Rhythm games have never enjoyed the chart success here they've had in Japan.

But Sony has brought in United States-based games developer Harmonix to show us how to hit the beat on the PlayStation 2.

The result is Frequency, which uses music ranging from hip-hop to trance to provide a fresh gaming experience.

Players will find themselves moving down an octagonal tunnel in which each wall of the tunnel represents an element of a song, from vocals and scratching to guitar and drums.

There are a series of jewels on each wall, representing different rhythms and notes and it is the player's job to activate them in perfect harmony.

The Square or L1 buttons play the jewels on the left, the Triangle or R1 play those in the middle and the Circle or R2 the jewels on the right.

Once you have completed a section, such as the drums, without any mistakes the part begins to "loop", letting you move on to another wall.

Although the game sounds easy enough, once you have completed the relatively straightforward beginner's levels things start getting more difficult, bordering on impossible, in the highest levels.

The game looks good with its mix of abstract geometric shapes and futuristic themes. However, its real strength is in its pumping soundtrack.

Many rhythm games include the occasional licenced song but Frequency contains 25 songs, most of which have been provided by well-known electronic artists.

The featured stars include trancers BT and Paul Oakenfold alongside techno greats Orbital and big beat specialists Lo-Fidelity Allstars.

Fans of drum 'n' bass, hip hop and electropop will also not be disappointed.

Frequency is easy enough for the most casual gamer but the later levels will challenge the most rhythmic of console kings.

And, for once, humming the soundtrack at the bus stop won't cause too much embarrassment.

Price: £39.99.

Contact: uk.playstation.com
Feel good factor: 8 out of 10