Amplitude Review

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(More customer reviews)Amplitude is a music game which is unique in the fact that it uses songs from established artists - some you most certainly have heard.If you are familiar with music games you would be at home here - the music plays and you perform a part by "playing" the controller while the "music" moves by on the screen.It is the sequel to a game called Frequency and some of this review compares this game to that one.
The game also allows you to remix songs but I did not get into that on Frequency and again fail to find it enjoyable.Also the head-to-head mode of this game is kind of strange - the single player is much more enjoyable in my opinion.
One of the best parts about Frequency was getting introduced to groups I hadn't heard before and hopefully some of these artists will turn out the same. The music in Amplitude is a mix of familiar and unfamiliar artists.Strangely it seems to be harder to play the songs that I know (Weezer - Dope Nose or Blink 182 - Rock Show) than songs I haven't heard before. Some of my favorite songs on Amplitude are Baseline by Quarashi, Cherry Libs by Garbage, and Urban Tumbleweed by the Baldwin Brothers. Ultimately I feel like somehow these artists were picked to promote them for Sony - I wish there were more variety of tracks.
Amplitude is easier to beat than Frequency was - there are 4 difficult modes (Mellow, Normal, Brutal, and Insane) and I started on Brutal when I first got it and played through in about 2 1/2 hours.The expert mode of Frequency was much more difficult.Easy mode is easy enough for my 6 year old to play.
I would have been happy with the Frequency base game with new music - what Sony needs to do in the future is modify this game with new music every 3 to 6 months and rerelease it for $20 or so. Much of the effort in the sequel seems to have gone into the system that allows you to create your own "guy" and as you play you unlock new clothes - whatever.Your guy sort of plays along with you - if you are on a guitar track he plays guitar and when you play drums he switches to drums.
A final word about the music.I love 4-letter words in my music as much as anybody but while I enjoyed playing Frequency with my kids, some of the songs in Amplitude have bleeped out words and are about mature subjects - and some words that in my opinion should be bleeped aren't.

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Product Description:
MODEL- 97258 VENDOR- SCEA FEATURES- Amplitude Fast, addictive arcade-style gameplay allows you to mix and remix hit songs from major recording artists like Garbage, David Bowie, P.O.D., BT, Weezer, Pink, Dieselboy, blink 182, Run DMC, and more - within more than 20 immersive levels. Experience musical immersion with single player gameplay or jump online and play against FreQs nationwide in intense jam sessions! ESRB Rating : T for Teen Genre/Category : Music System : PlayStation 2 Number of Players : 1~4 Compatible Peripheral: Network Adapter MANUFACTURER WARRANTY:andnbsp;andnbsp;90 DAYS

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Frequency Review

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(More customer reviews)It was my pleasure to participate in a couple of focus group tests of Frequency. Whenever a test was over, I would threaten to show up the next day at the developer's office uninvited, just to play some more. It's that good. To appreciate how great Frequency is, you really have to play it. Like SSX, Frequency adds innovative new play mechanics to a stale and stagnant genre, in this case, rhythm/music games, and creates an altogether transcendent experience. Unlike other music games, memorizing and repeating button presses is not the crux of the gameplay. Here, instead of mimicking a song, you actually create a song, using timing and reflexes to lay down beats, bass, and guitars, building each song from a metronome to an all-out jam. For example, if the player can successfully lay down a certain number of beats on the drum track, the drums are "locked in", and the player can then start working on the bass while the drum loop continues. "Lock in" the bass and you can move on to guitar, vocals, etc. However, as the song progresses, if a change in the drums or bass or whatever is required, the player must scroll back to that instrument and lay down the new beats. This is all achieved through a gorgeous 3-D graphic interface that looks like a trippy, hi-tech version of Tempest. The overall gameplay effect is a lot like a plate-spinning act. Power-ups and point multipliers spice up the fun, and a multiplayer mode is included where up to 4 players try to "capture" as many parts of the song as possible. And online play will be possible when Sony gets the network up and running. Also of note is the "remix" mode where you can take the awesome music in the game, and remix it freestyle, beat by beat. Although not as versatile as MTV Music Generator, it's a lot more intuitive, and a hell of a lot more fun. All the music included in the game by the likes of Chemical Brothers, Dub pistols, Paul Okenfield, No Doubt, and others is top-shelf stuff.

