Join the Fast-Paced Game of Rhythm and Skill and Battle Online With Songs By Run-DMC, Garbage, David Bowie, P.O.D., Weezer, Pink and More in Amplitude

Rhythm-Action Title Builds Upon Award-Winning Frequency™ Gameplay With All-New Interactive Online Gaming Experience Exclusively for PlayStation®2

PRNewswire
FOSTER CITY, Calif.
03/25/2003

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the release of Amplitude, an all-new edition to the critically-acclaimed Frequency™ title that reinvented the music gaming genre. Developed exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system by Harmonix Music Systems, Amplitude is a fast-paced rhythm-action game that allows players to test their skills in mixing and remixing hit songs by shooting musical notes in various vibrant musical environments in both off- and online gameplay. Via the Network Adaptor (Ethernet/modem) (for PlayStation®2), the gateway into the world of online gaming, Amplitude provides a unique, one-of-a-kind online musical forum for players of all skill levels to compete and collaborate with more than 25 songs.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000510/SFW104-a )

Following up on the great line-up of bands in Frequency, Amplitude expands the music roster with a diverse and eclectic mix of genres including songs and video content from David Bowie, blink 182, Pink, Herbie Hancock, Run DMC, Dieselboy, Slipknot, Weezer, P.O.D., Garbage, Quarashi, Logan 7, as well as other major recording artists. Surrounded by interactive environments with stunning graphics and video that are tightly synchronized to each artist's song, players are tasked to recreate their favorite songs in a spaceship that shoots and captures vocals and instruments such as drums, bass and guitar. In addition, players have the opportunity to create custom remixes as well, in single- and multi-player modes.

"We are thrilled to introduce Amplitude to rhythm-action fans of PlayStation 2. Playing Amplitude online offers new opportunities for gamers to join online communities and prove their rhythm skills against gamers across the country," said Ami Blaire, director, product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "Providing an immersive, addicting gameplay atmosphere, the fast-paced action will keep players entertained for hours, and provide a whole new avenue for music artists to reach their fans."

"No game out today incorporates music like Amplitude," said Marcos, P.O.D. "I love it... it's all about the music."

Amplitude allows players to engage in a rhythm action experience within five unique arenas filled with special visual environments from many different music genres, including Alternative Rock, Hip-Hop, Heavy Metal, and more. Each song will have its own path through the arena, providing a completely different experience with every song, including music videos and other content from the bands. Players can even watch their customized "FreQ," an all-new 3D representation of the player jam with them. Starting with a vocal or instrument track, such as drums, players must hit the appropriate buttons at the right time in order to match the rhythm of the song. Once this instrument is successfully mixed within a song section, players can move on to another instrument, such as a guitar and continue through all the instruments/vocals, performing all tracks and re-creating the song.

With six different game modes, including online play, players can mix music, play against four other players without a split screen, participate in an online multi-player live jam session, or just play solo remix mode.

In the online mode for Amplitude, players can compete and collaborate in multi-player, remix and even a head-to-head duel match. During online gameplay, Amplitude utilizes full-chat capabilities and other unique online features such as a ladder-ranking system and Remix Repository. If a player creates a remix in the online mode, they have the opportunity for their remix to be selected and posted in the online lobby for other players to listen to, enjoy and play. In addition, players have the opportunity to download selected remixes to listen and sample. In the coming months, participating music acts will have the opportunity to judge submitted songs and post them online for the community to enjoy. Amplitude supports both broadband and dial-up users.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated Amplitude "T" for Teen. For more information about the ERSB visit www.esrb.com.

About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one™ game console, and the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. The PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system is set to revolutionize the home entertainment market, offering the most compelling interactive content and the capability to be used as a network terminal in the coming broadband era. Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one game console and the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Visit us on the Web at http://www.playstation.com/

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SOURCE: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

CONTACT: Ryan Bowling, +1-650-655-3657, or
ryan_bowling@playstation.sony.com, or Heather Crosby, +1-650-655-5234, or
heather_crosby@playstation.sony.com, both of Sony Computer America Inc.

Web site: http://www.esrb.com/

Web site: http://www.playstation.com/