Graphics and sound... sound and graphics... That's what 'music video' is all about. MTV Music Generator can make some pretty cool graphics to accompany your CDs. What's that you say? Why, yes! I DO realize that the later versions of the PlayStation can do that already. MTV MG does it better (sometimes). When the Music Generator is doing its thing just right, some of the graphics are breathtaking... and well matched to the music. Other times, it will change to a solid color screen for a bit or have almost no activity on the screen - usually the work of a poor camera angle. Not only does the MTV Music Generator generate video to accompany songs, it allows you to create music. In the 'Jam' mode, this rarely amounts to much, but in the 'Edit' mode, your PlayStation becomes a sequencer, allowing you to use existing instruments and sound samples to make your own songs. Don't see the sound sample you want? MTV Music Generator allows you to sample sounds in from any audio CDs. Now THAT's COOL! As for the graphical interface, it's MTV techno at its best. Very easy-to-see 'icons' let you choose what you want to do, and how you want to do it. Once you get down to specifics, there are menus of individual functions you can use. Actually, there are a delightfully surprising number of functions you can use.

You looking for a game? Oh, I see. No. MTV Music Generator is not actually a game. There is one 'multiplayer' mode called 'Jam Mode.' That mode allows you to make music with your friends (up to four players) by using the buttons on your controllers to play prerecorded riffs and sounds. Is it music? Eh... that's debatable. Is it fun? Sometimes. It's definitely not the main attraction, though. The best part of MTV Music Generator is the sequencer-like 'Edit' mode that allows you to make your own riffs, take your own samples, and mix your own masterpiece. It's not for everyone, but if you like the idea of making your own music and computer generated videos to match, it has loads of features that will give you hours and hours of musical diversion.

The MTV Music Generator is a very unique product. The coolest part, making your own mixes and songs, is not extremely easy. In fact, actually 'building' the song can, at times, be a bit of work. The fun part is listening to it (and/or watching it) when you're finished. Anyone familiar with music and sequencing will find the MTV Music Generator a breeze to work with. Anyone who hasn't, can learn how to use the program with the nicely detailed instruction book and the on-disc examples that comes with it. Anyone who just doesn't even have time for that can still play in the 'Jam' mode or watch the pretty colors while playing their own CDs.

MTV Music Generator is a highly interesting product. It's not truly a game, and as such, I am pleasantly surprised it saw the light of day. I've always thought that the PlayStation would be excellent for many things other than just games, but you rarely see anything besides games coming to market. MTV Music Generator is definitely not for everyone. But for those who are really interested in mixing music, it's an excellent product. You can make riffs, clone them, copy areas, paste them, change pitch, transpose, sample sounds, upgrade samples, downgrade samples, manage available memory and make your own video for your new song. And when you're done? Save it to a memory card and share it with a friend that has MTV Music Generator. Do take note: You'll want to have a memory card for MTV Music Generator alone. It can use a WHOLE lot of blocks. Sound Samples add up REALLY quickly. All together, however, MTV Music Generator is well made and showcases the graphic and sound capabilities of the PlayStation... Now only if they would make this for the PS2...