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Product Description:
Frequency allows you to mix and remix songs through each of eight different instrument types. If you remix correctly, you can freestyle and create your own music. The game has six unique game modes, top hits from major bands in a variety of genres, 3-D graphics, band video sequences, and online play. Genres include hip-hop, alternative, rock, electronica, house, and rap metal. Play through 21 diverse levels, each consisting of one musical composition, as well as music videos and other visual stimuli. Six unique play modes include solo game, net remix, and multiplayer remix modes. You can create your own awesome freestyle music using techniques and instruments such as scratching, guitar, and synth. You can also capture a variety of power-ups to add to your music juice.

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Rock Band 3 Wireless Keyboard for PlayStation 3 Review

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(More customer reviews)With the game 2 weeks away from release, the fervor that it's generating is at its peak as evidenced by the fact that Amazon is sold out of the keyboard (as of 10/12/2010 anyway).

I received both keyboard and stand (review for the stand is here:Rock Band 3 - Keyboard Stand for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii) last week.

Here are my initial impressions of the keyboard:

- Build quality is solid.It has a good weight to it and none of it feels flimsy.Battery compartment is snug and tight and there's no fear of anything running loose.
- The keyboard comes with its own strap should you feel inclined to "key-tar" it, 80s style.
- The keyboard has a touch pad at the end of the handle, on the top.Presumably you will be able to distort held notes, similar to a whammy bar on the guitar.
- The keyboard also has an overdrive button adjacent to the touch pad.
- The packaging notes that the keyboard will also be able to play guitar and bass parts as well; why you might feel compelled to do that is unfathomable, but it's available...obviously, it won't support Pro modes for stringed instruments.
- The keyboard dongle will allow you to plug in TWO peripherals.This may be key for those of us who own the PS3 slim and may not necessarily want to invest in a USB hub (I did, but that's just me) or any other attachment that allows for additional USB hook-ups.
- All of the other PS3 controls (Start, Select, PS button, etc.) are all there just like the Rock Band guitar peripherals.
- MIDI is supported ... again, I'm not sure why you might want a 25-key keyboard as a MIDI device when a full keyboard would do the job better, but there you have it.

Here is my only con thus far:

- Keys are not weighted.Granted, it's a relatively compact peripheral, so weighting the keys would have only required additional precious volume, but for something that is purported to be "velocity-sensitive", weighted keys would have been a benefit in this area.Oh well, you can't have everything.

So far - very excited.I will update my review once RB3 comes out.However, my initial impressions given the completed keyboard are very, very positive.

-- Edit forthcoming --

-- Edit 10/26/10 --

The keyboard responds very well in gameplay.Keys respond accurately and PRO Mode works as advertised.As a warning, Pro Mode will challenge you quite a bit if you're not experienced with a keyboard.But it's a blast -- enjoy!

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Product Description:
As a new innovation to rhythm gaming, the Rock Band 3 Wireless Keyboard ups the realism of the Rock Band franchise. Crafted after classic professional Keyboard designs, its versatile layout capable of use on a tabletop or strapped over the shoulder like an electric guitar incorporates an ergonomic sensibility that provides comfort to the casual gamer or seasoned musician. The Rock Band 3 Wireless Keyboard Is fully compatible with both standard and Rock Band Pro modes.Empowering you to rock outside the realm of videogames, the Wireless Keyboard also functions as a MIDI controller and boasts a two-octave, non-weighted, velocity-sensitive keybed ranging from C3 to C5. The MIDI output connector provides compatibility with MIDI software sequencers and hardware devices, while standard console-specific gaming controller buttons deliver seamless console integration.

