Rytmos

Rytmos (2023) is a rhythm-based puzzle game where you create music by solving mazes. You play by creating paths to connect different musical elements that create music. It stands out not only for the unusual musical interactions but how each puzzle combines into layered musical compositions.

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You travel from planet to planet to discover new musical cubes. Each side of the cubic planet is a puzzle that by solving creates musical loops. As you complete each side, you not only finish the puzzle but end up with full music compositions.

Each puzzle is solved in a different way. This may be creating a path from one element to another. Trapping elements to either mute or trigger their sound. Using portals to jump from one sound element to another. Progress slowly unfolds loops of unique musical sequences that layer together to create a dense song. Once this is complete you access a related instrument that lets you jam along with the music you have created. There are also musical modifiers to unlock that take this creative side of the game further: bit crusher, Lowpass filter, Delay and Stutters.

The result is a music-oriented puzzle game that is both challenging and playful. Running through it all is an appreciation of the layers of beats and instrumentation that go into making music. You even get to learn about rare music history from all over the planet earth (Zimbabwean Kalimba-based music, Ethiopian Jazz music, German electronic music from the 70s and Indonesian Gamelan music, Japanese environmental music).

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Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Rytmos 14 months ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 13 months ago.