In the world of gaming, some titles stand out not just for their gameplay but for their ability to touch the heart and soul of the player. One such game is Symphonia, a delightful 2D adventure crafted by Headup, Beep Japan, and Sunny Peak. It’s a game that invites you to embark on a quest to restore the beauty of music to a silent world. Let’s delve into what makes Symphonia a must-play experience.
Symphonia sets the stage in a world where music, the very essence of life and vitality, has fallen silent. You step into the shoes of Philemon, resurrected when an automaton stumbles upon your mask. Your mission? To reunite the musicians and breathe life back into the realm of Symphonia. It’s a race against time, and every note you play is vital.
As a gifted violinist, Philemon uses his instrument to interact with the environment. The violin’s melodies bring to life the intricate machines scattered throughout the land. As you traverse each beautifully designed room, you’ll notice unique touches that give each place its own personality.
Your journey is controlled via a simple yet intuitive system. Move with the left analog stick or the D-Pad, leap over obstacles with the X or Circle buttons, and use the L2 and R2 buttons to maneuver your violin bow. This mechanic not only aids in puzzles but is essential for navigating more challenging platforming sections. Mastery of Philemon’s bow technique can mean the difference between success and failure as you skillfully bounce and ascend to new heights.
Philemon’s skill set includes wall jumps and mid-air violin strikes, adding layers to your platforming arsenal. Playing the violin with the Triangle button becomes a versatile action—whether it’s to unlock doors or animate platforms so that you can reach otherwise inaccessible areas. The Wayfarer Tune, accessible via the Square button, enables teleportation, facilitating exploration and revisiting previously conquered areas to unlock even more secrets.
Collecting Aura Shards is a crucial task throughout your adventure. By engaging with specific energy points using your violin, these shards become attainable. They play a significant role in progression, allowing the enhancement of the violist aura and opening up new possibilities as you journey deeper into the world, bringing its dormant machinery back to life.
The game would not be complete without its outstanding soundtrack. The orchestrated melodies composed by Olivier Esman, along with Alexandre Bucas-Français and Lou Corroyer, and performed by the Scoring Orchestra Paris, elevate the experience to new emotional heights. The harmonious blend of strings, brass, and woodwinds beautifully underscores the journey, enhancing each aspect of the gameplay.
Exploration is key—keep an eye out for peculiar areas that might reveal hidden memory fragments or musical notes crucial for completing the game fully. These elements are tied to unlocking Philemon’s remaining abilities and earning the coveted Platinum trophy. Visiting the Violinist’s Lounge allows players to further explore Philemon’s backstory and gain useful power-ups, such as a double jump or temporal abilities that alter game dynamics.
For those who enjoy collecting trophies, Symphonia offers a robust list. With achievements spread across 8 Bronze, 7 Silver, and 7 Gold, obtaining the Platinum trophy involves engaging with every aspect of the game—from playing concerts with each protagonist to completing time challenges. It’s a rewarding pursuit for trophy hunters and casual players alike.
To sum up, Symphonia is a beautifully charming 2D adventure that weaves music into every fiber of its being. The silence is broken by Philemon’s violin, and through your actions, the world is saved from quiet desolation. For fans of adventures filled with soul and creativity, Symphonia is a $19.99 Cross-Buy title that’s available for both the PS4 and PS5, promising a mesmerizing journey on both consoles.
Charming in its concept and execution, Symphonia demands that you bring music back to a world that sorely needs it. With your violin in hand and music in your heart, step into the realm of Symphonia and let your adventure begin.
Disclaimer: This Symphonia review is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Headup.
