There are a few games out there that let you turn all the graphics off and explore the game entirely without sight and Periphery Synthetic is the latest. Whilst its beautiful to look at, the entire game is an auditory experience, using echolocation scanners to bring you a tone drone ambient experience. Its wonderfully calm and meditative and whilst it won’t be for everyone, this accessible for visually impaired gamers experience is a unique one.
The game at launch has three planets that you can explore at your own pace in a weird machine you’ll never see. Initially you’ll be able to walk around slowly but using your scanner you’ll be able to hear bleeps and bloops that signal materials that you can pick up. Materials are key to the Metroidvania progression of the game as collecting certain types will unlock upgrades for your machine. Initially you’ll be able to move, brake and steer with more finesse before unlocking a jump, double jump and triple jump. As you move through the game more systems start to unlock allowing you access to thrusters, wheels, the ability to climb and because a dainty floating paper aeroplane that produces its own materials as it moves. Periphery Synthetic plays better and better the further you get into it.
Alongside all this you’ll be wandering around these three planets – one desert, one water and one low gravity moon – exploring procedurally generated versions of them. There will be caves, hidden structures, natural phenomenon and things you can perceive get added to your log. This brings additional lore to the planetary system you are exploring but I must admit the lore wasn’t hugely compelling for me. Personally, what has kept me playing is the meditative, calming hum and psychedelic wavetable graphics. You can press a button and use your right analogue stick to play a lone synth. It’s a silly little addition to the game but it nods towards the musicality of the game. Every sound tells you about the world around you and with headphones on, or huge speakers, it sounds very immersive. It’s like deep sea diving and using the radar to see where you go and using the sonar beeps to mentally lay out the land infront of you.
There isn’t anything else quite as minimal or as tonally relaxing as Periphery Synthetic. This experience isn’t for everyone but if you enjoy walking simulators and meditative experimental experiences – this is a game you should take a chance on. You might find vast empty landscapes for a while, or mountainous caverns and slopes to collect resources from. You might find something new or just watch the day/night cycle whilst a gentle synth drones in the background. It is strangely effecting whilst also being a beautiful screensaver. Plenty of game for the price too.
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