Honestly Reviewing Synth Riders

[@heavygeevr]

Lovely, thoughtful review. I am a Beatsaber refugee (albeit 3 years ago now) - I never imagined in a million years that there could be a rhythm game that would surpass BeatSaber. It was the game that I looked forward to playing every single day and night. At first I thought Synth was a silly knock off. "Where are my sabers?" "What do you mean I have to use my hands to catch these things?" "I'm confused, I don't get it." All initial thoughts I had when starting out with this game. Somehow, I persevered. Something caught my attention to get me to keep going - and this was all *before* I discovered Multiplayer. I had never even thought to hit that button - chatting with Randoms on the internet? No thanks. But thank God I did! - I have made some of the strongest and most treasured friendships through a shared appreciation of this game. It's the multiplayer community as much as the constant influx of maps from ridiculously talented mappers that are what make this game so much more than the sum of the parts detailed here. Beatsaber multiplayer out of the box is indeed, a joke by comparison, even though you get to 'look at each other during', I understand why Kluge figured that people are going to be waaaaay too busy to look at anything but the oncoming notes to look at what their fellow players are doing. Audio is just fine for that. Maybe they figured that beatsaber would be filled with toxic chatters? I really have no clue. I'm surprised no one has mentioned that the reason you see the robots in multiplayer, is because you are not representing most VR users - those would be users on Meta platforms and they just see the meta avatars - only PS/Pico/SteamVR users see and are represented as robots. This game was in fact a launch app for the release of the meta avatars. Has the Meta owned Beatsaber done that yet...? Another item to make sure folks know - you missed out the most significant Spin mode IMO - 360+ - that is, it goes 360 degrees around but it also goes like 75 degrees *up*! Playing that is a real trip, when those note streams start to curve up into the sky, it's a very different exp from regular 360 in this game or in BS. Think you're courting controversy with the commentary that Synth Riders has too much Synth in it... I mean it should have the MOST synth in it! It literaly does what it says on the tin! And the unrandom swing inclusion... that seems like a weird statistical anomaly getting stretched into a thin bit of content 😅 Wasn't it the Apple dude that was complaining random wasn't random enough? Aaaaaaanyhooo! Thanks for listening to my Ted Talk, and thanks for producing a review as comprehensive as this one, and while you absolutely didn't say "I have wasted so much time playing beat saber!" I feel like it's implied ;) If anyone wants to get in Synth for a workout, we'll see you in the multiplayer lobby at 7am EST every week day ✌✌

[@chaimeister]

Thanks for the kind words, glad you enjoyed it! I don't know how much of a regular I'll be, I've seemed to run out of steam for VR at the moment. I would definitely not say that my Beat Saber time has been a waste, but I am definitely worn out on it. Hope I catch your lobby sometime!

[@xGOKOPx]

Shame you didn't mention experiences. They're a really cool concept

[@BrokenOpus]

100%

[@missmamawork]

I am an obsessed synth riders fan. I used to be in the top 50 worldwide before I took an arrow to the knee (long covid). I have specialized in 360+ and although the arrow is still there, I am getting more and more fit. I do love the custom songs and the easy way it is implemented.

[@bionicgerbil]

Thank you for your thoughtful and in-depth review and video 😊 It's great that you immersed yourself in this game the way you did and engaged with the community 😁

[@Mawntee]

11:47 - Definitely look into the experiences. I'm not a huge fan of Synth Riders, gameplay wise it's great, but to me the visuals, UI, and soundtrack make it a very "generic, bland, and somehow non-immersive" VR game. BUT OHHH MY GOD THE EXPERIENCES ARE SO SICK. It's one of the only VR games that are pulling off "only in VR" kind of visuals, and it's a real shame they're all hidden behind DLC

[@chaimeister]

I guess I really gotta try them! I didn't know they'd be so good

[@TerriPerkinson-ty3fi]

New to this….what are experiences? I do not use a PC or do any mods as I have zero computer based skills

[@Mawntee]

15:29 - I guess some "Noodle Lore" "Noodle Extensions" gets it's name from the people who made it, which are a part of the "Ramen Noodle" mapping group. That's why you might see some older ranked packs by the mapper name "Ramen Noodle", or some old playlists/packs titled "NoodleGames" and such. iirc Noodle Manager came out at around that same time

[@chaimeister]

I was always curious if there was any correlation to the mappers!

