A 3D audio game you can play with your eyes closed.
Toneduel turns spatial audio into a game of timing and positioning. Hear the ball traverse the room, feel the walls by “wind”, and use percussive cues to line up your return. Choose Easy, Moderate, or Hard, and race to 11 with three smash hits available per round. Best experienced with stereo headphones.
How to play
- Goal: First to 11 points wins.
- Move: A/D to slide left/right. Hold Shift to run.
- Hit: Be in position and let the ball contact your paddle to return.
- Smash: While stationary, tap Space just before impact to fire a faster return. You get 3 smashes per round.
- Pause: P or Esc.
- Modes: Easy / Moderate / Hard adjust ball speed and opponent skill.
What you’ll hear
- The ball: a bright, melodic voice that pans in 3D; louder = closer.
- Edge & proximity safety: subtle tones warn when you drift too close to side walls or when the ball is about to collide with you.
- Terrain underfoot: three floor strips (road / grass / path) speak with different percussive timbres as you move, so you always know where you’re standing.
These cues follow ARIA-3D’s core mapping: stereo for left/right, loudness for distance, with percussion reserved for terrain and hazards.
Why it matters
Toneduel isn’t just a game; it’s a playable demo of how spatial audio can carry scene understanding: you can recognise objects, estimate their position, and react in real time – using your ears first. That’s the same principle behind our broader “listen to the view” work converting visual information into music.
Tips for new players
- Use headphones. Stereo is essential for precise left/right placement.
- Start on Easy to learn the cadence, then step up.
- Hold Shift sparingly—running helps corner shots but makes centring harder.
- Save smashes for clean, centre-face contacts.
- If you’re sighted, try a few rallies eyes closed to “get” the mapping.
Accessibility notes
- Designed to be fully playable by ear.
- Clear, distinct timbres reduce masking between ball, paddle, and terrain.
- Minimal visuals (wireframe arena) avoid reliance on sight; all critical state has an audio analogue.
- Works in modern desktop browsers with Web Audio; use normal listening volumes.
FAQ
Do I need headphones?
Yes—stereo matters for spatial placement.
Is toneduel accessible if I don’t use the visuals?
Yes. All critical information has an audio cue: ball location, wall proximity, floor strip, impact timing, and scoring.
What does Space do?
A timed, stationary smash—max 3 per round for a speed boost.
How long is a match?
Fast—first to 11.
What browsers are supported?
Modern desktop browsers that support WebGL and Web Audio.
Safety note
Use comfortable listening levels. Take breaks if your ears feel fatigued.