Mike Bellmore

We've come a long way from Guitar Hero.  Since its 2005 release, rhythm based games have really grown into their own.  They've moved beyond simply simulating music.  Now it seems the goal is to incorporate music into gameplay in less direct, more creative ways.  Take for example Beatbuddy, which we recently previewed here at Gamezebo.  It's a rhythm game, but it's an adventure platformer first.  And then there's the PC title Audiosurf, which is like a Mario Kart and Tetris lovechild on acid.  These games are all about the music, but not about simulating it.  Instead, they are ways to experience music within the parameters gaming's different genres.  That's the idea behind Symphony.