Amplitude
Publisher: Sony Computer
Entertainment America, Inc.
Console: PlayStation 2
Hot: Creating custom mixes
Not: Not yet released
Score: 0 0 0 0
One perk of being a game reviewer (other than the new games), is previewing beta versions, games almost ready to launch but still in the last stages of development. Sony is billing Amplitude as "a unique extension" of its wildly popular Frequency title except that Amplitude promises to be bigger and better by expanding the musical genres and packing in more than 20 songs.
Ever wanted to be a rock star? DJ? (Johnny does.-Staff) Music producer? Amplitude gives you a chance to not only recreate the featured songs, but to create custom mixes too. Some of the artists you'll find in the game are David Bowie, Weezer, Garbage, Quarashi, Logan 7, and other big-time bands. One thing we noticed about gameplay is you don't have to be a musician to sound like a musician. Basically, your goal is to turn on each musical track (drums, bass, guitar, etc.) by using your controller buttons to beat out the notes that appear on the screen. After hitting a certain number of notes correctly, the musical track begins to play on its own. Turn on one track, a few tracks, or all the tracks, it's up to you. Features include the ability to play solo or up to four players on the same screen-no split screens here. Amplitude also offers online gameplay using a network adapter, and will support one to four players, including full chat capabilities, a ranking system, and the ability to post your remix and let others hear it. If you think your remix rocks, upload it, and it might even win a spot as a top remix in the online lobby for all other online players to see.
The graphics are mind-blowing. This game is like taking a psychedelic roller-coaster ride with streaming mpegs and music videos thrown in along the way. The controls were easy to learn and we had some cool mixes going in no time. There is a wide range of skill levels, so beginning gamers and pro gamers will be able to find a level to challenge their skills. One thing's for sure, you'd better get your fingers limbered up and ready to go.
There was one heavy metal song that we thought would be impossible. We were wrong. The guys from Sony pulled it off, no problem, but damn they must have practiced. Even from the limited preview we were able to play, Amplitude certainly looks like it will be a hit (pun intended). We're definitely looking forward to playing the final version and rockin' the office with our tasty remixes.-Lisa Lippard
War of the Monsters
Publisher: Sony Computer
Entertainment America, Inc.
Console: PlayStation 2
Hot: Everything is a weapon
Not: Watching helplessly as your ass gets beat
Score: 0 0 0 0
War of the Monsters is a cool concept. Think '50s horror flick in a modern environment. There are three modes of gameplay in each of the one- and two-player categories: Win battle points to buy new skins, fighting locations, monsters, or unlock mini-games. Get the game started by selecting the number of players, a war zone, and your monster(s). The game designers covered the bases by throwing all kinds of creatures into the mix, making it easy to find your favorite. Pick from a King Kong look-alike to giant robots-or maybe a lava-shooting rock monster or an electrified eyeball. Each monster has their own special weapons and fighting style. The controls are easy to use, and once you master a few buttons and some basic combinations you're ready to whoop some monster ass. We had fun in Midtown Park and Tsunopolis chasing down screaming people and squishing them under our creature's feet as they desperately ran for cover. We also liked the nice crunching sound they made as they got squished and the blood stains they left behind.