[@wirrel42]

@@chaimeister Closing the loop on your Noodle Lore: Noodle Manager in Synth Riders gets its name from the noodle box you can see on the bed in The Room (you can see this home stage, one of 5 available, through Settings > Visuals > Home Stage > The Room - and while you're there be sure to play the arcade cabinet!). When umod was integrated into the game (the community has solidified on MelonLoader now), you would access your list of mods by selecting the box on the bed. Hence Noodle Manager!

[@christuusgnosis]

the maps are called "stages" in SR the environments are customizeable as "stages" the "maps" are individual songs that can go on any stage mods aren't common because the stages and maps are separately customizeable

[@shaktipunk]

You haven't put enough time into Synth Riders to really understand the "flow" yet. If you're hitting yourself in your headset (or your hands are colliding), it means you're trying to "snap" to each ball (similar to how many patterns in Beat Saber require you to "snap" from one angle to the next). You have to give your brain time enough with SR (and at Expert or Master difficulty) to "see" the invisible, snaking, smooth "noodle" pathing each hand needs to follow. If you're tensing up and flailing from ball to ball, you're not playing BS the way it's meant to be played. Watch runs by Circ3, Dietah, and Dni0 to see what I mean about "flow". As you can tell, I play BS and SR, and I can attest that BS movement patterns are whippy and snappy and rigid, whereas SR movement flow is constantly smooth and undulating. SR gives you a much more rounded workout, putting your arms, shoulder, and core through a much fuller range of motion. BS is mentally fun too, though! Just not as physically "flowing" and kinda begging for RSI if you overdo it. P.S. If you want to see how three different top-ranked players handle the same fairly difficult Custom Master map (the equivalent of a custom Expert + in BS), all three of those tubers I mentioned have done runs of "A New Dawn" by Terminite. That's exemplary of a more challenging Custom Master map. BTW, both Circ3 and Dietah hit those scores for the map playing in Force mode. So you can see how experienced riders actually move through balls in Force mode.

[@cheshirecatmoonsmiles]

I rotate between Beat Saber, Synth Riders and Oh Shape. I like when I come back to a game it feels new again.

[@an0therW]

I love beat saber but as a semi competitive player my biggest complaint is how the scoring system seems almost designed to give you carpel tunnel lmao. I'll have to give this game a shot!

[@jeffreydanowitz3083]

You should. It’s a great game. It may be a little harder on the shoulders, though. But it’s much easier in the carpel tunnel domain:)

[@Killertamagotchi]

the PCVR version is better than the console and Quest versions. In the PCVR version, like in Beatsaber, you can install mods and custom maps. The PCVR version also offers the option of activating a second camera and using custom avatars. Both of these are only possible with mods in the PCVR version of Beatsaber, but in Synth Riders it is already included.

[@TerriPerkinson-ty3fi]

I just downloaded this into my Oculus last night and played for a couple hours. I agree with your synopsis of the music and backgrounds and absolutely on hitting my hands and Oculus for the first time-after playing Beat Saber for 3 years!! The spin component was a little too much. But there are options to keep it just side to side instead of a full spin. Loved your review!!!!!

[@nor2003]

thanks for providing the difference and benefits between pcvr and standalone specifically with the custom songs

[@spidermonkeynr1]

No no force is the most fun. And customs is where it at. Im a beatsa er player but im now stuck on symth riders. Force is actually keep moving and go through a ball. My tip watch Circ3 on twitch or her video's on youtube and be amazed how she flows through the game on force. And the experience maps are so so pretty. And yes you are in control of the spin. Just lean

[@bestformspielt]

My Valve Index is basically a glorified beat saber machine. SynthRiders is the only game that sometimes competes with that. I do not play it regularly, but from time to time it is a great break from beat saber that I truly enjoy. I think it deserved a lot more attention than it gets.

