Synaesthesia. Yes, synaesthesia. It’s weird for me to write about a game that creates this condition, but I’ll do my best. Also, this review shall be one of the shortest ones I’ve ever written, because if let my mind wander too much, every line shall be composed of praises and extreme compliments, so, I’ll be brief.

The guys (and the girl) from DePaul Game Elites have managed to create a wonderful little piece of software, disguising itself as a game. It’s more of an experiment than a fully fledged game, but it’s so mind-blowing, it deserves to be put next to the greatest indie titles in existence. The Devil’s Tuning Fork is a first person puzzle game, set in a claustrophobic universe. The story goes that children everywhere are falling into a coma with no apparent reason. You are one of those children, trapped in a strange dark world, with only a tuning fork to guide you. You must use sounds to see. Left-clicking the mouse sends forth a sound wave that colours the world around you for a second. Holding the mouse button down, charges the tuning fork, sending a more powerful wave that fill up the whole room. And, right-clicking the mouse sends a low pitch sound that detects loose tiles in the floor and other environmental hazards. Blinded, with only sound to guide you through darkness, you must save other children, waking them up from their coma. You do this by finding and hitting mysterious bells, unlocking doors and collecting toys. The progression is very well built, using smart puzzles to advance the player from one checkpoint to the other.

There’s really too little for me to add about this game. I just urge everyone reading to go to the game’s official website and download it. Also, while there be sure to check out its wonderful soundtrack, which is also available for free, and it’s playing while I write these words down. Although brief, I haven’t heard such gloomy music since The Path, American McGee’s Alice and Zeno Clash. All in all, The Devil’s Tuning Fork is a wonderful game that should be experienced by everyone. It’s unique, it’s free, and above all, genius.