Chime

 Xbox 360
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
    100
    The best new puzzle game since 2005's Lumines and one of the best puzzle 'toys' on Xbox 360. [Apr 2010, p.121]
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  2. Gamer.nl
    90
    What we’ve got is a brilliant puzzle game with brilliant music of brilliant composers, on sale for a mere 400 Microsoft points of which the majority goes to charity. I don’t think anyone can find an excuse not to buy Chime.
  3. 9Lives
    90
    Chime is a surprisingly good game. The puzzle concept in combination with the rhythm is addictive and more complex than you would think at first glance. This alone makes Chime worth the purchase. Its low price and good cause are extra reasons to make this game a must-have purchase.
  5. DarkZero
    90
    What helps is that this is all wrapped up in some of the most seamless and enjoyable interactive music you’ll ever hear in a videogame.
  6. Gamestyle
    90
    Chime is a charity game, but far from a charity case. At 400 points you would be forgiven for buying it as your good deed for the year, but what you will actually get it one of the best and most well balanced puzzle games in years.
  7. MS Xbox World
    85
    Chime should be in everyone's game library not only because it helps out two worthy causes, but because it is a game that anyone can play.
  8. WonderwallWeb
    85
    A simple idea that has never been done before. A short and fun title at a reasonable price considering it's for charity. I would like to see more of the same in the future.
  9. NZGamer
    85
    It's fun to play, looks great, has plenty of content, only costs 400 points and that money goes to charity - if you're at all interested in Lumines, Tetris, electronica or having a good time, it would be churlish not to plunk down the cash.
  10. GameZone
    85
    Though missing a multiplayer component, Chime has a fun gameplay style that will have players wanting to beat their own scores way past after clearing the grids a 100 percent.
  11. Games Master UK
    84
    A really lovely puzzler. Relaxing, addictive, cheap and charming. [May 2010, p.83]
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  12. Cheat Code Central
    82
    At least $3 of the $5 you spend will go to charity, and you'll get at least several hours' worth of play time.
  13. GameTrailers
    82
    The electro bleeps range from the avant-garde Philip Glass to the avant-hard of Orbital, and likely your love of this type of music will determine if this is a must-have or an impulse purchase.
  14. Pelit (Finland)
    82
    A mesmerizing fusion of Tetris and Lumines with great music that comes at an affordable price. [Apr 2010]
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  15. IGN
    80
    Chime is easy to recommend. It's cheap, it'll keep you amused for hours, and the $5 you spend goes to charity.
  16. TeamXbox
    80
    It manages to take inspiration from known quantities in the puzzle and rhythm genres to create something that feels distinctive and, more importantly, is a lot of fun. That the bulk of your money is going to charity is a feel-good bonus for a game that deserves your time regardless.
  17. Vandal
    80
    Chimes makes itself lovable for its simplicity, its concept and above all the relaxed atmosphere surrounding it, following other "quiet" games like flOw or Osmos.
  18. AceGamez
    80
    Sure, the game is a superb effort as a charity drive, but I see it more as a social experiment.
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  19. GameSpot
    80
    This experimental puzzle-music game is both hypnotic and addictive.
  20. Kombo
    80
    Chime is an inexpensive, fun music game that results in helping someone in need; can you ask for something better? The value for the asking price is excellent even without the charity piled on top. Chime is definitely worth checking out.
  21. Telegraph
    80
    Chime as a whole is utterly mesmerising in the way that only puzzlers of its kind are. An aural treat for the mind.
  22. XGN
    80
    Chime is a funny game. There are only five different songs in the game, but they are all perfect. When you get caught by the hypnotic flow of Chime, you'll be playing this game for hours and hours.
  23. Gamer 2.0
    80
    Chime does a good job of providing a fun and enjoyable experience that may not have a ton of music to choose from, but it offers enough to make the 400 Microsoft points ($5 US) a worthy expense when most of that cost will be going to charity.
  24. Totally360
    80
    When you’re in those tween-game moments where you need an ocean of calm, and you can’t afford your own personal masseuse or steam bath, Chime is the perfect antidote to the stresses of modern gaming.
  25. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    80
    It's addictive and for charity. Nice one. [Apr 2010, p.111]
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  26. XboxAddict
    75
    At 400 Microsoft points and the fact that it’s going to charity, I can easily recommend it to those looking for a new music based puzzler.
  27. Eurogamer
    70
    A lack of depth doesn't stop Chime from quietly turning its own genre on its head either. Zoë Mode's game shows what can happen when you give up destruction in favour of creation, and exchange tension for a kind of dreamy calm.
  28. Metro GameCentral
    70
    Don't let the charity aspect fool you - this is an excellent, if shallow, puzzle game in its own right.
  29. Destructoid
    70
    When a game comes along that is this visually, audibly, and mentally pleasing, it's not something to ignore. I recommend checking Chime out. For five bucks, it's really not bad, you're supporting a good cause, and maybe we can get the sequel that would really make Chime ring.
  30. X-ONE Magazine UK
    70
    The positive score is fully justified. [Issue#57, p.107]
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  31. games(TM)
    70
    Chime is a small game, but it's one with a big heart. [Issue#95, p.127]
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  32. Console Monster
    65
    A brilliantly-designed title that players can easily sit down and relax to. Whilst it lacks in terms of content, the title can be enjoyed in short bursts and the donation to charity makes the Xbox Live Arcade title a deserving purchase, especially at the 400 Microsoft Points price tag.
  33. Official Xbox Magazine
    65
    Lack of variety and depth. [Apr 2010, p.83]
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Awards & Rankings

