At what point do clones of a hit game cease being clones and start being a new genre? I think were are nearing the tipping point for games that resemble Beat Saber, as there have been more than enough variations on that theme to start referring to them collectively as "VR Rhythm" games. "Neon Flailing" games? "Heart attack-inducing games that are too much for my old knees"?
Whatever we name the genre, I'm loath to call Synth Riders a Beat Saber clone, though I do wish the developer had chosen a different color palate to help me make my case. Regardless, it looks as though Synth Riders is doing enough differently and is fully developed enough to get full-fledged original game status. The game is more rail-based, and seems to inspire more of a dancing motion than a "smack cubes with lightsabers" motion. Check out this trailer to see what I mean:
According to a recent PR release, "Synth Riders is a freestyle dancing VR rhythm game that takes place inside 13 retro-future-inspired worlds, each with its own artistic character. The game features 55 free, licensed songs and more than 20 tracks available as purchasable Music Packs, including Muse, The Offspring, Parov Stelar, and more. Let the music move you as you catch notes, ride the rails, and dodge obstacles in a unique combination of freestyle dancing and enjoyable fitness workout that’ll allow you to burn those calories while having tons of fun at the same time."
Synth Riders is scheduled to launch on PSVR on July 27th. For more information on the game, visit the official website here.
