Chime is all about placing shapes on a grid to make music. Gamers control a single shape at a time, and can move, rotate, and then place it on the grid. A beatline moves across the grid in time with the music, and sets off events when it hits placed shapes. Quads are created by placing shapes in solid blocks of 3×3 or more. When a quad is completed and the beat line hits, different musical samples are triggered dependent on its shape.

The size of the quad denotes the score, and multipliers can be achieved by having several quads on the screen at once. Once the beatline hits a completed quad, it is stamped down into the grid, earning the player coverage. Put simply, place blocks to create quads, create quads to gain coverage, and gain coverage to fill the grid.

Chime features two modes to explore and conquer; five fantastic songs by world-famous musicians – including Moby and Paul Hartnoll (Orbital); multiple difficulty levels; and different playing grids with a variety of shape-sets. Chime also offers full Xbox LIVE Arcade leaderboard support so players can impress the world with their musical talent and promote goodwill.

An exclusive Zoë Mode production for OneBigGame, the videogames industry-wide charity initiative, Chime pits gamers against the melody in this all-new puzzle experience: Players place blocks against the clock, remix famous artists’ music tracks and contribute to children’s charities around the world. More than 60 percent of the 400 Microsoft Points ($5 USD) purchase price of Chime will be donated to charities around the world, helping those who need it the most.

PRODUCT FEATURES:

• Addictive block puzzler: Rotate and place shapes to form quads of 3×3 or more to fill your grid before the time runs out
  Music tracks from world-renowned musicians: Featuring music by Moby, Paul Hartnoll (Orbital) and more
  Remix music tracks: Fill the grid to alter the track loop, place pieces to play notes, and create quads to trigger a range of song samples
  Unlimited replay value: Keep reaching 100% and resetting the grid to continue playing and beat your high score
  Five unique levels: Each level is made up of its own music, grid, and shape-sets
  Time mode: Choose between three different levels of difficulty, based on time limit
  Free-play mode: Play for the sake of making music with no time pressure
  Charitable donation: All Zoë Mode’s services are provided at no cost to OneBigGame, and all Zoë Modes royalties (a minimum of 60 percent of the purchase price) are donated to the OneBigGame charity initiative. OneBigGame always aims to donate a minimum of 80% of all donations to its charity partners Save the Children and Starlight Children’s foundation.

Some of our previous coverage of Chime included Chime’s full artist line-up (including the make music video) and the initial announcement of the game containing the release trailer. Both post contain additional screenshots, game details, and information on the supported charities. We, here at XBLArcade.com will be taking a closer look at Chime and OneBigGame in the coming days with a focus on their charities Save the Children and Starlight Children’s Foundation especially in the wake of the devastating earthquake in Haiti.

Chime is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 for 400 Microsoft Points and is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB. This Xbox LIVE Arcade title should be on everyone’s must-have purchase list as not only do you get a great game, but you also contribute to charity! Any thoughts or feedback about this post or game would be greatly appreciated. I’m sure all those involved in the making of this unique game would love to hear from you.