61
#61 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2010

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 23
  3. Negative: 3 out of 23
  1. DDilettante
    Jan 17, 2015
    6
    Chime takes me back to the days when Lumines on the PSP was massive... possibly in some small sections of the PSP Puzzle Strategy community.Chime takes me back to the days when Lumines on the PSP was massive... possibly in some small sections of the PSP Puzzle Strategy community.

    Ok, so Lumines probably wasn't all that well known outside of the PSP, but essentially you had 2x2 different coloured squares come down, much like tetris. You'd clear the board and score points when you build up 2x2 blocks of the same colour, when a line would slide across the screen and take them out.

    In Chime, you don't need to worry about colour, but the pieces are all different configurations of 5 squares connected, much like tetris' 4 squares. You can move, rotate, and place them anywhere on the grid. The 'beatline' will move in time with the music, setting off events when it hits the shapes. If you have a solid blocks of 3x3 or more, they will disappear after a short while, give better music samples, and stamped down a completed section on the grid. The aim is to get 100% coverage on these grids before the time runs out.

    This game is great if you want to fill in time, or if you're into mixing a few tunes with samples based on how well you play. Probably a small cult following for that. In the end, since there are only 6 or 7 level/songs to play, it only becomes a grind to try to get 100% coverage on each level, not really much more than that.    … Full Review »
  2. sinadoom
    May 8, 2013
    2
    At first this game seemed to have potential. But I have to say it's very disappointing. Not only are the controls a bit clunky andAt first this game seemed to have potential. But I have to say it's very disappointing. Not only are the controls a bit clunky and unresponsive, but the game's mechanics, scoring system and concept are not immediately obvious. It's got unnecessarily features and flashy graphics; not to mention the truly uninspiring "level" (if you can call it that) design. The soundtrack is also horrible; basically gave a new born baby a Xylophone to play with and recorded it. Any arcade game which requires a tutorial to explain what everything is on screen, what the aim of the game is etc. is pretty bad. But this is just embarrassing, because it's a game which should be extremely fast-paced, straightforward and addicting to play over and over yet it fails miserably in all departments other than ambition. I can credit it for trying to make a mindlessly boring game like Tetris into something more appealing...which it also fails at.… Full Review »
  3. tbaltimore
    Apr 25, 2011
    9
    Very fun game and worth the small price. The music is good - really enjoyed playing the game with 2 or 3 of the 5 songs. The others are notVery fun game and worth the small price. The music is good - really enjoyed playing the game with 2 or 3 of the 5 songs. The others are not as good but ok. Some players may not be as much a fan of the music however, and if like many other players, you play the game for extended periods of time, the repetition of the music may get annoying.

    It is very easy to play this game for hours on end thinking you've only played an hour or two, when actually it's been 4-5 hours.    … Full Review »
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