What Is Synth Riders?
Synth Riders first and foremost is a VR rhythm workout game as described by its developers Kluge Interactive. As you will expect if you have played any VR rhythm games before, you have to hit the notes coming towards you along with the beat of the music. Where things differ are with the visuals and gameplay. It’s easy to dismiss Synth Riders as a clone of other titles like Beat Saber or Box VR, but this game does have a different feel to its gameplay and the way it makes you move.
Game Snapshot
Developer: Kluge Interactive
Publisher: Kluge Interactive
Release Date: 2019 (PSVR); PSVR2 Remastered Edition also available
Platforms: PSVR, PSVR2, PC VR
Genre: Rhythm / VR
Gameplay
After picking up your controllers and slipping on your VR headset, you will find yourself in a menu screen with your playlist of music and gameplay modifiers. The great thing about this menu screen is that the background can be changed to that of one of the environments that you will be playing in. Our personal favourite is the neon-soaked cyberpunk rooftop of Spin City.
On your left hand you’ll have a blue orb and pink on the right. Hit the blue notes with the blue orb and the pink notes with the pink orb. After a few single notes of each colour you will be presented with a long line of connected notes to follow along with your orb, known as a rail. Your orb will spin at high speed as you run it along the rail while your controller gives some excellent vibration feedback. Green notes can be hit by either hand but gold notes need you to hold both orbs together and act as a sort of power-up, feeling a little like Star Power from Guitar Hero.
The game modifier options allow you to change note sizes and activate spin mode. Where spin mode differs from Beat Saber’s 90 degree mode is that it gives you options for Mild, Styled, or Wild spin, and this mode is available for the entire catalogue of songs in the game.
Presentation
Another place where Synth Riders excels is in its level of detail in the environments. Many of these feel like levels built for an action sci-fi game filled with plenty of neon and lots going on in the distance. Whether it’s the glowing rooftop of Spin City with its neon signs, or The Lost City which feels like you are running through The Grid from Tron.
One of our favourites is the DLC stage The Rise of the Golden Phoenix which has you running past huge golden structures while the titular Golden Phoenix flies around in the distance before eventually flying right over your head with its glowing eyes staring down at you in glorious 3D. This large metallic bird reminds us a lot of the villainous Clockwerk from the Sly Cooper games. We couldn’t recommend turning on moving environments enough. It is as if you are flying or running through the level while hitting notes and it makes the whole experience that much more thrilling.
Soundtrack
Synth Riders comes as standard with 55 songs, with 25 DLC songs available to purchase from artists like Muse and The Offspring. We highly recommend checking out the Electro Swing Essentials pack if you are looking for something with a very different beat. Since its launch, Kluge Interactive has released music packs for Gorillaz, Electro Swing style songs and most recently an 80s Mixtape.
Scoring
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Replayability | 8/10 |
| Gameplay | 7/10 |
| Graphics | 9/10 |
| Soundtrack | 7/10 |
| Average | 7.8/10 |
Final Word
Synth Riders came into a VR market that already had a good selection of rhythm-based games but it definitely does enough to stand out from the crowd. Its beautiful levels, plentiful music library, and varied modifiers give lots of replayability. Unfortunately, the online features like Multiplayer and Weekly Challenges which are in the PCVR versions never came to the PSVR1 version, but are available on the PSVR2 Remastered Edition. It is a worthwhile addition to the PSVR library and a great choice to crack out when you have any friends over. Synth Riders is available on the PlayStation store for 19.99 which includes both the PSVR and PSVR2 editions.
FAQ
Is Synth Riders better than Beat Saber?
Synth Riders and Beat Saber are both excellent VR rhythm games but they offer different experiences. Beat Saber focuses on precise slashing mechanics while Synth Riders emphasises full-body flow with arm rails and orbs. If you enjoy a more dance-like feel rather than pure precision, Synth Riders may actually suit you better.
Does Synth Riders have multiplayer on PSVR?
Online multiplayer and Weekly Challenges are not available on the original PSVR1 version. These features are available on the PSVR2 Remastered Edition and the PC VR versions.
How much does Synth Riders cost on PlayStation?
Synth Riders is available on the PlayStation Store for 19.99, which includes both the PSVR and PSVR2 editions. An All Inclusive Edition with all music packs is also available at a higher price point, or individual song packs can be purchased separately.
Useful Links
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