Battle of the Algo-Rhythms - "Where's the Fire" by Tim Feehan
3This is a new project I'm doing. Can you keep up with all four screens? Each of these game has its own algorithm that procedurally generates a race course to flow with the structure of whichever song you pick from your library, so I figure 'why not compare and contrast in real time'? These games are as follows -
Audiosurf - Mono Ninja mode. The Goal here is to collect more than three colored blocks at a time into the grid without collecting the gray ones. The gray ones can be cast out but can still ruin a full grid combo. Collect as many of the colored blocks as you can before their collective score is gathered.
Audiosurf 2 - Mono, Stadium Course. Similar to the above-mentioned Mono Ninja mode, the sequel's equivalent replaces gray blocks with spikes that will decimate any colored blocks you've collected and ruin any combos you had going. The game provides a bonus at the end of the track if you have not hit any spikes.
Riff Racer - There are no difficulty or gameplay settings to input for this game. The algorithm creates a course based on the music you've provided, and your vehicle's speed is set to the tempo of the music. Collect boost boxes, hexagonal coins, and huge stunt combos with flips, jumps, and drifts. Avoid the barriers, as they not only slow down your vehicle but avoiding them all grants you with an extra bonus at the end of the track.
Music Racer - "Rad" vehicle, "Retro" track, Normal Mode - The courses vary based not only on the music provided, but the track theming as well. I felt the Retro course best represented this song, and naturally the 'Rad' vehicle (being based on the Wraith itself) was the only option that made sense. I can't say I've played Hard Mode before so I couldn't tell you the difference between it and Normal Mode, but ultimately the goal is to collect ALL of the white blocks which appear in rhythm to the song. They provide currency, and keeping up combos provides bonuses at the end of the track. Avoid obstacles to prevent from breaking combos. This is the only game of the four that does not have a leaderboard system.