The main screen has 24 channels (opposed to previous game's 16), where premade sounds called "riffs" can be layered together. New in the sequel, multiple channels can be combined into one riff. Samples from previous game were kept and more samples were added.[5] The multiplayer mode is turn-based where up to four players manage beats, rhythms, or melodies to form one complete song.[6]
GameSpot reviewed the PS1 version: "If you're a serious musician and tool around on your PC, you're probably going to be frustrated or bored, as the RAM is obviously limited and the library is nothing you haven't seen or used before."[6]IGN said: "The video library is massive, and the utilitarian feel and ease of composition is nearly flawless. For the most part the sound effects and beats are great to use and easy to paste into the music score, or to alter."[1]GamePro called the PS1 version "amazing" and the PC version "a must-have for music fans everywhere"[8][4]
Vice wrote in a 2015 retrospective: "As a 'game' it was torturous; fiddly, unresponsive, demanding and difficult. As a tool it was invaluable."[12]
Music and Music 2000 have sold combined over a million copies.[13]
^ abElektro, Dan (December 1999). "PlayStation Pro Reviews - MTV Music Generator". GamePro. No. 135. International Data Group. p. 166. Graphics: 4.0, Sound: 5.0, Control: 4.5, Fun factor: 5.0