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The Beatles: Rock Band Review

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(More customer reviews)I just finished playing through the entire Beatles: Rock Band game on medium level. I was blown away in so many ways. We have all the various music games, many for several platforms, and this by far is our new favorite.

First, of course, the music. We have always loved the Beatles and playing through this game just reminds us how amazing these guys were as musicians. There's the "outliers" theory that they had amassed 10,000 hours of playing time with their high intensity early years, which speaks to their superb ability to just pick up and run on any stage. Whatever it was, their harmonies are superb, their rhythms are great fun. Bob (my musician boyfriend) commented that playing along with the songs was great. Often we have to force ourselves to play through a song on other games (even songs we like) because the coded buttons just aren't enjoyable, the coders get the rhythm a bit off. Here I was dancing along while I played guitar or sang.

There are 8 chapters / venues, from the Cavern up through the Apple roof-top. There are three Abbey Road studio chapters. You might think that's boring. However, it was *superb*. They might start a song in the studio, but then the visuals go off to a CUSTOM TAILORED TO THAT SONG video! The Yellow Submarine song is underwater. The Sgt Pepper's song is in the gazebo complete with 1800s cut-out people! The flower sequences are amazing. Usually in music games I ignore the backgrounds. Here I would miss notes because I was swept away by the background graphics! Whoever did these art collaborations needs to be given a bottle of Champagne. Maybe two. They were incredibly beautiful and a sheer perfect tie-in with the songs many times. I would gladly watch someone else play so I could watch the visuals.

Yes the "gig" shows you get early are fun - period appropriate screaming fans at Shea Stadium. I have to comment that the audience at the Budokan looked completely caucasian, surely some non-causasians should have been there? Still, a minor complaint.

Gameplay is as mentioned superbly fun, and not just because of the stellar music. You get real harmonies, which is a breakthrough for these main pair of products (GH and RB). Sing along in harmony with a friend, sometimes even three part harmony. If you have a mic stand you can even hook up your mic and play drums while you sing, play guitar while you sing, since there's no "hand clapping" or other stuff you have to do.

There are a few minor complaints. I nailed 100% several times and got nothing at all. No gold stars, no visual indication. Since I like to go through and get 100% on all songs, there's no easy way to see which to replay. The between-gig navigation is a bit rough, you have to literally page through them so you can't just scan the list. Even when you're looking at a given gig you have to go "in" to the gig to see which specific songs to work on. I really like having a scan option so I can look through for what I want to play with.

You earn photos with your stars (i.e. actual photos of the Beatles to look at) but I'd have liked something a little more fun.More instruments? I realize they want their gigs to all be period-specific with the right instruments and clothes but it still would have been cool to give the option.

Also, you are forced down their path in its completeness. You can't get past the Cavern until you play EVERY gig in it. Then you move on to the Ed Sullivan show and so on. In every case you have to play every single song. I'd really like to have the normal "earn X stars and progress" in case there'sa song you're really eager to get to.

You do get to download additional songs if you want - so if the killer set list built into this game isn't enough, you can always get more!

I want to comment in general that the equipment you have for playing any of these music games matters a LOT. We have the Ion drum kit and the wireless guitars. I highly, highly recommend getting both of these. Playing any of these music games (and especially the Beatles!) on cheap gear can really frustrate you quickly.Spend the money to get better equipment. You'll find you play the games for months and months because they are so much fun. You'll also find that your real life dexterity and drumming skills will improve *amazingly*.

Finally be sure to sit through the 10 minute long (I'm not kidding) credits. You get to unlock an encore :)

Feel free to contact me with any questions at all! I have the full set list posted on my site.

UPDATE: Several people have emailed me asking if this can be played single player. YES. You play single player through the entire game if you wish. Also, if you're alone in your house, you can still play multi-player with people on Live, so you can have fun four player music by going online and finding other players through the Live network.