[@StompGojiStomp]

Got to fix one aspect of your review. You don’t have to punch notes. You have to pass through them. You don’t need much movement to get a good score. Also there are maps that work really well in force. But I will admit that they are only a handful. When the notes get close together if you do quick in and out motions on each side of the notes is enough.

[@nor2003]

what i wanted to ask about the custom songs for synth riders, do they have the same issue that majority do not have easy or normal options like beat saber ?

[@chaimeister]

It seems like it's a little bit better of a mix of difficulties, but still fairly limited. I would check out synthriderz dot com to see what is available

[@JustBlowItUp15]

very good review video, this convinced me to pick up synth riders on the steam winter sale and I've been having a ton of fun with it. good alternative to beat saber for me since I can't play anymore due to a wrist injury I got in 2022 that still hasn't healed 💀

[@twobirdsonestone4836]

Awesome review! I agree with a lot of your points, but I have to agree with the other folks here that Force is great when you move through the orbs instead of punching and Spiral is a unique and fun way to play if you have the space for it. Also the all the commenters telling you to check out the experience maps are 100% correct, especially after your video on Beat Saber mod charts! Hope to see you in the Synth multi rooms sometime!

[@michal7x7]

I find Audio Trip more fun and challenging but still play some synth riders for variety. I enjoy the electro swing songs, they have some nice moves.

[@IamPhishizzle2]

Audio trip isn't as forgiving as Synth Riders in terms of accuracy. When I came back to Synth Riders after playing Audio Trip for a while I would constantly beat my personal bests.

[@JakeThePro1]

Force is more fun once you get the hang of it. You're moving through the orbs instead of punching them. The ost maps are fine but if you're new to custom maps in synth riders I'd install the advance customs playlist on the website. Also great review

[@doomrhythm]

your not supposed to punch the notes in force velocity is key ... follow thru on your swings, and with spiral its tricky but easy once u get it ... you need to lunge side to side following the arrows on the ground

[@jeffreydanowitz3083]

Ok. I started with beat saber about 2.5 years ago. In the beginning it was great. Then they started to make versions with utterly horrific tracking and loss of feeling. Sometimes 100% batteries in controllers helped. Not always. Simply stated the game became not fun because it is quite unplayable often. And I played expert+. It just stopped tracking and there is no support or community. In the middle I count synthriders. At first I didn’t get it. Then I did! The scoring is less understandable in synthriders with the best, ok and poor hits but the tracking doesn’t miss. Perhaps the tracking is the source of scoring weirdness but since you don’t feel cheated by having definite hits called misses like in beat saber, it’s less an issue. For me the gameplay is incredible. I’ve maybe hit controllers but never had controllers hit my headset. Sometimes when you don’t understand the mapping accidents happen. Most of the official game maps are very flowing and there is no reason for hitting yourself even in master. The content is phenomenally great. I love the songs. All of them. Especially the swing which is stuff I don’t care for. But in the game it almost brings me to tears because it just works. They’ve added hip hop and muse and other packs. As you said customization of songs is soooo easy. There is no lack of material. The spin mode is done a million times better than beat saber. It’s the same mapping and you follow the spewing source for the angle. It’s automatic but not random. There are degrees of spin from mild to totally nutty. Mild is magnificent for a great workout. I agree with your multiplayer comments. It’s done perfectly. I’d love there to be a quick multiplayer play mode like beatsaber but you know, the games are different and each have their strengths. The community part is the best. There is a strong Facebook group with a representative from kluge in it. She literally solves every problem in the world. There are weekly parties in multilayer with all levels. The same representative is there too do you can talk with her. No- they cannot fix the world and do everything you want. But they do listen. Best saber doesn’t come a million miles close to that. They smugly say they don’t miss a note there are no problems. If you think we missed, you are wrong. It’s not nice. So all in all, synthriders has become the go to game and there’s best saber when I want to test my nerves and see whether they’ve fixed tracking issues or not. I think synthriders is an outstanding game. I’d love to get the scoring thing more understood. But you know what? It’s so much fun that this is secondary. And that’s a sign that this game really helps you and does a great job relaxing you. Isn’t that more important than producing Olympic stars? 😮 One last thing. Pity you didn’t bring up experiences. Did you try them? There is nothing like that in beat saber. There might anything like that in all of VR. It’s phenomenal.

