Frequency (PlayStation 2)

By PETER ELEY

(Herald rating: * * * * )

A game to test and hone your rhythmic sense. Frequency puts a twist on a real-time, side-scrolling, eight-track sequencer and applies a skill curve. If you can tap your fingers in time to music, you can start.

Gameplay involves travelling along a framework octagonal tube over one of eight tracks. For each song tracks can represent drums, scratches, FX, two guitar tracks, bass, more drums and voice.

The skill lies in hitting one of three buttons, in time and on target, to activate a sample or loop, eventually completing the song. When sections of the tune are activated with consistency the player is rewarded with points (to unlock a bonus track on each level), and that achievement is a cool game buzz that will have you hogging the controller to bring song after song to life.

Frequency is a fresh experience where the player truly plays and is near archetypal in its design and appeal. Simple, clear graphics put the emphasis on function. There is little to distract from the addictive game-play.

After about 15 minutes of activating beats and riffs, you could begin to see the potential for re-playability and hours of enjoyment. After half an hour, you will discover what a refreshingly strong and diverse array of songs are at your fingertips (or usually thumbs) and will probably want to cancel appointments and turn off the phone.

A slave to the rhythm of such artists as Crystal Method, Lo Fidelity All-Stars, No Doubt and Fear Factory and combining a good mix with the added ability to rebuild a song sample-by-sample in remix mode and also a multiplayer mode for two- to four-player competitive play, Frequency is worthy of obsession.

$119.95

peter_eley@nzherald.co.nz