your ears a great disservice if you were to pass over the game because it doesn’t quite seem like your thing. I can assure you with complete confidence that it most certainly IS your thing.
92 Gamers' Temple
Amplitude has two great qualities going for it: it's addictive to play and the music really pumps you up. This is one of those rare games where it is actually fun to go back and replay the levels you've already cleared.
91 Entertainment Weekly
If you're not wearing a stupid smirk of satisfaction when you nail your first song, you should immediately check for a pulse. [21 Mar 2003, p.121]
91 TotalGames.net
It might take some getting into and it’ll all but certainly fry your brain after extended play but trust us… Amplitude is well worth the mental and physical torment and you won’t play a better music game this year.
91 IGN
For music and rhythm fans, this is a sure bet, and for gamers in general, Amplitude is an incredibly compelling, addictive game.
90 Gamezilla!
I normally want to kick off a few points for a title that closely matches it's original, but in this case, the gameplay is near rock solid.
90 Cincinnati Enquirer
It's a perfect match for music fans and parents looking for a constructive - rather than destructive -game experience.
90 Total Video Games
Accessible to everyone and extremely addictive to anybody who picks up the pad. It’s a meltdown of different sensations and probably the type of videogame you’d pick to generalise exactly what ‘Playstation’ is all about.
90 NTSC-uk
Only slightly harmed by a few too many big-name acts and micro-glitches, Amplitude is nonetheless a supreme masterpiece; barring its predecessor no music-centred game will ever come close. No, not even "Rez."
90 Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
Music/rhythm game with loads of top artists and online options. [Jan 2007, p.106]
90 GamePro
It’s supremely addictive, fun, and entrancing, and not just because of the flashing psychedelic tunnels of light. Plus, the feeling that you’re actually in control of a drum set or a base line is about as good as it gets.
88 Game Informer
Amplitude has blown the doors off its predecessor with more tunes and power-ups, better control, and crazy new background graphics. [May 2003, p.83]
88 GameSpot
It's an engaging, addictive experience that outstrips its predecessor and brings innovation to the genre.
87 Armchair Empire
It’s nice to see that Harmonix decided not to rest on their laurels and instead try some new things with Amplitude, and the diversity in the available music tracks is commendable.
87 Game Over Online
The improved multiplayer interface, seamless online integration, improved musical diversity, and tricked out visual presentation outdoes its predecessor in every conceivable way. Rhythm-based perfection, thy name is Amplitude.
87 Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)
The closest anyone's got to nailing the mainstream music game concept. If it was just 20 quid, we'd tell everyone to get it. [PSM2]
86 GamingTrend
The gameplay is simplicity itself, as are the graphics…some may be turned off by this but they will miss out on a fun game that stands apart from your standard fare.
86 netjak
Graphically, Amplitude is as trippy as some of the songs it features.
83 GameNow
The biggest change - the flattening of "Frequency's" cylindrical play field - ends up as more of a curse than a blessing. [May 2003, p.49]
80 Eurogamer
To pull out an old but fitting cliché, "Amplitude rocks". It's easy to pick up (with two suitably patronising tutorials) and surprisingly addictive, despite a lot of songs we don't even like.
80 GMR Magazine
Nothing but simple, addictive fun. [May 2003, p.68]
80 Gamestyle
Without question a fantastic release, but not the glorious and blinding achievement that many have proclaimed.
80 Edge Magazine
Amplitude is actually the perfect sequel. Not an expansion pack; a game that doesn't set out to mimic its forefather, but seeks to change the rules slightly without wholly perverting the initial concept. [June 2003, p.92]
80 PSM Magazine
On its highest difficulty level, Amplitude requires almost superhuman reflexes. [May 2003, p.36]
80 Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
The online implementation is the best I've seen in a PS2 game. [May 2003, p.90]
80 Yahoo! Games
Different, imaginative and entertaining, it's even more deserving of success than its predecessor.
80 All Game Guide
A great looking and playing game that is ultimately hampered by a limited selection of songs.
80 G4 TV
The wide selection of music ensures that it will have something for just about anyone, and the gameplay is challenging and incredibly addictive.
79 GameSpy
Amplitude's chaff-heavy soundtrack and flavorless gameplay keeps it from reaching the top of the pops.
75 Game Revolution
You won't be thinking so much as grooving - your fingers just race through the key presses on their own.
75 Electronic Gaming Monthly
Plus, chicks dig it, making it great for couples play. [May 2003, p.113]
65 GameCritics
The way that Amplitude is structured lends itself more to good reflexes, the memorization of patterns, and concentration rather than simply a good ear for music.

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