'Sound Shapes (2012)' is a 2D platformer based around music created specifically for the game by several different artists. Each artist has a 'world' associated with them, complete with bespoke visuals and mechanics. Everything makes a unique sound. As you progress through the stages, you also collect coins which add to the beat. By the end of any given level, you're hearing a full, dynamic song. It's not particularly challenging but it is a decent amount of fun, with fluid controls and an engaging aesthetic. When you finish the campaign, you unlock access to 'death mode'. In this mode, you must move around a single screen and collect a specific number of coins within a time limit. These are really frustrating, with randomised coin patterns and unforgiving deadlines. They do add a bit of depth to the experience, though, and add a level of challenge that's almost missing from the rest of the piece. Finally, the game has a 'beat school' mode, which has been fleshed out with plenty of DLC, that tasks you with recreating a song clip using the game's level editor. The editor allows you to create your own levels by placing props, enemies, environmental elements and coins on a grid. The 'beat school' is supposed to be training for this, but it ends up being a fun puzzle game in and of itself. Overall, the experience is light, approachable and fun. It isn't very long but its extra modes add value to it. It's a good time. 7/10
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