Sound Shapes (Vita/PS3) - review

[Alex WS]

The sole game for Vita that actually seems built for the console and its unique features. It lost some of its allure when they announced it would be coming to the PS3 as well, but still seemed like a must have for any owner of Sony's latest handheld.

First; the story of how I acquired the game:
Yesterday around 1AM, I was about to start my "unwind hour". That's the last hour of the day before I go to sleep, where I usually play around with my iPad or watch some Futurama in my bed, right before I fall asleep. I decided to get myself Sound Shapes, and spend the last moments of the day playing that. Went to the PS Store. Hit download, and the game started downloading. I was puzzled that I didn't need to enter my password to make the purchase, didn't remember this being the case. As the download progressed, I went into my account settings looking for a way to enable my password before a purchase. Doesn't seem to be possible? After all the negative headlines Sonys had about their network, surely such an option should exist? Nevertheless, the game was finally downloaded and installed. Upon starting it, I was immediately "asked" to update my Vita to the latest firmware. My three week old firmware wasn't fresh enough to play the game it seemed. I complied to its demand, and started the update process. The first time I got an error, and was thrown out to the home screen. I tried again. This time the download started. I played around on my iPhone while waiting to play my new game. The update was around 90% complete, when I got a new error and was thrown out again. At this time I was very annoyed. I had already spent close to an hour trying to make the necessary arrangements to play my game. I tried again. The update had to start from scratch, but finally was successful. Phew...
The morale? Sony sucks at software infrastructure.




Next; the game:
The controls are simple. You play a small ball who can stick to certain surfaces. By holding down a button, you can make it non-sticky, at which point it also runs (rolls?) a lot faster. The pace is very fast, so the simple controls never really feel as simple as they would have in a slower game. But the real treat is how the music and level design mesh. The levels and songs are designed by several different people, and the few I've tried blended together wonderfully. The music reacts to your actions so organically, creating a beautiful audio-visual experience comparable to the one in Rez, to make a comparison. Only tried the first three, so look forward to seeing how different both the music and level design will be in latter stages.

As you progress through the levels, you unlock every object from them, to be used in the games level/music editor. Had a go for about five minutes. Seems extremely intuitive, and the options in both level design and music are wide enough to make ones imagination the real limitation. Hoping to check out some user generated content soon, though I suspect the quality level will increase in the coming weeks as people get to grips with it and start getting really creative.

A disappointing notion is that I now have the urge to play it on my PS3 and hi-fi instead, to get the biggest experience out of the sounds and music from the game. A shame, as this game really would have been a perfect Vita exclusive, showcasing that the console can do much more than just aping the bigger machines.

[Golgo]

Peculiar judgment to conclude with, to feel disappointed that you can enjoy this game on 2 consoles instead of just 1.

[Alex WS]

Exclusives are in large part what gives a console its identity. And I would very much like the Vita to have a desirable exclusive. And this seemed like the perfect game to do so. Now it's just another game I'd rather play on my PS3, and not a game to make people pick up Vitas.

[Golgo]

Fair enough. But I think that 'exclusive' job must fall to Sony to provide or endorse. You cannot reasonably be disappointed in an indie house for trying to maximize their exposure/income by spreading their game across the home and portable options. And integrating them brilliantly, if I understand right?

[Alex WS]

Pretty sure the decision was done by Sony, as they're the publisher. At the same time, I'm glad that it's available on the PS3, as the experience is so much better there. But that's cool for me, and not really for the appeal of the Vita.

[MrMarbles]

Finished the albums and the Beat School this evening. Mixed feelings on this really. While it's definitely a unique experience and enjoyable for the most part while it lasts, it feels a bit like half a game to me - hopefully they'll add additional albums through DLC, but the ones that were there never really stretched the core gameplay mechanics like I hoped they would.

Obviously I'm not referring to the music integration there which is quality. I just wish there was a bit more to it than collecting coins in each room. I guess it's just unfortunate that Tales From Space featured such similar core gameplay but which really went to town with mixing the basics up a bit.

Having said that, the Superbrothers and Beck albums were definitely class (and by far the most imaginative), so if there are further albums of that calibre provided via DLC I'll be a happy chappie.

The Beat School definitely seems like a missed opportunity and presumably a last-minute implementation. It features a handful of levels where you use the editor to match the beat or tune that the game plays for you (a bit like Beat It! on iPhone) and is decent enough while it lasts, but there must only be about a dozen of them before they're done.

The editor is probably where the real legs are, although at the mo the community levels are garbage. I might have a play around with it this weekend to see if I can crack out anything half-decent (although I probably won't because I'm lazy).

[Alex WS]

I just checked out some community levels, and I agree with you: mostly garbage. Just like whenever people get some sort of content creator in their hands, everybody simply seems to copy stuff from other products. Levels/music from Mario, Tetris and whatnot is all one can find. When such great tools are at your disposal, why not try creating something of your own?

Have played some more of the "Campaign", and I found the first album to be the best. Especially the fourth song is not only amazing to listen to, but has some of the more fun and creative platforming in the game. Was a bit disappointed in both the Superbrothers and Beck albums. They were decent enough, but felt a bit straightforward in the level design. Agree about DLC though; I would be all over that. Especially if that would add more tools to the editor.

[SUMIRE]

I wish there was a demo of this. I can't say I am seeing what all the fuss is about.

[hush]

I've only played it for a small amount of time but from what i have played its a very good game

[Dogg Thang]

I've been playing this the last few days and I adore it. A very simple game that reminds me of Rolando on iOS (began as a Loco Roco rip but then actually came into its own) but with great music. The levels are fun and the Jim Guthrie and Beck levels in particular are awesome. I have played through all the EPs now and my only real criticism is that it is too short. I'd happily shell out for more as I really love it.

I haven't played any of the community-made games but I'm playing around with making one myself at the moment. Anyone here make some levels and put them up?