Play synth
Project Ephemera's itch.io pageResults
| Criteria | Rank | Score* | Raw Score |
| Audio | #1 | 4.417 | 4.417 |
| Feel | #1 | 4.333 | 4.333 |
| Overall | #1 | 4.500 | 4.500 |
| Wow | #2 | 4.750 | 4.750 |
Ranked from 12 ratings. Score is adjusted from raw score by the median number of ratings per game in the jam.
Artist statement
I couldn't decide on a single concept for my contribution to SYNTH jam, so I found a project that could let me explore as many concepts as I could fit into the jam period. Boot up the fantasy synthesizer to play a variety of demos, from an arcade audio game to more abstract experiences. All sounds are synthesized in real-time with the Web Audio API. The demos use a mixture of 2D and 3D canvas rendering techniques for their visualizations. They are best experienced with a gamepad and headphones.
Devlog
https://shiftbacktick.itch.io/project-ephemera/devlog
Source code
https://github.com/nicross/project-ephemera
Leave a comment
Log in with itch.io to leave a comment.
Comments
Secret Bread was amazing, I couldn't figure out how to play with the mouse different "dot sizes" (like in the keyboard bindings) i feel like this on a multi touch display with sensitivity would be amazing to play with even for live events
I’m glad you loved it! I was imagining that as well, but ran out of time on touch controls, MIDI support, and using the mouse wheel to control the depth of the pointer. I’d love to see something like it on a wall, as tall as you, that you and friends could just walk up to and inspect. Makes sense living in a children’s museum, but I’d settle for some arcade or club too. ✌
Don't even know where to start with this, everything is so strange (in a very good sense). it's somehow abstract but consistent, relaxing and creepy, I really enjoyed it, but don't understand why. The little thing at the bottom of the system information got me thinking as well. good job.
Intro and menu were really cool to see. I really enjoyed Melody Heights, Great visuals cool audio effects especially the spatial audio effects. It gave me Interstellar vibes for some reason. I would’ve loved to have more things to do in it.
I love everything about the presentation here. And the generative audio stuffs are all fascinating. I think the melody guy is my favorite of the bunch, but secret bread is a close second
I really like the idea of having demos in a console. The menu system works well too and has a great retro feel to it. I started with Melody Heights, which looks and sounds amazing. I wondered around a bit and went up to what seemed to be the summit. I like the way all the fairy things emanate sound and fly away from you. It might be nice to be able to speed up or even moon jump to dramatically shift the soundscape.
Then I had a go at Harmony Falls. I didn't realise I could shoot the sounds at first so I just died in a discordant harmony, which sounded pretty cool. Shooting was fun for a while but I didn't get the feeling I was going anywhere. Perhaps in a future version there could be levels with different sounds and maybe a parallax background for sighted players. Looking forward to Secret Bread and Super Kaleidophone !
Hey! Thanks for checking it out. That’s all really nice feedback. So far I’m trying to squeeze out as many ideas as I can, but it could be good to revisit these before the end of the jam, or in a later update, or possibly even as standalone games in the future.
Melody Heights is my favorite as well! I’ve been thinking about what elements I’d like to take from it and bring back to my main project as its own world. It’d certainly have all the movement you describe—even a jetpack you could take to the exosphere.
I could definitely see there being more to Harmony Falls. After the five-minute mark you’ve hit the maximum speed and seen everything. I love the idea of incorporating different sounds and themes. Maybe the levels could ebb and flow with lulls between, with more sophisticated ways to generate the obstacles. I’ve considered collectible power-ups as well.
I’m putting together this weekend. It’s hard to explain, but in my head it’s a sort of a tactile exploration game, or if a musical instrument had the controls of Surgeon Simulator or Octodad. I’m not so sure about yet—that one was more referential humor toward a previous project of mine. 😂