Symphonia, from the creative minds at Headup, Beep Japan, and Sunny Peak, is an endearing 2D adventure that invites players on a melodic quest to restore the magic of music. Intrigued? Let’s dive into what makes this game a must-play!
In Symphonia, silence has engulfed the land, and it’s up to you to restore the life-giving essence of music. After an automaton breathes life back into you with a found mask, you step into the shoes of Philemon. Your mission? To reunite the musicians and bring the symphony back to its former glory before it’s too late.
Armed with your trusty violin, you’ll wander through meticulously crafted environments, each brimming with character. Your violin isn’t just a tool; it’s the key to solving puzzles and awakening the silent contraptions scattered throughout the world. As you travel from one hand-drawn room to another, the attention to detail is palpable, with each area offering a unique experience.
Navigating these enchanting landscapes is a breeze. Use the left analog stick or D-Pad to move and the X or Circle buttons to jump. To master the art of platforming, employ the L2 and R2 buttons to poke with the violin bow. This maneuver catapults you skyward and becomes your secret weapon in the more challenging levels. Execute a violin-aided jump for that extra boost, and remember, pressing R2 near a cushion lets you spring in your desired direction.
Philemon’s repertoire includes more than just concertos. He can wall jump and employ his bow mid-air to strike instruments that amplify his jump. To progress, play the violin with the Triangle button, whether it’s to unlock doors or move platforms. Once you’ve activated teleportation, the Square button plays the Wayfarer Tune, allowing for swift navigation to previously discovered areas. As you journey further, more of Philemon’s memories surface, granting new abilities and enhancing gameplay.
Your adventure is enriched by collecting Aura Shards. These precious tokens are obtained by playing your violin at energy-infused locations. Gathering enough of these shards is crucial, as they enhance your violin’s aura, granting access to previously unreachable areas and furthering your journey.
The game truly excels in its audio department. Composers Olivier Esman, Alexandre Bucas-Français, and Lou Corroyer have crafted a score that captivates, performed by the talented Scoring Orchestra Paris. The harmonious interplay of strings, brass, and woodwinds immerses you in this musical world.
Exploration is key—keep an eye out for hidden areas containing Philemon’s memories or collectible notes, aiding in achieving a 100% completion. Visiting the Violinist’s Lounge offers insights into Philemon’s backstory and unlocks powerful abilities like double jumping or slowing time. Completing these tasks is essential if you’re aiming to snag that coveted Platinum trophy.
The trophy list itself is enticing, offering a mix of 8 Bronze, 7 Silver, and 7 Gold trophies. Your path to Platinum includes moments like performing concerts with main characters, collecting musical notes, unlocking memories, gathering the Prodigy’s letters, and even racing against the clock to finish the game in under two hours.
Symphonia isn’t just a game; it’s an experience where you restore music and, with it, the vibrant colors of life. Available as a Cross-Buy title, a $19.99 purchase unlocks it on both PS4 and PS5, adding great value to your collection.
This overview of Symphonia was crafted based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Headup. Get ready to dive into a world where every note brings new adventures and challenges!
