Sometimes a video game offers more than just a by-the-numbers experience. It can be an essential learning tool to help advance the skills of those willing to apply themselves to a system. Codemasters' MTV Music Generator easily fits into this category, as does Eidos' latest PSP release, Traxxpad: Portable Studio.
Like the Music Generator games, Traxxpad: Portable Studio requires someone's full attention. The interfaces resemble futuristic recording boards with various switches and buttons to activate. A huge digital read-out sits on-screen to give musicians an idea of what has to sequence where. What at first looks like something out of a NASA control room eventually becomes startlingly simple to use. Only the most fickle of gamers will find any real frustration.
Four different modes await potential musicians. The Studio Through a Console (S.T.A.C.) mode lets users sequence songs together once they have all the separate pieces in place. The Myxer introduces them to the fine art of live sequence triggering, lining everything up so that it follows in order. The Real Time Interactive Sequencing Technology (R-TIST for short) and Melody Maker work in conjunction, letting artistic powers flow with the foundation of melody and rhythm. Again, it sounds like rocket science, but developer Definitive Studios created a user-friendly format.
Traxxpad: Portable Studio also has a couple of additional features worth noting. Over a thousand samples come into play, with various degrees in audio pitch and quality. However, should the user not find what he or she needs for their song, they can record what they need using a microphone. From there, they can take their sample and edit it to perfection, be it a childish burp or a full-blown bellow. (They can even be played backwards, for those interested in planting "hidden messages".)
In addition, the game earns bonus points for letting users be able to save their songs to a Memory Stick, so they can be transferred to an IMac or IPod with ease. Friends with PSP's can also get a taste of musical brilliance with AdHoc sharing, where conductors wirelessly share their work.
Eidos could've gone the extra mile with a little Infrastructure support. Accessing an online community with Traxxpad-built MP3s and online competitions (ala American Idol) would have been awesome. Perhaps the company wants to see how well Traxxpad does before sinking its teeth into such possibilities.
Traxxpad: Portable Studio is a marvelous addition to the PSP library. Gamers with an overflow of talent but a lack of funds and musical equipment should pick it up immediately and get to work.
Final Score: 8 (out of 10)
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