So this is a start of a series here at tGn. Overlooked will point out things that might be – as should be obvious – overlooked, either by mainstream media, or just in general. Hopefully we’ll bring your attention to a game or a piece of software or a gadget that might interest you.

Auditorium

http://www.playauditorium.com

So, what’s Auditorium? It’s a Flash-based browser game that combines music, physics, light and color in one neat little addictive package. It looks great, it sounds great, it plays great. So what’s not to love?

Gameplay

Auditorium is unique. It doesn’t have a character you control, and it’s not a puzzle game, at least not like most you might be accustomed to. Basically, in Auditorium, You control streams of light, called ‘the Flow’ - and subsequently, sound – using things called Directionals and Controls. What they do is apply a certain type of physics to the Flow, causing it to react based on the Control’s strength or placement. Think of it like placing a bunch of rocks in a stream to divert it; they work much like that. The interesting bit is that as the Flow touches Containers, it begins to create music. Quietly, when the Flow is low, but as you are able to increase the Flow into a container, the music grows in intensity. The graphics are beautiful with the colors and swirling forms becoming more and more complex with each successive Act.

Objective

Quite simply, you need to direct the flow in each particular level into all of the Containers using Directionals and Controls. There are 15 Acts in total, with up to 6 parts in each Act. Some of these get mind-bendingly difficult as you try to figure out how to direct the Flow in ways you just can’t imagine is possible.

The Music

Ahhh, the music. It is really rather remarkable. Consisting of snippets of violin, cello and piano, the musical soundscape deftly walks the line between catchy and soothing. It is by far, the most intriguing and memorable use of music as a gameplay element I’ve yet encountered in a game. It’s simply that good. It’s so good, you long to get to the next Act just to see what elements they might add to the existing musical repertoire.

The Catch

The first Act is free to play. The remaining 14 Acts will cost you $10.99 to experience. Considering this could give you up to 20 hours of play (and that’s if you’re good), that’s an amazing value. Many breakfasts cost more than that.

Summary

Auditorium is a wonderful, addictive music-oriented game. I can’t recommend it higher.  Go on, get out of here and play it now.

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