Video Gaming News - February 2003

Foster City, CA (February 12, 2003) - Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today that five additional major recording artists have agreed to provide music and video content for the upcoming rhythm-action game, Amplitude.

From Sony:

Expanding upon a top-tier music roster covering hip-hop, rap, electronica and rock, the newly signed bands include blink 182, P.O.D., Mekon, Freezepop and Dieselboy. These artists will join other major recording artists on the Amplitude roster that include David Bowie, Garbage, Weezer, Quarashi and Logan 7. Developed by Harmonix Music Systems, Amplitude allows players to become a rhythmical DJ and jam with more than 20 diverse songs in virtual, vibrant interactive musical environments while mixing and remixing hit songs in both offline and online gameplay.

Taking advantage of the PlayStation 2 online capabilities through the Network Adaptor (Ethernet/modem) (for PlayStation(R)2), Amplitude allows players to challenge their friends online in multi-player and remix mode. Utilizing lobby chat capabilities and other unique online features, including a ladder-ranking system, players will be able to collaborate and compete with each other to form an online music community. During online gameplay, Amplitude supports both broadband and analog users.

"When we play music for our fans, the intensity and adrenaline is 110 percent to get the show rockin'!" said Travis Barker, blink 182. "With Amplitude, PlayStation 2 gamers can experience that same feeling by playing one of our favorite songs - 'The Rock Show,' in an immersive offline and online musical world themed to us that takes song enjoyment to a new level."

"With the combination of hip-hop, rock, electronica and rap, these newly signed acts broaden the music roster for Amplitude while reaching out to new and existing fans of both PlayStation 2 and the particular music act," said Ami Blaire, director, product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "Amplitude offers a unique platform for both the band and us to present music in such a unique manner that the player will feel one step closer to the artist as they create and remix music from their PlayStation 2 controller."

These newly signed acts feature well-known tracks that include: blink 182 with "The Rock Show," Mekon with "What's Going on?," P.O.D., with "Boom" -- special remix by The Crystal Method, Freezepop with "Supersprode" and Dieselboy with a remix of Styles Of Beyond's "Subculture." Considered by many as a worldwide phenomenon, blink 182 is one of the leading punk rock bands of today. Produced by Jerry Finn, their fourth studio album from 2001 is titled "Take Off Your Pants and Jacket" which features hits such as "The Rock Show," "Stay Together For the Kids" and "First Date." Hailing from San Diego, CA, P.O.D. released their breakthrough triple-platinum album Satellite. Electronica pioneers The Crystal Method bring new textures to this rock anthem in the "Boom" remix. Mekon is John Gosling, whose second album from 2000 paired Mekon with such favorites as Skooly D and Roxanne Shante. "What's Going On?" is a result of the Shante soundclash, and Mekon's biggest hit to date. After providing their hit titled, "Science Genius Girl" in Frequency, Freezepop wants to show their appreciation with their new electropop song, titled "Supersprode." America's #1 Drum and Bass artist Dieselboy provides a special remix of Styles Of Beyond's "Subculture (Dieselboy + Kaos Rock Remix)", featuring live drums and guitars alongside rinsing beats and deep lyrical flow.

Building upon the critically acclaimed PlayStation 2 title Frequency, Amplitude presents a redesigned interface allowing gamers and music lovers to recreate their favorite songs from the ground up by triggering instruments such as drums, bass, vocals and guitars via their controller while viewing music videos and other visual stimuli. Focusing on not only the thrill of creating and mixing music, Amplitude also provides a fast-paced competitive dynamic environment encouraging players of all skill levels to challenge each other both on a single console and online.

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