Symphonia Review

A review code was provided, and many thanks to Headup Games.

Symphonia: A Musical Masterpiece in Motion

Symphonia is a non-violent 2D platformer where music isn’t just a theme; it’s the lifeblood of the world. Set in the poetic realm of Symphonic, this hand-drawn, orchestral adventure tasks you with reviving a land fallen into silence. With a violin as your tool and your artistry, you’ll navigate vibrant environments, awaken dormant machinery, and gather musicians to rebuild a forgotten orchestra.

This game’s blend of breathtaking visuals, captivating music, and innovative gameplay ensures that Symphonia stands out as a harmonious journey for players of all ages.

A Symphony in Every Step

At the heart of Symphonia is Philemon, a birdlike violinist tasked with reawakening the land. Each of the game’s four realms is tied to a different instrumental family: Strings, Brass, and Woodwinds, creating a unique feel for every area. The mechanics are intricately tied to music: playing the violin activates platforms, blooms flowers, and breathes life into the world around you.

The stunning hand-drawn visuals, combined with music performed by the Scoring Orchestra Paris, create a sensory experience like no other. Foliage blossoms in time with melodies, machinery clicks into place to your notes, and the pulse of the landscape is pulsing with vibrant symphonic energy. It’s a rare treat where gameplay and presentation meld seamlessly to immerse you in a world of wonder.

Symphonia stunning art windows — Sometimes, you just have to pause and admire the art

Precision Platforming

Symphonia’s gameplay centres on tight, precision-based platforming. Philemon’s violin isn’t just for music; it’s also a tool for navigation. You’ll use it to catapult yourself, activate intricate level elements, and manoeuvre through challenging obstacles. The game’s one-hit-death mechanic can make for some tricky sections, but frequent checkpoints alleviate the frustration. There are plenty of moments where the game allows the player to pause and practice the violin. Sometimes, it even triggers a collectable in itself. On occasion, the game features little puzzles, such as playing the right notes on the piano. Moments like these I have to say I kinda enjoyed more than the platforming as I could sit and enjoy the score more.

For players struggling with the difficulty, Symphonia offers accessibility options like double jump and slow motion. However, these features are locked behind a hidden collectable, which feels like an odd choice for a game otherwise welcoming to all skill levels.

Symphonia platform section — Lovely music with tough platforming

Highlights

Symphonia excels in its presentation. The combination of hand-drawn visuals and orchestral music creates a unique and inviting atmosphere. The environments are detailed, colourful, and alive, from lush forests to mechanical landscapes. Each area feels distinct, encouraging exploration and rewarding players with collectables and secrets.

The concept of a non-violent platformer focused on music is refreshing and family-friendly. It’s a great game to share with younger audiences or those looking for something creative and different.

A Few Missed Notes

While the presentation is stunning, the gameplay may not resonate with everyone. The precision platforming can be challenging, and some sections verge on frustrating. Even with the accessibility options, casual players might find the controls a bit unforgiving. There were plenty of moments where I was on the edge of my seat trying to get the right combination of moves and jumps in the right order as I navigated spike spits and buzzsaws. I’ll also be honest, and I say at times, I just had to walk away from some tough sections and try again later.

Symphonia buzzsaw hazards — Symphonia is buzzsaw-approved

Conclusion: A Standing Ovation

Symphonia is a stunning debut from Sunny Peak that breathes fresh life into the platforming genre. Its gorgeous hand-drawn art, enchanting music, and unique non-violent gameplay make it a standout title. While its precision-focused mechanics might not appeal to everyone, it offers enough accessibility options and charm to win over most players.

The challenge didn’t always click for me, verging a little too close to frustrating at times. But for fans of artistic platformers or those looking for something fresh and innovative, Symphonia is well worth picking up.

Final Verdict: I Like It