It was a very close run thing in this week’s poll, with both Sound Shapes and WipEout 2048 jostling for poll position. Sound Shapes just managed to come out on top though, so now it’s time to look at this beat based platforming adventure.
Sound Shapes is focused on music to an almost worrying extent, Queasy Games clearly have a very one track mind. As Alex put it in our review, “Sound Shapes couldn’t be more about music if it – ironically – came out on vinyl.”
Perhaps the most interesting element of the musical basis to the game is the way it uses real artists in it. For example both Beck and Deadmau5 contributed tracks to the game, but due to the nature of the gameplay it’s more than that. Levels are based on their songs, and the game’s aesthetic changes significantly when dealing with different artists. It’s an interesting way to build a game, although it certainly makes for a fairly unique experience.
The other element of the game is the editor, which Alex called “an absolute joy to use.” With the game’s musical focus you can, of course, create music for your levels right in the editor, as well as the level that it’s coupled with. Alex pointed out that the editor really “isn’t LittleBigPlanet – there’re no computers or fancy logic routines” but noted that the way it’s linked to music means it has to take a fairly different approach.
The Beat School, unlocked after you finish the main game, sounds interesting too. It’s a more gameplay focused use of the editor, where you’re asked to construct levels that match supplied beats and drum tracks. Alex certainly seemed enthusiastic about it, and the concept has me more intrigued than the core game if I’m honest.
As for Alex’s overall opinion of the game, it’s safe to say he found a lot to like. He cited the “Wonderful visuals and music” and “Great gameplay with some really cool ideas” before giving the game 9/10. There were a few issues though, namely a few framerate troubles and “Some concessions to physics can be initially confusing”.
If you want an overall view of Alex’s opinion of the game, then here’s his concluding remarks:
Sound Shapes has emerged as one of the Vita’s finest games, seemingly out of nowhere. It’s deep and complex enough for the hardcore whilst remaining accessible and fun for those that just want something a little bit different. As a platformer there’re probably better options, but this isn’t just a platformer – it’s a music sequencer, an underwater explore-em-up, a bullet-hell shooter and a trip into the minds of a bunch of people we wouldn’t normally get to experience. Just buy it.
So that’s Alex’s view, but what’s yours? Whether you fall in line with his view or the game, or simply couldn’t stand it, then feel free to share your view below.
Of course the game’s available on both PS3 and Vita, so it would be interesting to hear which version you spent your time with. Alex spent most of his time with the Vita version, and called it “a natural fit”. Do you agree with his assessment, or did you find the PS3 version simply worked better? Again, you can share you opinion in the comments below.
Once you’ve formed your comment all you need to do is attach a rating from the Buy It, Plus It, Avoid It scale. Given this is a downloadable title our normal ratings of Bargain Bin It and Rent It don’t apply, but we add Plus It. Plus It means that it’s only worth getting if it’s free or discounted via PlayStation Plus. You’ve got till Sunday afternoon to get your comments in if you feel like taking part.
So, what do you think?
manky_
Buy It. For the Beck album and Beat School alone. And expect controller to meet wall in Death Mode.
TSBonyman
Damn you all to hell – for messing up my gaming budget this week! ;-)
I think i’ll have to buy this now, somehow forgot that it was on both ps3 and Vita and that it’s a two-for-one deal… hearing mention of a Journey themed level has helped sway me and i might as well take advantage of the Plus discount while it’s still available.
TSBonyman
Picked it yesterday and i’m enjoying it so far, some challenging levels but loving the music/level creation bit.
tonycawley
This game fitted perfectly for my train journey to work, kept me nicely entertained for a couple of weeks worth of journeys. Just enough time to play a level or two on each leg of my journey to work and home each day. Best played with headphones, and on loud, the sound really is linked to the gameplay in a way I’ve not come across before.
The main story was a joy to complete, then death mode was definitely a challenge, but an enjoyable one. I think the most attempts it took me to complete a level was maybe 40, and at 30 seconds or so per attempt, that’s around 20 minutes for the hardest level.
