In the time spent expanding my circle of interest, I couldn't help but to reflect on how the industry has continued to look for innovative steps in which to cater to the varied niches of gamers that exist within the consumer spectrum. In the early birth of consoles, a time in which they were ideally developed for the sole purpose of playing games, technology has caught up to our dreams, and thus, has allowed us to expand the horizons of the gaming experience. While consoles will of course never replace the vast capabilities offered through a PC, it's admirable when software outside of the gaming class can transform a platform into a productive tool which enables users to teach, instruct, or create. In the case of Codemasters latest development for the PlayStation 2, MTV Music Generator 2 represents the latest edition which brings forth some new features targeted for the musically inclined, aspiring DJ artists, or anyone who is willing to try their hand at music creation.

Because I spent very little time with the first edition, it's unwarranted to express any begrudging comments as to what's been removed from the latest installment. Though from engaging in a bit of research, I discovered that anyone who's familiar with the first one will end up being somewhat disappointed as to some of the changes that have taken place. Yet, if you're like me (a newbie to the series)...you should have little difficulty with the system which is presently available.

MTV Music Generator 2 has a totally revamped interface and menu system, allowing users to choose from a plethora of pre-recorded sound samples and riffs. In addition, the latest installment is endorsed by Funkmaster Flex, who provides his personal pitch within the first few minutes of the game (got a few chuckles watching him mixing with a Dual Shock Pad)...heh, riiiiight. Digressing here, MTV Music Generator 2 also includes a variety of original songs which includes popular artists like Apollo 440, Tony Hewitt, Cassandra Fox, Zombie Nation, Gorillaz, Photek among a few others.

So are you ready to jam?

Because this was an entirely new experience for me (this coming from someone who practically indulges in game software on a daily basis), I engaged the title with open arms. Let me stress that this isn't a game, it's a program designed for those who have a genuine love of music and endeavor to create their own blend of rhythm and soul. The generic interface is quite bland to say the least and being rather fickle with aesthetics, referred to the manual and modified the work environment to a sci-fi theme (users can choose from a total of nine available skins). Once I was satisfied, it was time to groove...only, I didn't know how to do that on impulse. Now, it's a well known fact that I hate referring to manuals, regardless what the task at hand might be. But alas, even if one was familiar with the first edition of the MTV Generator series would find themselves quite frustrated with the entire interface. In short, one would have to relearn the game from scratch.

Yet in my case, despite all my stubbornness (added to the fact that I would not want to sit and convey an ongoing rant on just how upset the product made me), I simply had to read the manual - which I did. It took quite some time to grasp what was being fed into my mind, as I memorized the various icons and functions, it was a bit enjoyable and mundane all in one shot...I wanted to make music after all. After a half-hour or so passed, a perplexed look laid on my face as I stopped to ponder the information I mentally digested. Though I initially thought I understood what I was doing, and had memorized all that I had read, it become apparent that it was best to refer to the Tutorial within the manual...and thusly so, Bahn read the Tutorial, word for word. Whee! Sarcastic jibes aside, it was at this point, I felt a greater sense of satisfaction as I then figured out the steps required. On a side note...not that I dislike reading, but I have exceptions to patience, it would have been nice if the tutorial was integrated within the game, something more interactive that could walk you through the process, step-by-step. Perhaps it's something Codemasters can consider for the next edition, as it would bode well for highly impatient types.

Once one picks up the basics, it becomes relatively easy to navigate through the interface, select your own riffs, rhythms, vocals, etc. Like the first edition, Generator 2 allows you to demo the songs, select them, place them in the palette, associate the selected songs, copy, paste, rinse, repeat, play, and enjoy! Bon apetite! Quite extensive in its options, users can extend the parameters further by adjusting the level of depth, feedback, and delay, among others. Once your production has been completed...you'll naturally want to save the songs, Generator 2 allows up to 100 in total to be permanently stored on a memory card for future use. There's plenty to explore and is only limited by your own imagination and desire to create. Although the process does take some time, in the end, you can sit back and appreciate the final design (which I did continuously in my first attempts, and that was just with the aid of the Tutorial).

This is how we do it...

Though initially cumbersome at first, navigation with the magnetic pointer will become second nature with time and practice. The riff system consists of four music icons (Rhythm, Bass, Melody and Vocals), which is spread over eight genres. Of course, as with any form of art, there are times where (much like myself), I become dissatisfied with what I've created. It won't be uncommon that in your plight to design unique songs, you'll also want to have just a bit of repetition (as all songs consist of such, be it rock, jazz, pop, rap, etc). By using the Copy and Paste functions, users can edit the track with ease, and in turn select the bars and move them to another designated area on the palette.

Aside from the core aspect of creation, Generator 2 allows players to make movies to accompany the music and allows to three friends can get involved for a four-player real-time jam session (though if you have two multitaps, up to eight people can get involved). Here's where the Sampler Kit (which is sold separately) truly comes in handy as it allows you to input your own voice, sounds and music of your choice. It's ashame that it wasn't packaged with the game, as it truly helps to expand the entertaining value and diversity by a wide margin. Overall, I found the rhythm and bass riffs to be pretty cool, and even some of the vocals put a bop in my step...but some of them were awfully unpleasant to my ears and I knew for certain that their inclusion would never be considered (no matter how many songs would end up sounding the same). The Sampler Kit is truly recommended for music enthusiasts who invest in this product for the sole purpose of creating something totally unique that will keep them coming back again and again. Admittedly, I could only find enjoyment with the title for a few days...a slim possibility for any new adopters who have a piqued interest.

So...are we having fun yet?

The most unfulfilling aspect during my entire experience revolved around the video section of the game. Unlike the music aspect, I didn't find this enjoyable one bit and the videos were pretty weak in my opinion...it simply looked like an array of psychedelic spots and what not. I understand that it was implemented primarily for demo purposes, but honestly, with the level of graphic prowess the PS2 is able to deliver, Jester Interactive could've introduced something more creative.

Overall, Generator 2 is a solid product, which features enough distinction and improvements that justifies its purchase, especially for those who want to create music or just looking to expand their horizons for entertainment. The extensive supply of riffs is a welcomed bonus for fans of the first edition, who will only be exceptionally displeased at the fact that they'll have to relearn the entire menu system, which isn't nearly as bad as some industry colleagues would have you to believe. As an intermediate audiophile, I found the sounds to be quite effective for anyone who's a newbie to the entire experience, but again...hardcore types will opt for their own personal selections, and thus be prone to invest in the Sampler Kit to incorporate some additional flavor. A welcomed experience indeed and is the only music creation title on the market for the PS2, impatient types will be weary of the steps involved (along with the fact that they MUST read the manual), but those who are truly serious about developing music and seek to expand their horizons will find plenty of enjoyment with Codemasters latest package.

· · · Bahn