Everyone check out Digipen's Institute of Technology newest student game project "Synaesthete". This music based game has taken the 2008 IGF award for Best Student Game. I think all of the hardcore gamers here at Destructoid.com would love to congratulate the four man team of developers on their recent achievement. Their game is distinctly influenced by one of my all time favorite games, REZ.

Like many of my fellow gamers I definitely attract to the musically inclined games. All of my favorite musical games tend to be very creative in style and play. This game is no different. Just like the Guitar Hero or Rock Band series it has the same "riff hitter" style, just 3 buttons instead of 5. Not only do you have to keep rhythm but you also have to move your character around screen, dodging enemies and traveling from platform to platform. Hell, you even pick up power-ups and health. Don't get too over whelmed. The recommended tutorial teaches you everything you will need to know in just a short period of time. On top of that the developers added words of encouragement after every completion of a platform. Like, " I am a samurai"!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsiXHwmTf9Y&feature=related


Like most of our lovely keyboard and mouse games you will use WASD to move around the map, while using JKL keys to match the rhythm. Oh yea, I forgot to mention you can cast spells with the I key, you have a limited amount so use them sparingly. Although, I did notice I was not using them, not even on the bosses. Yes, this game does have boss fights.
As you progress in your game not only do you unlock levels, but you can also unlock new spells. When you unlock a new level it unlocks a floating ring region of your little platform. The only way I can describe it in theory is kind of like Crash Bandicoot's level selection.

If you are a REZ fan or even a Guitar hero fan, I highly recommend that you try this game out. The music is simply amazing, at the end of each level while your points get added up your character will do a little break dance.



I must warn you, if you have Epilepsy do not play this game. It comes up front with a seizure warning. YEEEHAWW



Download link
https://typo3.digipen.edu/fileadmin/synaesthete/downloads/Synaesthete_v1.0.1.exe