What the hell's Amplitude?Amplitude was originally a game released on the PS2 in 2003 by Harmonix, which was an indirect sequel to another game with the near same kind of gameplay, FreQuency. It was one of the first rhythm games to not use a peripheral like a guitar or anything. You played with a controller. Now, it's been redone entirely and released on PS4 with new graphics and entirely new songs, with a whopping 15 unique tracks for the campaign mode, and several songs from various other artists such as Freezepop, Symbion Project, C418, Danny Baranowsky, and more.
Story"What? A rhythm game? With a story? That doesn't involve traveling around the world in a rock band? You must be pulling my leg!"
Well, I'm not. It's rather cryptic at first, but let me explain.
You are controlling something called 'Amplitude OS', on a patient who is in a coma. Your objective is to go through the various systems to bring "her" back to life.
GameplayUnlike most rhythm games, as mentioned before, you play with only a controller, and the controls are also very simple.
BasicsWhile playing the game, you will encounter various 'tracks' which activate the song's music. There are multiple, tracks, but you will usually encounter a Drums, Synth, Bass, and Vocals track, or on a few songs, a Guitar track.
You can play with the L1, R1, and R2 buttons, or the Triangle, Square, and Circle buttons. It's recommended to use the former, as harder songs will require more speed than the front buttons will allow.
On a track, 'cells' will appear. There are three lanes for each cell. Each button respectively will trigger them. Hit the cells to the rhythm for 2 'phrases', and the track will fully activate.
Afterwards, you must move to another track and play its cells. Doing this continuously with fail will allow you to streak, and get more points, with a max multiplier of 4x. Failing to hit continuously will result in your streak going down, and your energy depleting.
Your energy meter will usually start at max (or if you're playing a barrier song. more on that later). Missing tracks continously or failing to play a track will cause it to go down gradually. Your last chance at salvation is when it's flashing red on the entire bar. If you fail after that, it's Game Over.
To win, play the song to the end, while keeping your energy up!
PowerupsThroughout play, you will unlock various powerups, with varying effects.
CleanseThis powerup clears an entire track. If you a lose a streak on the track by messing up, before it goes to the next phrase, use it, and your streak will go back up and you can continue playing with your streak.
SedateThis powerup slows down the music for a short while. This is useful on very streamy tracks, especially on Expert mode.
FlowThis powerup allows you to leave the track for a short while and 'freestyle' using the trigger or face buttons. This can allow for extra points, especially if your multiplier is high. This can also save your streak, similar to that of Cleanse.
MultiplyYour multiplier will be multiplied by 2 for a short while, allowing for a lot more points. With 4x and very fast and difficult tracks (if you can clear them), this can result in a LOT of points.
Difficulty(i forgot a few but i'll add the two i'm using atm -- i'll get the other ones)
Expert - The most insane difficulty. Lots of difficult tracks and requires lots of speed. Are you amazing enough to take the task?
Super - Unlocked by fully beating Campaign. You cannot restore your energy, the only powerup is Multiply, and tracks regenerate much faster. This is gonna hurt.
QuickplayPlay all your favorite songs! Play more and get more songs! Get a higher score than your friends or rivals! A vicious cycle, it is.
MultiplayerMultiplayer. Truly the most fun of modes.
VS - Go head to head against your m8s in a free-for-all point battle! Aim to play the hardest tracks and make sure your enemies don't!
Team Play - Play with 3-4 players in a cooperative point battle! Play 2v2, or even 1v3 to try and top them all!
Exclusive powerups:
Disrupt - Absolutely distort the view of the enemy's track. Unless they're good, high chance they won't be able to play until the effect fades.
Bump (i think that's the name?) - Bump your enemy to another track so you can steal the track they were on to play yourself.
CampaignPlay 15 songs entirely exclusive to the game, and learn more about the story. Playing on the hardest difficulty is needed to beat it all...
Players
BLF User - Campaign Difficulty Beaten - Points
The Murderous Cop - Expert Difficulty Campaign - ?????
