Home

 › 

Articles

 › 

Audiosurf Review for PC

Audiosurf Review for PC

Now Hear This…

Audiosurf is a truly dynamic game. It’s the result of an assimilation of gameplay elements that yields a fresh and unique gameplay hybrid. Audiosurf combines puzzles, racing, and rhythm into a straightforward formula that is incredibly addicting. The gameplay literally conforms itself to the style of music that you’ve selected. Not only is this a unique gaming experience, but it’s a new way to enjoy music, since you don’t just listen to it, you play it.

Audiosurf screenshot

I’ve played a lot of hybrid games in the past few months. I’m not so sure it’s a trend as much as a coincidence. Combining gameplay elements is nothing new, in fact, the most popular games of the day have been inspired by a number of popular titles. It’s an art to be able to combine the best elements of such games to create one cohesive title. The result can be magic or tragic. Thankfully the new developers, BestGameEver, managed to get it right with Audiosurf. They are also intent on developing new downloads to continually improve the game.

Audiosurf requires good reflexes, sharp puzzles solving skills, and a love of music. You can purchase the Official Orange Box Soundtrack to provide you with a variety of diverse tunes, or you can simply use your own. The game supports a lot of file types including CDs, MP3s, M4As, OGGs, and WMAs. The game will analyze each selection and determine the relative speed of the gameplay based on the beat and most dominant audio source, be it the lead vocals, a guitar, or sax solo. As I mentioned, the gameplay is dynamic, and as such will blend with the music in such a way that these two disparate elements will seemingly become one entity.

Audiosurf screenshot

It’s inevitable that comparisons will made to any game that is touted as fresh and original. My first impression would be to compare it to Klax, a puzzle game in which you match up similar colored blocks that toppled down an angled platform. In terms of graphics and animation, there are obvious similarities to Guitar Hero as the various icons (in this case blocks) move down a track of sorts. I also found many similarities to a lesser-known PS2 game called Rez, in which the gameplay is also dynamically linked to the soundtrack. I would highly recommend tracking that game down for a unique experience.

Audiosurf screenshot

Manning a spaceship, you are restricted to three lanes of some kind of superhighway in which numerous blocks are transported toward you at various speeds and quantities. Colored blocks are to be picked up by the spaceship and matched in groups of threes. Grey blocks are to be avoided. The faster the song, the faster the blocks travel. But even during slower songs, the gameplay may not be as quickly paced, but it is no less intense. There’s just more to do. The spaceship will be changing lanes quickly and constantly to gather, sort, and avoid blocks. I found the mouse is great for speed, but the commands are more instantaneous with the keyboard.

Audiosurf screenshot

The tracks heave, undulate, twist, turn, and rock and roll to the accompanying music. With the potential of using any tunes on any of the various modes, it’s possible to never have to play the same game twice for as long as you live. That’s a lot of replay value. There are three main difficulty modes including Casual, Pro, and Elite. There are different gameplay modes in each of the difficulty categories including a two-player mode called Double Vision. The basic mode is the mono mode in which there is only one color to worry about. The other blocks are grey and must be avoided. Things get a bit more complex in the Pointman mode when there are five different colored blocks to concern yourself with. Red and yellow blocks are the big ticket items in terms of points.

Other modes include Vegas, Eraser, and Pusher. In each of these modes, you must perform more actions. In the Eraser mode, blocks can be erased which requires less stockpiling. In the Pusher mode, you can push the blocks to either side of the track for storage. These modes, and the subsequent difficulties, are designed to have a gradual curve so that you grow into them. Don’t expect to be doing too well in the Elite mode any time soon. That is going to take some practice. Scores can be uploaded on the developers’ website so that you can compare your skills with players around the world.

The game is obviously very colorful, with lots of bright, primary colors. The superhighway has a cool, neon, rock and roll vibe to it with lots of flashing lights and fireworks. It doesn’t change all that much from game to game, and mode to mode, but there are different spaceships for each of the different modes. The arcade style of gameplay in which the difficulty increases to make new levels more challenging is going to bore the novelty seekers, but hardcores will appreciate the virtually unlimited replay value, the two-player mode, and the online leaderboard. Did I also mention the game is available for less than twenty bucks?

RATING OUT OF 5 RATING DESCRIPTION 3.5 Graphics
Colorful and simple. Very arcade. Somewhat redundant after a few hours 4.5 Control
Simple control system. Choose the mouse for better feel or the keys for precision. 4.5 Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
It’s all about the music. Import and play to your own tunes if you prefer 4.7 Play Value
Fun and addicting. Virtually unlimited replay value. 4.2 Overall Rating – Great
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

  • The difficulty is up to you. Choose Casual mode or slow music for a more relaxing ride. Or shift gears and get ready to rock and roll.
  • Compete with another person in co-op mode. Compete online using the leaderboards which are designed for each song.
  • Runs great on new and old systems, only requiring Windows, DirectX9, and a 32MB video card.
  • Use your own music. Accepts a variety of files including CDs, MP3s. M4As, WMF, OGG, flac, and iTunes when burned onto to a CD.

  • To top