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Music games have fast become a popular genre in video gaming. The huge success of Dance Dance Revolution in arcades all over the world has spawned many clones that all follow the same basic idea - tapping buttons to match the rhythm on a scrolling track of music. Developer Harmonix takes this formula, but adds a few things to it in their game Frequency. It's not just another rhythm music game - it turns your PS2 into a musical instrument.

Players control a bar-like contraption called the activator through a Tempestesque tunnel with six sides - the tunnel representing the song and the sides each a different instrument. The sides of the tunnels are littered with colored orbs symbolizing notes, or beats, of the song. When the activator crosses over these notes, the player must push the corresponding button on the controller. A successful completion of two measures of notes will lay down the rest of the music for that instrument in that section of the song. Once all the instruments for a particular section are captured, two bonus "freestyle" tracks open up allowing you to axe and scratch the song to pieces, all the while collecting massive bonus points. While this all may sound terribly complicated, the gameplay is actually very intuitive. Controls are snappy and responsive - critical for a game dependent on timed button presses. The magnificent balance and flow of Frequency simply cannot be described - you must play it and see how effortless it is to string together combos, lay down tracks in any order you want to really create your own version of the song without even knowing it.

In addition to the regular game mode, there is a "remix" mode for those of you feeling especially creative. This is just what it sounds like: a semi-powerful and simple to use tool that allows you to remix any of the songs from the game. The interface is identical to the main game, however the tunnel is completely void of any notes - you get to add them yourself! After a few sessions of trial and error, the clean interface becomes second nature and you'll be able to remix with the best of 'em.

Some music games, while fun, lack...well...good music. Most often you'll have to endure a hideous collection of Jpop (music that I personally don't mind, but I'll save that argument for the forums) complete with a completely un-American sound that will undoubtedly turn off 80% of domestic gamers. Fortunately, Frequency comes equipped with an outstanding soundtrack featuring artists such as No Doubt, Dub Pistols, Crystal Method, Meat Beat Manifesto, and Freezepop. Most of the music is techno, or something close to it, so if you're looking for a game that will let you jam with Aerosmith...check out Revolution X. However, for those of you that can't get enough heavy bass, trance, house, and the like, you'll be on Kazaa downloading the soundtrack faster than you can say "freq!". There is also a lot of music to be had in Frequency with many of the songs unlockable, encouraging practice, dedication, and above all an insatiable addiction! I've logged well over 50 hours into this little game and still come back for a song or two a day. Yes - this is the closest thing to digital crack next to Crazy Taxi.

Personally, I'm a big fan of the music game genre with a past history of dumping more quarters into DDR machines than I care to admit. I've played the home version, every Benimani game, Parappa, Space Channel 5, Samba De Amigo, Bust a Groove, Mad Maestro, and probably another two or three I can't think of right now, but not a single one has captivated me as much as Frequency. This game is pure gold. Sure I took a lot of heat last year with my friends when they all chose Halo for "Game of the Year", and I was sticking by my Frequency like a kid with his teddy bear, but the fact still stands today. Frequency is one of the best games you can get for your PS2 today. Anyone even remotely interested in games, music, or both must check it out.

Graphics: Unique game environment much different from other music games. Creative approach to symbolizing being "in" the music while at the same time keeping things colorful and active. Interface is clunky, but gets the job done.	8.0
Sound: A simply superb soundtrack from a number of qualified artists. It's unfortunate that the game doesn't include a greater variety of styles, though what is has is excellent!	9.5
Game Play: Tight responsive control throughout the game. For players that are having issues with some of the faster songs, the controls are fully customizable to allow for optimum comfort and ease of play. Really makes the controller feel like a musical insturment.	9.0
Replay Value: If/when you become a Frequency master and somehow unlock everything, the remix mode will keep you entertained for hours. This is one game that's just fun to go back and re-play your favorite songs over and over simply for kicks. A very rare game that never gets old.	10
Overall: The best music game ever made. If you own a PS2, and like music, you must own Frequency.	9.4