[@TitanFind]

"Eighteen of the same song" Come on, that's absolute nonsense. If you don't have an ear for music, why are you playing a music game?

[@ThomasHigley-p6k]

As someone who mostly plays beat saber, I never really cared to try synth riders. I'm sure its a fun game and all but I don't think I will try it.

[@Dirty_Alex_]

10:43 Kind of unrelated to the vid, but if you want another artist who does some great metalstep, I definitely recommend Vastive

[@QueenTorVR]

Awsome on 360+WildSpin too

[@PWRobinson1976]

If one doesn't mention the dedicated "experiences" then one hasn't played the game.

[@kenzieplays890]

If you want 80s synthwav vibes this is the game if you want a game where you have more freedom beat saber

[@Kalosius]

Wait, complaining about synthwave songs in a game called synth riders? This game is excellent and all the free custom songs are actually often better than the original content

[@Rexiyll]

Im your 1k subscriber

[@ms_spinsesh]

Grabbed this today. But awww, you have to be on PC to use your custom songs in multiplayer? Thats sad. Still looks fun though!

[@chaimeister]

No, I just had more installed on my pc than I did on quest! You can play custom multiplayer cross platform

[@ms_spinsesh]

@@chaimeister ohhhh ok good to know! Thx for clarifying

[@arupian666]

2:12 I've never hit my headset with my controller in any game. Pro Tip: keep your hands away from your face. I have 40+ hours in Synth Riders. Never hit my headset.

[@katsumikis]

It is such a great game, I have been playing for 2 years and I can tell you you forgot to cover the best part.... EXPERIANCES!!! they make the regular moving stages seem like nothing!!!! A whole other stage/visual experience! Great video regardless!

[@chaimeister]

I'll have to look into them, all of the base game ones were DLC. I may have to get some! Thanks 😁

[@Louise-xr5ok]

In app purchases are annoying for quite an expensive game

[@matttaylor1478]

Great game much better than beat Saber

[@dt833]

I love it but as an older player,hate most of the music.

[@NJgoesCrypto]

You need to play it more or do some more research on this game, like Spiral mode, you played it wrong, you do it by leaning with your leags to the sides. Looks like your trying to do it with your head, and its a bad way to do it. Same with some other things, theres a way to play it even without hiting your self, think of dancing, you dont stand always straight only using hand on one side... Multiplayer is amazing, specialy with Custom songs ( they haw more then 3000 free song right now and more coming ), btw you can change your avatar :P Power Ups are like Mario Kart stuff, you get weapons and use them on others :) Btw, Beat saber isnt realy dancing, its a slashing game, Synth Riders is much more like dancing.

[@EvrythingEvil]

❤❤❤❤

[@bionicgerbil]

Thank you for your commission of The Sun Extended Mix!!! 🥰

[@chipdancer]

Hi @TyChaiLatte! Great review, however, if you look at the Force mode leaderboards you will see significantly higher scores / accuracy at the top, with Rhythm mode typically peaking at about 80-90% and Force mode typically between 99.9-100%. Your complaint about scoring is due to your limited time in the game and lack of understanding of possible techniques and appreciation for the strategic elements of Force. Check out the numerous videos I have posted with INCREDIBLE Force mode scores (scores set with 100% perfect hits).

[@mimixis]

chip, you say this like its a good thing 90% of force maps have been skillcapped ;P

[@chipdancer]

@@mimixis That *is* one interpretation, however, with Kai and EBay being so close to INCREDIBLE scores on some OST/DLC Rhythm maps, that’s just like saying there is skill cap there, too, but that it’s different and slightly higher. 🤔

[@BrokenOpus]

Force > Rhythm (IMO)

[@skibidi_weezer9000]

Looks great, but have you heard of gorilla tag?

[@chaimeister]

Yeah, you were telling me about the lore that one time!

[@skibidi_weezer9000]

@@chaimeister NO GTAG HAVING LORE WOULD FR BE CRAZY 😭