In Symphonia, crafted by Headup, Beep Japan, and Sunny Peak, you’ll embark on a delightful 2D adventure dedicated to reviving the power of music. The absence of melodies spells trouble, and it’s up to you to restore harmony to the land. When an automaton stumbles upon your mask, you’re brought back to life with a mission: reunite the scattered musicians to rescue Symphonia. With the name Philemon, it’s time to get moving before silence prevails!
As a skilled violinist, Philemon’s talent is pivotal. You’ll rely on your violin and bow to trigger various mechanisms scattered throughout your journey, breathing life into dormant machinery. Every room is a masterpiece, full of intricate details that set distinct moods, making your exploration even more rewarding.
Navigating through Symphonia is intuitive. Utilize the left analog stick or D-Pad to move, and perform jumps using the X or Circle button. To elevate your gameplay, the L2 and R2 buttons allow you to poke with the violin bow, propelling you upwards. Mastering this will be crucial as you tackle challenging platform segments, allowing you to gain extra altitude when needed. Press R2 near a cushion to anchor your bow and launch yourself in any direction you choose.
Philemon isn’t just limited to these actions; wall jumps become handy in tight spots, and using your bow mid-air lets you hit instruments to extend your leaps further. Add depth to your abilities by pressing the Triangle button to play tunes that open doors or move platforms, while the Square button lets you initiate teleportation via the Wayfarer Tune. As you progress, uncover more of Philemon’s memories to unveil new skills boosting your gameplay.
Aura Shards, collected by playing music at energetic spots, are vital. Accumulating these shards enhances Philemon’s musical aura, enabling interaction with distant mechanisms and granting access to new areas. These enhancements are necessary to fully explore the world of Symphonia.
The game’s music deserves special mention. Composed by Olivier Esman alongside Alexandre Bucas-Français and Lou Corroyer, and brought to life by the Scoring Orchestra Paris, the soundtrack’s orchestral grandeur amplifies the adventure, perfectly blending with the narrative.
Keep your eyes peeled for hidden corners; they might hold fragments of Philemon’s memories or rare notes to collect, both essential for achieving 100% game completion and unlocking the coveted Platinum trophy. Memory fragments, found in secret locations, not only enrich the storyline but also unlock vital abilities like double jumps or slowing down the game’s pace, adding layers to your strategy.
Trophy hunters will find plenty to engage them, with a full list featuring a blend of Bronze, Silver, and Gold challenges, culminating in the ultimate Platinum award. Tasks include playing concerts with key characters, collecting musical notes, revisiting Philemon’s memories, and even racing against time to finish the game in under 120 minutes.
Symphonia, a visually charming and musically rich 2D escapade, demands your expertise in restoring its sonic landscape. With music as a life force, reviving it is crucial, and Philemon’s unique violin prowess comes into play as you awaken the world. Explore meticulously crafted environments while activating ancient devices with your melodies, all available in one Cross-Buy for PS4 and PS5 at $19.99.
This review is based on a PlayStation 5 copy of Symphonia provided by Headup.
