Synth (video game)

Synth is a strategic action game, in which the player must find an exit in a procedurally generated landscape. The player is equipped with a laser, bombs, and a device that acts as a vacuum or blower. The overall goal is to reach the highest level possible.[1]

Synth uses C++ algorithms to generate the level's structure and graphics. Levels are seeded from four-letter words: for example, "BGNI" is the first level.[1] As the game does not need to store pre-rendered textures and model data, only small filesizes are required.[2]

Synth's drum and bass synthesizer soundtrack dynamically changes during the game. The sounds were pre-composed by Hovey, but the player's controls are mapped to a loop-sequence remixer.[1]

Hovey cites the artwork of Roger Dean (who produced the covers for several Psygnosis titles), other Amiga graphics, and Pink Floyd as influences for Synth's imagery.[1]

Synth is currently only available as a game demo. Once a full version is ready, Hovey intends to acquire a digital distribution deal.[1]

Todd Ciolek, an editor with Gamasutra made reference to the game's experimental design: "Rhys Paul Hovey’s SYNTH is an experimental game in many ways".[1] Rock, Paper, Shotgun drew comparisons with the visuals of Darwinia and the procedural nature of .kkrieger. The graphics were described as fascinating: "a bizarre, mesmerizing cross between the deeply archaic and the thoroughly high-tech."[2] ModDB reviewed version 0.909 and praised the game's concept, describing the visuals as "crazy 3D Geometry Wars on acid". Criticisms included the poor frame rate, incomplete Vista 64-bit support and lack of a windowed mode.[3]

In November 2010, SYNTH:Electropix 64 bit version 1.505, won 1st place in the Intel corporation's "Level up" 2010 game demo contest, in the "Best game for a desktop" category.[4] Hovey used the user name Paul Richard.[5]

• Procedural generation
• Psychedelic art

• Synth at ModDB
• Game Review (Moddb Podcast)