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Product Description:
The world's leading music game meets the greatest band in history. The Beatles: Rock Band gives fans what they've been waiting for: a chance to experience the Beatles' legendary story from the inside. In The Beatles: Rock Band you won't just watch and listen as The Beatles make rock history, create landmark records and conquer the world-for the first time, you'll be part of the band. The Beatles software is compatible with Rock Band, Guitar Hero and most other instrument controllers, as well as third party microphones including SingStar and Lips.

Play across all band eras.
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A variety of play venues.
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Master classic Beatles harmonies.
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Standard Rock Band controller set.
Viewlarger. The Game
Join John, Paul, George and Ringo on-stage at legendary shows, behind closed doors in the recording studio, and in dreamscapes that bring the psychedelic imagery of the latter stage of their career to life. The acclaimed Rock Band elements of interactive play and full-band capacity are here as well, but with brand-new additions. One of these is full three-part harmonies, which challenge you to recreate The Beatles' vocal blend - a first for any music game and facilitated by the game's support for up to three microphone controllers. In addition, the game supports custom-built controllers modeled after the actual instruments that the Fab Four played, and eventually helped to make iconic, audio straight from the masters and graphics that take you on a magical tour through the key moments in The Beatles history. Produced with the full cooperation of The Beatles and Apple Corps, the game is packed with hidden fab extras that will push you and up to five of your friends to master the songs both online and offline in order to hear rare audio and view unseen photos from the archives.

The Song List
The Beatles were one of the most prolific bands of all time, churning out memorable hit after hit and this is reflected in the song list of The Beatles: Rock Band. From "I Want to Hold Your Hand" to "Get Back," every song in The Beatles: Rock Band comes directly from the Abbey Road master tapes. More than 40 songs are included with the game, spanning the length of The Beatles' career, with more to follow via download on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. The full list of hits supplied with the game disc include:

I Saw Her Standing There
Boys
Do You Want To Know A Secret
Twist And Shout
I Wanna Be Your Man
I Want to Hold Your Hand
A Hard Day's Night
Can't Buy Me Love
I Feel Fine
Eight Days A Week
Ticket To Ride
Day Tripper
Drive My Car
I'm Looking Through You
If I Needed Someone
Paperback Writer
Taxman
Yellow Submarine
And Your Bird Can Sing
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
With a Little Help from My Friends
Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
Getting Better

Good Morning Good Morning
I Am The Walrus
Hello Goodbye
Revolution
Back In The USSR
Dear Prudence
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
Birthday
Helter Skelter
Hey Bulldog
Don't Let Me Down
Come Together
Something
Octopus's Garden
I Want You (She's So Heavy)
Here Comes The Sun
Dig A Pony
I Me Mine
I've Got A Feeling
Get Back
Within You Without You / Tomorrow Never Knows
The End

The Instruments
Although The Beatles: Rock Band supports instruments from previous Rock Band and Guitar Hero releases on the same gaming platform, it also is tailor-made for play using The Beatles: Rock Band exclusive line of instrument controllers (sold separately). Each member of The Beatles had a signature instrument(s) that became synonymous with them. Controllers available are precise replicas of those instruments and include:

John Lennon's - Rickenbacker 325 guitar
Sir Paul McCartney's trademark - Höfner bass
George Harrison's - Gretsch Duo Jet guitar
Ringo Starr's - Drums with classic black oyster pearl finish and Ludwig-branded Beatles kick drum head

The Gameplay Venues
Having made music together in various capacities and combinations for more than ten years, The Beatles career is inextricably linked with a variety of venues. Follow The Beatles from their earliest days in locales in Liverpool and Hamburg, to their triumphant Ed Sullivan Show appearance and beyond. In addition, join them in the studio at Abbey Road and experience dreamscapes that put you inside the psychedelic era. Just a few of the famous venues players can expect to see in the game are: Cavern Club, The Ed Sullivan Theater, Shea Stadium, Budokan, Abbey Road, Rooftop, And many more.

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