Amplitude HD
- January 5, 2016
- Harmonix Music Systems
Amplitude may not be a perfect game that includes every single thing a fan of the previous games could want, but it certainly met my high overall expectations.
The new Amplitude will be treated like a classic, sci-fi concept album. There is a narrative that runs through the game and surfaces in many ways through the visuals, music and song lyrics. Players will speed down long, winding paths made up of the different musical elements of a song. Each track is differentiated with the musical sounds of synthesizers, drums, vocals, and bass. As players blast…
Reviews
- Faithfully recreates the original gameplay experience with tight controls and great music.
- Visually stunning with psychedelic visuals and a compelling audio-visual experience.
- Challenging gameplay with a strong local multiplayer mode that enhances the fun.
- Significant difficulty spikes and a lack of variety in the track selection can hinder enjoyment.
- Relatively short playtime and limited appeal beyond the initial hours.
- No online multiplayer options and a rigid unlock system detract from the overall experience.
- music10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The music in Amplitude has received mixed reviews; while some praise its addictive soundtrack and faithful recreation of the original, others criticize the selection as generic and lacking in variety compared to previous versions. The rigid unlock system and limited song choices detract from the overall experience, though improved controls and multiplayer options enhance gameplay. Overall, the soundtrack is seen as a highlight, but its longevity and appeal may not satisfy all players.
“Faithfully recreates the original, tight controls, great music.”
“Amplitude has a great soundtrack and is really addictive, but lacks any real longevity or appeal beyond the first five or six hours of play.”
“Amazing to see how far a low-budget game can go for what it has. Controls are smooth, and the soundtrack is ample and refreshing.”
“However, the song choices here are woefully inadequate compared to previous offerings, dragging the whole thing down quite a bit.”
“Amplitude offers fairly stock-standard rhythm gameplay and nice visuals, coupled with a rigid unlock system and a music genre of limited appeal.”
“This HD remake nails the rhythm-based gameplay, but comes up short with its one-note soundtrack and lack of modes.”
- gameplay7 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is a nostalgic homage to its original, featuring addictive rhythm-action mechanics and visually engaging elements that appeal to long-time fans. While it offers challenging gameplay and a competitive multiplayer mode, some players find the soundtrack limited and the unlock system rigid, which may detract from the overall experience. Overall, it successfully combines exhilarating visuals and sound with a solid rhythm-based foundation.
“Rhythm-action gameplay remains addictive, with some fantastic tracks, suitably trippy visuals, and plenty of challenge to be found in the upper difficulty levels.”
“Addictive rhythm action gameplay, with an exhilarating mix of visuals, sound, and gameplay, along with a competitive multiplayer mode and fun remixes of indie gaming tracks.”
“This HD remake nails the rhythm-based gameplay, but comes up short with its one-note soundtrack and lack of modes.”
“This is a game clearly made for long-standing fans, and made by a passionate team that strived to recreate the gameplay experience of the original on modern hardware.”
- graphics5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are characterized by vibrant, psychedelic visuals that enhance the immersive experience, making gameplay feel exhilarating and addictive. Players appreciate the trippy aesthetic and the satisfying visual effects, such as tracks disintegrating upon completion, although some find the visuals and difficulty levels to be overwhelming at times. Overall, the combination of striking visuals and engaging rhythm-action gameplay contributes significantly to the game's appeal.
“The way that the game draws you in with its psychedelic visuals, how your brain switches off and your fingers become one with your DualShock, the satisfying way that the tracks disintegrate when you clear them – it's all here.”
“The visuals are suitably trippy, creating an exhilarating mix of visuals, sound, and gameplay.”
“The addictive rhythm-action gameplay is complemented by an exhilarating mix of visuals and sound.”
“The visuals and difficulty can be overwhelming.”
“The graphics are underwhelming and lack detail, making the game feel outdated.”
“The art style is inconsistent, which detracts from the overall experience.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Reviewers note that the game's replayability is hindered by a lack of diversity in track selection, which may lead to a monotonous experience over time. While some players appreciate the game's focus on replayability, the limited variety can diminish long-term engagement.
“The lack of diversity in track selection really hampers the game's replayability.”
“I found the game to be repetitive, which significantly affects its replay value.”
“Once you've completed the main objectives, there's little incentive to play again.”
Critic Reviews
Amplitude (PS4) Review
Amplitude offers four different difficulties, but the jump between each seems a bit extreme. Playing on beginner, the lowest difficulty, makes notes approach at a snail’s pace, and they are few and far between.
55%Amplitude Review
This is a game clearly made for long-standing fans, and made by a passionate team that strived to recreate the gameplay experience of the original on modern hardware. In that sense, Amplitude is a total success. The way that the game draws you in with its psychedelic visuals, how your brain switches off and your fingers become one with your DualShock, the satisfying way that the tracks disintegrate when you clear them – it's all here. If you can forgive the game's problems, you're left with a very solid rhythm game, and an experience that's as fresh today as it was 13 years ago.
70%Amplitude Review
Amplitude has a great soundtrack and is really addictive, but lacks any real longevity or appeal beyond the first five or six hours of play.
70%