Synth
Synth is an action real-time strategy video game by Canadian developer Rhys Paul Hovey for Microsoft Windows. An abstract and procedurally generated 3D game, in which the graphics have an algorithmic C++ representation.
Synth
User:RhysPaulHovey · Public domain
- Date
- 2009
- Genre
- action game
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Documentary evidence
Documentary basis
Authority files
wikidata · Q16259364
In this article
Key facts
Key facts
• Title — SYNTH • Developer — Rhys Paul Hovey • Released — 2009 • Genre — Action, real-time strategy • Modes — Single-player • Platforms — Microsoft Windows
Gameplay
Gameplay
Synth is a strategic action game, in which the player must find an exit in a procedurally generated landscape. The player is equipped with a laser, bombs, and a device that acts as a vacuum or blower. The overall goal is to reach the highest level possible. Synth uses C++ algorithms to generate the level's structure and graphics. Levels are seeded from four-letter words: for example, "BGNI" is the first level. As the game does not need to store pre-rendered textures and model data, only small filesizes are required. Synths drum and bass synthesizer soundtrack dynamically changes during the game. The sounds were pre-composed by Hovey, but the player's controls are mapped to a loop-sequence remixer.
Development
Development
Hovey cites the artwork of Roger Dean (who produced the covers for several Psygnosis titles), other Amiga graphics, and Pink Floyd as influences for Synths imagery. Synth is currently only available as a game demo. Once a full version is ready, Hovey intends to acquire a digital distribution deal.
Critical reception
Todd Ciolek, an editor with Gamasutra made reference to the game's experimental design: "Rhys Paul Hovey’s SYNTH is an experimental game in many ways". Rock, Paper, Shotgun drew comparisons with the visuals of Darwinia and the procedural nature of.kkrieger. The graphics were described as fascinating: "a bizarre, mesmerizing cross between the deeply archaic and the thoroughly high-tech." In November 2010, SYNTH:Electropix 64 bit version 1.505, won 1st place in the Intel corporation's "Level up" 2010 game demo contest, in the "Best game for a desktop" category. Hovey used the user name Paul Richard.
Screenshot of SYNTH video game, featuring mathematical artwork by Rhys Paul Hovey
User:RhysPaulHovey · Given directly from author
Text attribution
Licensing
Text attribution
Part of the biographical narrative on this page reuses licensed material. Its origin, revision and licence are recorded here.
The biographical narrative on this page is based on the Wikipedia article Synth (video game), revision 1304777416 (EN edition), by its contributors. VALÉORINE has edited that text and built its own documentary record around it. The reused material is available under CC BY-SA 4.0, and this page's reuse of it is offered under the same licence. Everything else on this page — the chronology, the holdings, the evidence, the plates and the connections — is VALÉORINE's own record. Sources and licences.
Notes from the source article
Cited by Wikipedia
Notes from the source article
These works are cited by the source article, in its own numbering. They are recorded as its citations, not as sources VALÉORINE has verified.
- 1.Ciolek, Todd. Interview: The Secrets of SYNTH, 'Weirdest Video Game Ever Created'. Gamasutra. April 14, 2009.
- 2.Meer, Alec. SYNTH: Maths in Action. Rock, Paper, Shotgun. March 30, 2009.
- 3.Lowry, Kelly. Congratulations to the winners in the professional category of Level Up 2010!. Intel Software Network. November 30, 2010.
- 4.Toblo.gif.
References
Citations
References
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authority record
General reference
The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 20 August 2026.
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