Chime (video game)
| Chime | |
|---|---|
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| Developer(s) | Zoë Mode |
| Publisher(s) | OneBigGame, Easy Tiger, Valcon Games |
| Platform(s) | Xbox 360 (XBLA), Windows PlayStation 3 (PSN) |
| Release date(s) | |
| Genre(s) | Puzzle, music |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
| Distribution | Digital distribution |
Chime is a 2010 music/puzzle video game developed by Zoë Mode, released initially on the Xbox Live Arcade service, and later for Windows. An extended version of the game, called Chime Super Deluxe, was released on the PlayStation Network in March 29, 2011.[1] Chime is the first title released by the non-profit video game publisher OneBigGame.
Gameplay
Chime is a block-dropping game. Players control a single shape at a time, and can move, rotate, and then place it onto a grid. A beatline moves across the grid in time with the music, setting off events when it hits placed shapes. Quads are created by placing shapes in solid blocks of 3x3 or more. When a quad is completed and the beat line hits, different musical samples are triggered dependent on its shape. The size of the quad denotes the score, and multipliers can be achieved by having several quads on the screen at once. Once the beatline hits a completed quad, it is stamped down into the grid, earning the player coverage. (n.b.: when the stage's time runs out, all active quads—those that have not finished filling up—are immediately scored and added to the player's coverage, in order to allow awards of coverage bonus time and continued play.)
The overall objective is to achieve 100% coverage to earn more time and score points. The game continues as long as time is available; it is possible to complete full coverage of the grid multiple times.
There are two basic modes in the game, Timed Mode and Free Mode. Timed Mode pits the player against the clock, with three different levels of difficulty based on time limit—9, 6, or 3 minutes (the actual play time is longer, depending on the time bonus earned with every 10% coverage gained). Free Mode acts as a very basic sequencer. There is no time limit and the player is able to place shapes at their leisure to create different sounds and alter the music as they see fit.
Featured music
Chime features a variety of different musical styles and artists. The original release of the game includes five songs, all of which have been donated to the game pro bono by the respective artists.[2] The tracks are "Brazil" by Philip Glass, "Ooh Yeah" by Moby, "For Silence" by Paul Hartnoll of Orbital, "Spilled Cranberries" by Markus Schulz, and "Disco Ghosts" by Fred Deakin of Lemon Jelly.[3] In addition, the later Windows version of Chime featured a new level based on "Still Alive" from the popular 2007 video game Portal. The song, written by Jonathan Coulton, can be heard during the closing credits of Portal, with Ellen McLain singing in character as GLaDOS.[3]
Reception
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Chime has received largely positive reviews from critics. It has a score 79 out of 100 on the aggregate site Metacritic.[4] In their review, IGN praised the game and rated it 8 out of 10, saying, "Chime is easy to recommend. It's cheap, it'll keep you amused for hours, and the $5 you spend goes to charity."[5]
See also
References
- ↑ Gibson, Brynley (January 28, 2011). "Chime Super Deluxe: Music Puzzle Game Coming Soon to PSN". PlayStation Blog. Retrieved February 1, 2011.
- ↑ "OneBigGame confirms full artist lineup" (Press release). OneBigGame. December 3, 2009. Retrieved January 30, 2011.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "The artists". Official Chime website. Retrieved January 30, 2011.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Chime for Xbox 360". Metacritic. Retrieved January 20, 2011.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Hatfield, Daemon (February 1, 2010). "Chime Review". IGN. Retrieved January 30, 2011.