Sound Shapes is a downloadable title via the PSN which is playable on the PS3 and the Vita. The game combines platform jumping and puzzle solving with a mix of music creation. It’s a strange combination that works. The games quirkiness and amazing music is what sets it’s apart from other platform or puzzle games. It’s has a nice mix of both elements and the selection of music adds to the charm of the game.
The goal of the each level is to get from one side to the other. Sounds pretty straight forward but the twist is based on beat. Each level starts with one single beat, as you progress through the level you can obtain “new” beats by traversing the level. The beats all help with the rhythm of successfully making “jumps”. Jumps are not just a timing issue, now you have to perform jumps based on the rhythm of the song. Once you have made it to the end of the level you now have completed the song as well (assuming you picked up all of the “beats”, think coins). But wait there’s more… there’s a level creation mode in the game as well and access to all user created content (leadboards for the best levels) adding to depth of the game.
With music from Jim Guthrie (Superbrothers), Jonathan Mak (Everyday Shooter), Beck, I Am Robot, Proud and deadmau5 and a nice varity of modes you can’t go wrong with Sound Shapes. My only complainant about the game is that I can’t buy the soundtrack off of itunes (it’s that good). I highly recommend this game to everyone even if you’ve had your fill of puzzle games. With Playstation Plus the game is only $7.99 ($14.99 regular price) and at that price point the game is an absolute steal. Please enjoy and don’t forget your headset!
