Frequency

Publisher:
Sony Computer Entertainment

Release Date:
11-19-2001

Genre:
Rhythmic Gaming

ESRB Rating:
Everyone

Description:
Blowing apart the conventions of the rhythm action genre in the name of originality, Frequency puts you in total control of the music for an experience that's part game, part musical creation tool. Falling somewhere between the testing rhythmic action of PaRappa the Rapper and the creative freedom offered by MTV Music Generator 2, you'll have the opportunity to play tracks from a host of popular artists in any way you see fit.

It's all about individuality; form a virtual identity by creating your own avatar, or 'FreQ', and prepare to enter an entrancing sonicscape with some of the best names in hip-hop, house, drum 'n' bass, rock and nu-metal as your musical accompaniment. No Doubt, Orbital, Paul Oakenfold and Fear Factory are just four of the 20 featured groups and DJs who have contributed exclusive tracks and remixes to Frequency's wonderfully diverse soundtrack.

If you fancy a serious challenge, then the Game Mode is for you. Here you must play along with specific elements of any chosen song such as the guitars, drums, bass, vocals, and samples by tapping the three controller buttons (for left, middle and right) in correspondence with the on-screen 'jewel' guides. If you perfectly mimic a section for two bars by 'capturing' the jewels as they approach, the entire track will continue to play automatically, allowing you to start capturing another section. Successfully capture every track and you'll be given the opportunity to insert extra elements into the tune by heading over to the freestyle tracks and using the left analog stick for additional scratch and synthesiser effects. Your talents are rewarded with points that unlock a number of bonus tracks and encourage repeated 'high score challenge' play, but don't worry if you struggle to reach your target; score multipliers and automatic track capture power-ups litter the musical highway to aid your efforts.

Alternatively, if you fancy doing something slightly more creative, then the Remix Mode will suit you right down to the ground. A far more dynamic and fun system than typical music creation programs, the Remix Mode lets you select from any available track and gives you the option to produce a drastically reworked interpretation by laying down samples in realtime as you travel down the Frequency tunnel. The control system mirrors the Game Mode, but it's also possible to add new effects, loop particular sections and freestyle to your heart's content. Once you've completed a track, you can either head over to the Jukebox and give it a listen or even enter it into the Game Mode to test your friends.

Talking of friends, Frequency also features a frantic split-screen four-player Multiplayer Mode that has you simultaneously competing for points on the same track. Risk the complex sections for the big scores, or play it safe on the easier parts - if someone's intruding on a track you want, then take advantage of the devious multiplayer-only power-ups to bump them off and claim it as your own. Watch out, though; the others will be looking to do exactly the same to you!

With so many elements to explore, the real beauty of Frequency lies in its almost limitless scope and instant accessibility; the game is tailor-made to be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for players of any ability and musical preference. Stunning audio, hypnotic visuals and original gameplay combine like never before to form a unique title that is as much an experience as it is a game. Give in to Frequency - you will be amazed.