Rez is a video game that makes use of synesthesia, creating a mesmerizing experience for players who feel that they are a part of the music. The game heavily relies on electronic music, specifically trance, and its repetitive rhythms and hypnotic melodies for its visuals. The game is simple but highly addictive, where players must navigate through various levels, defeat a series of viruses, and collect evolution points to enhance their abilities. Players can activate the Trance Mode, which enhances the music and visuals and provides additional abilities. The game’s soundtrack was composed by Ken Ishii and evolved with the level’s progress. The game continues to be a beloved masterpiece that showcases the way our brains process sensory information.

Rez: A Trippy Synesthesia Trip Through the Digital World of Trance

Rez is a video game that was released in 2001 for the Sega Dreamcast and PlayStation 2 consoles. Developed by United Game Artists, it quickly became a cult classic for its unique blending of music, visuals, and gameplay. It was later ported to Xbox 360 and PC, and even received a virtual reality remake for PlayStation VR and Oculus Rift.

Synesthesia and Trance

One of the defining features of Rez is its use of synesthesia, which is the condition where sensory experiences in one modality trigger experiences in other modalities. In Rez, players are immersed in a virtual world where music and visuals are intertwined, creating a trance-like state where players feel like they are part of the music.

The game’s visuals are heavily influenced by electronic music, particularly trance, which is characterized by its repetitive rhythms and hypnotic melodies. In Rez, players must navigate through a series of levels, each represented by a track of electronic music. The levels are filled with abstract shapes and patterns that pulsate and glow in rhythm with the music. The effect is a mesmerizing experience that draws players into a trance-like state.

The Gameplay

The gameplay of Rez is relatively simple but incredibly addictive. Players control a character called a “hacker,” who must travel through the virtual world and defeat a series of computer viruses. The player’s goal is to reach the end of each level, which culminates in a boss battle with a giant virus. To defeat the viruses, players must lock onto them with a targeting system and then unleash a barrage of shots.

As players progress through the game, they earn “evolution points,” which can be used to enhance their hacker’s abilities. The game also features a “Trance Mode,” which can be activated by collecting special power-ups. Trance Mode enhances the music and visuals, and also grants players additional abilities, making it easier to defeat the viruses.

The Music

The music in Rez is a key part of the game’s experience. The soundtrack was composed by Ken Ishii, a Japanese techno artist, and features a blend of ambient, techno, and trance music. Each level has its own unique track, and the music evolves and changes as players progress through the level. The effect is a seamless integration of gameplay and music that is like nothing else in the world of video games.

The soundtrack to Rez was so popular that it spawned two remix albums, “Rez Infinite: Area X” and “Rez Infinite: Soundtracks.” These albums feature remixes of the original tracks by some of the biggest names in electronic music, including The Crystal Method, Adam Freeland, and Coldcut.

The Legacy of Rez

Despite being over 20 years old, Rez continues to be a beloved game among fans of electronic music and video games. Its influence can be seen in many modern games, particularly those that feature music as an integral part of the gameplay. The game’s use of synesthesia continues to be a source of fascination for players and researchers alike, as it offers a glimpse into the ways in which our brains process sensory information.

Rez is a game that defies definition. It is a masterpiece of visual and audio design, a hypnotic journey through a digital world of trance. Whether you are a fan of electronic music, video games, or just looking for a mind-bending experience, Rez is a game that is not to be missed.