After death mode I played beat school, which admittedly I hated and completely cheated on by finding the answers on the internet, I don’t think I’d ever have completed it otherwise.
So, I enjoyed it a lot, and got two platinums for the price of one. It’s a must have in my opinion for anyone with a vita, and even if you don’t, I suppose the experience would be good enough to warrant a purchase just for the PS3.
Buy it from me.
Tanzil
The core game is simple, a blob’s gotta do what a blob’s gotta do. That being stick and sometimes slide around various platforms collecting circles and dodging all that nasty red which clashes with that nice dress you have on. Them circles doing the ol’ “add beats to the music” jazz that is pretty staple of this music game genre…kind of.
Challenging is what I think when I run through the levels. It starts off easy enough but certain levels have some checkpoints that are just a little bit too far apart. The Beck levels are frigging brill and a reason to get the game on its own.
All in all though I feel that it didn’t meet it’s potential, the main game was short-lived, the community levels are usually crap (well, maybe they’re some good ‘uns now). Beat school was a lorra fun but there weren’t enough of them at all! The creation mode was ok but I found it difficult to fully realise my “vision”.
Bit of slowdown on the Vita version in places and the overall (unfortunately) short appeal mar this “proper good game”. Maybe some dlc would have done the job, dubstep pack, cod skins, map packs…you get the idea.
BUY IT.
Tanzil
Or rather, PLUS IT. (edit button plz)
Sitorimon
BUY IT! I’ve the PS3 version (don’t have VIta) and whilst yes you can finish it in 2 hours happily I’ve gone back many a time. I found a few of the trophy levels annoying due to the jumping mechanics not being broken, but being fiddly when under such time pressure – something you don’t often feel in the main game. Create is good fun as well and I’ve enjoyed many user levels since. one of the few games I simply had to platinum straight away and I still stick it on :)
Gadbury
Bought it and regret doing so. Just didn’t do much for me. Graphically nice (if simplistic), the gameplay was too simple and the music grated with me. I was spoilt by Mutant Blobs Attack which is a far superior and cheaper game.
colmshan1990
BUY IT.
Oh, you’d like an explanation?
Despite some low points- the DeadMau5 levels, the ridiculous difficulty of Death Mode (although some will find enjoyment out of DeadMau5 and dying lots) this is truly a stunning game.
The simply drawn graphics are that rare thing- something that looks great consistently but is also extremely varied. The music, is should go without saying, is not only fantastically done (seriously, check out Beck’s or the Superbrothers’ level RIGHT NOW) but is also superbly integrated.
As a keen musician for approx. 3/4 of my life (I’m 22), I loved the inclusion of Beats mode- a mode which focused on training your ear to pick out the different notes. It’ll be educational if you’ve never done musical dictation before, and a nice outlet for that skill if you have learned it.
The create mode is the meat of the game though- and it’s terrific. Simple to use to either write a song or make an old-school platform we, it’s hard to go wrong with this editor. 10/10, I’d buy it again.
But I don’t have to, because it’s CrossBuy. So what are you waiting for, people? Get out there and BUY IT!
Shaggy2Dope
This wouldn’t happen to be a “Cross-Buy” game, would it? If not, what version would be a better choice?
colmshan1990
It is.
If it weren’t, I’d say touch screen makes the Vita version superior, for the editor mode at least.
Dom El
Having read all of the earlier comments I bought the game yesterday and think it’s absolutely fantastic.
I think the incredible sound and solid platforming, coupled with the endearing graphics, would have been a solid and enjoyable release. However the addition of one of the best editor modes I’ve encountered in a game makes this a must have for Vita. As a musician the opportunity to shape levels and music at once is compelling and I can genuinely see myself spending hours building and writing within the game.
I’ll carry on the good advice by saying buy it!
AbsolutelyClam
One of the best experiences I’ve had with my PS3 since I got it to replace my broken Vita, and then furthered to my Vita after getting it repaired. The editor works far more efficiently on the touch screen than it does with the controller on the PS3, so I have found myself subconsciously editing more on the Vita but playing through levels on the PS3. Definitely a buy it, because the price point is perfect.