Symphonia is a game that takes the concept of musical integration and marries it with beautiful 2D visuals. Developed by Sunny Peak, this 2D action platformer is a breath of fresh air.
From the moment you start playing Symphonia, the game's art style grabs your attention. The hand-drawn visuals are nothing short of stunning, with each frame meticulously crafted to create a vibrant and immersive world. The environments are rich with detail, and the character designs are both unique and expressive. The animation is fluid and smooth, making movements appealing when you aren't landing on spikes. It's clear that the Indie developers put a lot of love and effort into making the game visually appealing and equally challenging.
What sets Symphonia apart from other games is how it incorporates music into the gameplay without turning it into a rhythm game. Unlike notable titles like the Just Dance franchise, where the fun filled gameplay revolves around following the beat, Symphonia uses music as a core element of its world and mechanics to fuel the adventure. The protagonist, Philemon, is a violinist who uses his instrument to interact with the environment and looks good doing so. The goal in Symphonia is to re-activate the machinery that returns its life and energy. Whether it's playing a tune to unlock a door or using the violin bow to perform acrobatic moves, there is something music related in one way or another.
The creativity of the developers shines through in how they designed the levels and challenges. Each area in the game is inspired by different musical instruments, and the puzzles and obstacles are cleverly tied to these themes. For example, you might find yourself bouncing on strings like trampolines or navigating through wind-powered sections. This innovative approach keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting, as you're constantly discovering new ways to use music to your advantage. The orchestral soundtrack, composed by Olivier Esman and his team, is wonderful and enhances the emotional impact of the game. The music is not just background noise; it's an integral part of the story and gameplay as seen in this first 30 minutes of Symphonia:
