- June 20, 2023
- Spire Games
SYNESTHESIA
Platforms
About
"Synthesia" is a single-player adventure game and visual novel, with an emotionally charged story and occasional interactive elements. It takes place in 2029, where a select few young individuals possess newfound mental powers. The Huntley Scientific Research Institute studies these abilities, and the main character, Ziek, is one of them. He has a unique form of synesthesia and must navigate the challenges of his institute and the larger world, as he and his friends become entangled in a mysterious situation.











- The game features a gripping story with intriguing philosophical and scientific concepts that keep players engaged and thinking long after finishing.
- Character designs and personalities are well-executed, allowing players to empathize with them despite some characters lacking deeper backstories.
- The inclusion of a flowchart mechanic allows players to explore different pathways and endings, enhancing the overall experience and replayability.
- The pacing can be slow at the beginning, with some plot points and character backstories feeling underdeveloped or rushed.
- The main character, Ziek, lacks a strong personality, making it difficult for players to connect with him compared to the more engaging supporting cast.
- The AI-generated voice acting can feel robotic and detracts from the emotional impact of the story, especially since the main character's lines are not voiced.
story
79 mentions Positive Neutral NegativeThe story of "Synesthesia" is characterized by its intricate character development and philosophical themes, drawing comparisons to works like "Steins;Gate." While the narrative is engaging and thought-provoking, some plot points and character arcs feel underexplored, leading to a sense of missed potential. Overall, the game offers a unique blend of science fiction and emotional depth, inviting players to immerse themselves in its complex world and make meaningful choices that impact the storyline.
“The characters had their stories to tell and were easy to empathize with, to the point that I felt like reading their thoughts. Based on the actions around the plot and story of this novel, I had a pretty good idea of what they were pursuing deep down.”
“I am awestruck not just by how well written and engaging the story itself was, but also by how much fun I had reading it.”
“The story does demand your full attention, so you should consider carefully if you are committed to observing the narrative before taking the plunge.”
“Because of the way the character development is planned in this novel, I had no possibility of relating to the characters given the story until later on, by which time I forgot about the parts that I'd consider to be important to the portrayed characters in the novel, and that's quite a miss that had a chance to deliver something absolutely amazing, beautiful even!”
“Certain plot points in the story were not fully explored and two key characters were also not developed fully to make sense of those plot points.”
“There are times when I felt that the story made sense but also when I was just confused about how to put the pieces together on certain plot points.”