Synth Riders: A Familiar Name, a Drastically Different Game?
Ever heard of a game changing so much that it feels like a whole new experience? That's the story of Synth Riders. Having made its mark on platforms like Meta Rift and PlayStation 4, many of us thought we knew what to expect. But, as I geared up to play the Switch version, I quickly realized my assumptions were off-base. Let's dive in!
As a devoted fan of VR rhythm games, I've spent countless hours with titles like Beat Saber and the original Synth Riders. I went in expecting a similar, active, first-person experience, using the Joy-Con gyros to move. But here's where it gets controversial... What I got was a standard, third-person rhythm game where you match arrows on a highway. While not inherently bad, the Switch version seems to have lost the unique flair that made it stand out elsewhere.
For those unfamiliar, the VR version of Synth Riders has players waving their hands to trace arcs, perfectly synchronized with its synth soundtrack. This unique gameplay sets it apart from competitors like Beat Saber. The Switch version, however, takes a different path, opting for a highway where you hit directional arrows. It's almost as if the series took a step back in design, potentially getting lost in the sea of existing rhythm games.
To be clear, Synth Riders on the Switch is a perfectly functional rhythm game. It launches with a solid 40 songs, some absolute bangers included. You can play solo, choosing any song and using your joysticks or D-pad to hit arrows, hold notes, and dodge obstacles. However, the arrows can sometimes be hard to distinguish, especially on harder difficulties.
Beyond solo mode, there's a campaign and both cooperative and competitive modes. The campaign follows hackers who become Synth Riders to defeat an AI. The characters, though, are forgettable, and the animation style feels a bit rushed. And this is the part most people miss... Defeating the boss doesn't even give you a proper ending; it just dumps you back to the song list. Still, it's a decent way to discover the music.
The multiplayer is actually one of the game's highlights. While there are online leaderboards, the multiplayer is local split-screen. Competitive mode lets you compete, while cooperative mode has you working together for the highest score. It's a fantastic experience if you have friends or family who want to join in. Though, it would've been nice to have matchmaking.
The soundtrack features music from lesser-known bands like Celldweller and Circle of Dust, and even has a dedicated Electro Swing section, which, though it works, feels a bit out of place sometimes.
You can choose from three avatars: a man, a woman, and a robot. You can earn coins to buy cosmetics for your characters, adding a sense of progression. Ultimately, it's just aesthetic, but it's something to do.
Synth Riders is a decent rhythm game. It has an enjoyable soundtrack, and the extra packs can bring familiarity to the setlist. The gameplay is what you'd expect, but the hard-to-distinguish arrows at higher difficulties are a point of frustration. The Switch port feels like it lost some of its defining characteristics in the transition. But if you're looking for a new rhythm experience, there's still fun to be had.
Review Summary
Synth Riders is a competent rhythm game, but it doesn't stand out. It has great tracks, but the DLC feels a bit expensive. The visuals are underwhelming, and the arrow directions can be hard to see, especially on harder songs. If you're looking for a decent rhythm game, Synth Riders could be for you.
Pros:
- Some solid tracks to enjoy
- Fun couch co-op mode
- A largely functional rhythm game
Cons:
- Note directions can be difficult to distinguish at a glance, especially in higher difficulties
- Difficulty spikes, not ramps, between settings
- Animations and cutscenes feel unfinished
- Campaign ends abruptly with no credits sequence
Final Thoughts:
What are your thoughts on this shift in gameplay? Do you prefer the original VR experience, or does the Switch version still hold its own? Share your opinions in the comments below – I'm eager to hear what you think!
