Developer: Threaks
Publisher: Reverb Publishing
Rrp: £6.89 (gog.com), £6.99 (Steam), £7.49 (Humblebundle)
Released: 6th August 2013
Available on: Steam, Gog.com and Humblebundle
Played using: an Xbox 360 control pad
The world of Symphonia is one where it’s not only underwater but where music permeates everything and is an integral part of it.
You play as Beatbuddy, one of three guardians of this world who have been woken from their slumber. However the other two guardians (Melody and Harmony) are in trouble so it’s up to you to save the day.
Beatbuddy is kind of hard to define in a single genre, it’s a puzzle platformer except you don’t really do any platforming. It’s also a rhythm game but you don’t have to press buttons in time to the music. I suppose the best I can come up with is that it’s a rhythm based puzzle game.
Because the game world is underwater controlling Beatbuddy is similar to steering a boat, in that you can’t make sudden sharp turns.
Pink crystals called ‘beatpoints’ are scattered around the levels, collecting these is completely optional as they just unlock little extras in the main menu like concept art pictures and videos.
Most of the music used within Beatbuddy is electro swing with some of the more well known artists of the genre contributing to the soundtrack.
What I said earlier about the world being permeated by the music really shows as you play the game. All the creatures (note; I said creatures not enemies or opponents) within the world move to the beat of the music. As such having a sense of rhythm is very useful when playing this game, although speaking from experience it’s not absolutely required.
Final thoughts? I like this game, it’s short and sweet lasting about five or six hours. For me though it’s the soundtrack that really sells the game, to the point that I’ve actually bought the soundtrack.
If this appeals to you perhaps try;
140
Audiosurf
A City Sleeps
