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Softonic Rating:
Very good
License:
Free to try
Added:
January 18, 2008
Updated:
January 18, 2008
Publisher:
Website
File size:
560.45 KB
Downloads:
1,870
Elena Santos

“A fun way to play the piano in your computer”

by Elena Santos

Synthesia is the new title of a game previously known as Piano Hero… until Activision told its developer it was not a good idea.

Naming anecdotes aside, the game is described as a fun method to learn to play the piano but honestly, I have to disagree on that. Synthesia is by no means an easy method to learn the piano: I have some very basic piano notions myself and I found it extremely difficult. It could be because I was using a standard computer keyboard to test the game, and not a real music keyboard as recommended by the developer.

On the upside, I especially liked the default song selection the program includes to get you started (they're all popular theme songs from very well-known videogames). Also, note that you can use just about any MID file with Synthesia, which turns it into pretty much a never-ending musical entertainment.

With Synthesia you can practice your piano skills on the computer, but forget about learning how to play it: you'll need some prior basic knowledge.

Languages:

English

Minimum requirements for Synthesia:

  • OS: Win2000/XP/2003
Pros
  • Nice default song selection
  • Works with almost any MID file
Cons
  • Very difficult: requires some piano basic skills
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From the publisher of Synthesia

Synthesia, previously known as Piano Hero, is a musical game that teaches you how to play the piano using falling notes. No music sheet reading or notation knowledge is required. With Synthesia, you can:

  • Learn to play songs using a musical keyboard connected to your computer.
  • Keep track of your progress in every song with per-song scoreboards.
  • Slow, fast-forward, and rewind songs while learning new parts.
  • Practice left and right hand parts together or separately.
  • Try out any MIDI file you can find on the Internet.

The game includes a "software keyboard" that uses your computer's (typing) keyboard. That will let you try out the game if you're still on the fence about getting a musical keyboard. However, you'll have the most fun and get the most benefit out of Synthesia with a real USB or MIDI keyboard.

Synthesia options

Synthesia Options
Softonic Rating:Very good
7/10

User Rating

2 ratings
usability
  • Currently 7/10.
stability
  • Currently 5/10.
installation
  • Currently 9/10.
functionality
  • Currently 6/10.
appearance
  • Currently 8/10.

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