Music makes the 2D world of Symphonia go ’round
Back in 2020, as an end of year project at Isart Digital, a college in Paris, a group of students released a project called Symphonia. A 2D precision platformer centered around music and devoid of any violence, it was so well received that the team of original students, now known as Sunny Peak, set out to remake the game. Does this new version hit the right notes or just fall flat?
Wasting very little time on exposition, Symphonia gets right to the point with a short introductory sequence detailing how the titular realm of Symphonia was founded by four musicians and their orchestra. Once a realm of magic and wonders of music, the founders went into hiding and the lands became corrupted and silent. But one automaton, still believing in the legends of Symphonia, discovers Philemon the violinist, one of the four founders of the realm, and wakes him up to find and reunite the founders so Symphonia might live again.
Upon awakening we’re shown the basic platforming mechanic in a mini-tutorial as we head to the concert hall at the heart of the realm. Similar to DuckTales and Shovel Knight, Philemon is able to bounce off the floor by pogoing with his violin stick. Throughout our journey we’ll acquire other abilities, such as being able to grab onto springboards that shoot us in certain directions, or a cape that lets us be lifted up in air jets. There’s a lot here, and it’s all built around a sense of skill and precision that works well. For anyone wanting a more casual experience so that they can enjoy the music, a variety of accessibility options are unlockable, not least of which is a double jump.
Speaking of the music, it’s superb. Each of the four areas has architecture and music themed after the musical founder and prodigy of the area. Going through an area, finding secrets and overcoming obstacles never gets old because the music sucks me in and crescendos into a beautiful performance between Philemon and that area’s musician.
While it might look like just another Hollow Knight, it’s anything but. Symphonia is just a wonderfully challenging game that doesn’t overstay its welcome, yet provides extra ways to play upon completion for those who want more. These include Hardcore and Shadow Chase modes, the latter having us replay the game while a Shadow Philemon is always chasing us. With all of that included, I already look forward to going back to it and completing the game for a second time.
This review is based on a PlayStation code sent to SideQuesting by the publisher. It was played on a PlayStation 5.
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