Harmonium: The Musical

Harmonium The Musical is a musical adventure game developed by The Odd Gentlemen. The team was also responsible for such games as King's Quest, Wayward Manor and The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom. The creators were inspired by animated musicals and deaf theatre. The game was created alongside deaf writers, designers, artists and animators.

Plot

The protagonist of Harmonium The Musical is Melody Macato, a deaf 10-year old girl. She's trying to create a new kind of music one can feel and see, preparing for a great performance. Unexpectedly, she ends up drawn into a musical land of Harmonium. To make it back in time for her show, Melody must face the Cacaphony, a mighty enemy who can only be defeated through music.

Mechanics

Harmonium The Musical is a third-person game. The player must explore different locations, meet their inhabitants, solve puzzles and perform on stage. While playing, we witness Melody's symphony gradually come to life. Melody's musical performances are interactive, choosing different dialogue options affecting the lyrics and the sounds.

Technical aspects

Harmonium The Musical features colorful, cartoonish graphics. The game makes heavy use of American Sign Language (though knowledge of it is not necessary) and other kinds of non-verbal communications, such as body language. It also features many accessibility options, such as animated customizable subtitles during performances, adjustable controls, voice acting and subtitles.