Jan 2016
In a world where rhythm games are as common as TikTok dances at a middle school party, Harmonix drops Amplitude, a reboot of their 2003 classic. This music game is like that one nerdy kid in school who suddenly transforms into a rockstar overnight—still a bit awkward but undeniably cool. With its catchy tunes and hands-on gameplay, let's see if Amplitude hits all the right notes or if it’s just noise.
The gameplay in Amplitude stays true to its roots while taking a few daring leaps into modernity. Players are tasked with navigating a psychedelic conveyor belt of beats and notes, trying to keep up with a bouncing, upbeat rhythm. You’ll need quick reflexes and a good ear if you want to score high and, more importantly, keep your friends from laughing at you. Control your musical destiny (or at least the destiny of some pixels) by hitting buttons to activate various tracks of music. Oh, did I mention the multiplayer modes? Grab your friend and engage in some cooperative-competitive jam sessions—2v2 or 3v1! Imagine trying to outdo your buddy while shouting out how you totally could’ve hit that note if only you had more Red Bull. This mode adds a layer of chaotic fun, kind of like a school cafeteria food fight, but with music instead of mashed potatoes. If you enjoyed FreQuency, you might find the game’s ‘FreQuency mode’ appealing. It lets you experience the game in a tunnel format, similarly to the original title, putting the pedal to the metal for those all-or-nothing musical showdowns. Just be careful not to get dizzy and accidentally send your character off the virtual rails!
Graphically, Amplitude is like that flashy cousin who shows up at family gatherings to impress everyone. The visuals are vibrant, psychedelic, and set in a world that feels like a mashup of a 90s rave and a kindergarten art class. Characters and backgrounds pulse with color, synchronized with the beat. It’s eye candy, and while your brain’s trying to keep up with the music, your eyes will be having their own little dance party. However, if you've seen what gaming looks like in 2023, you might say Amplitude doesn’t quite reach the heights of newer AAA titles. It certainly shows that rhythm games are about the beats and rhythms, not the pixels.
Amplitude is a nostalgia trip wrapped in neon lights and infectious beats. It may not revolutionize the rhythm game genre, but it’s a solid friend to those who enjoyed the original or are curious about rhythm gaming—the kind of friend who always offers pizza and knows how to get the party started, but occasionally gets lost when the music’s too loud. While it’s not perfect and could use a few more chart-topping tracks, it does well in reviving a classic formula that fans have longed for. So plug in your DualShock, grab some snacks, and get ready to jam—Amplitude is here, and it's ready to rock your living room!
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