EchoBlade is another indie title that won’t get the recognition it deserves. This unique game is unlike anything I’ve played before. Moreover, the unusual mechanics and dated aesthetics will divide its audience. Yet, if you fall for its charms, you’ll enjoy a weird adventure title. Alternatively, if you despise what you see, you’ll want to uninstall it almost immediately.
Developed by Sunset Arctic Games and Eastasiasoft Limited and published by the latter, this is a retro adventure title. What’s more, it has some minor combat elements and a few puzzles to solve. On top of this, there is a small character progression system and an array of traps to be wary of. However, it is the strange echolocation vision that makes this unique. Accordingly, navigating your surroundings and locating your enemies is no easy feat.
EchoBlade tells a tale of desperation.
For reasons unknown, you are locked in a dank and oppressive dungeon. Blind and desperate to be free, you do whatever it takes to escape the prison. Yet, it isn’t so easy as guards, traps, and darkness block your path. However, you are gifted with the power of echolocation. As such, every move you make illuminates your surroundings. Furthermore, every key item glows with a specific hue depending on its meaning. Therefore, you must solve problems, fight, and navigate the world, no matter the dangers you face.
EchoBlade does very little to set you on your way. Accordingly, once the action kicks off, you are left to your own devices. Now, this may sound mean, but I liked the drip-fed mechanics and the feeling of being out of my comfort zone. Furthermore, navigating a darkened room by limited means was tough, but enthralling. As such, though this is a rudimentary title, there is enough of a challenge to keep you entertained.
Simple mechanics.
The developers could have created a brutal game that was hard to understand and tougher to complete. However, they stuck to simple mechanics and a gentle learning curve. This was great, as the core concept was somewhat challenging to get used to. The hero is armed with a sword, crossbow, and a suit of armour. Additionally, they can jump, run, roll, and pick up items. Accordingly, each of these elements plays a key role as you try to escape the dungeon.
As you move, jump, or make noise, a stream of light radiates around you. This helps you to explore the surrounding world and find essential items. Furthermore, it highlights any possible dangers that you may face. Anything that can cause you pain has a red hue. Alternatively, key items appear yellow, and other elements have a brilliant white finish. On top of this, your footsteps can be retraced as each step is permanently etched on the floor.
The simple-to-understand ideas were great, as the blindness could have been unbearable. Once you understand what is required of you, you become accustomed to the strange mechanics and the darkness won’t bother you.
Solve the problems and find the keys.
Each area of the dungeon is broken down into manageable chunks. This was a fine move by the developers as it reduced the oppressive gameplay. The straightforward puzzles helped as well. Though you couldn’t see what you were doing, EchoBlade’s puzzles never felt too challenging. Once you understood the basic mechanics, every problem was easy to solve.
I wish I could say the same for the combat and the traps you encounter. Seeing a giant red hue approaching you was a daunting sight. Furthermore, the more you progress, the harder the obstacles became. As such, you must slay every person you encounter whilst avoiding spikes, poison, circular saws, and much more.
EchoBlade looks dated.
There are no two ways about it, EchoBlade isn’t an attractive-looking game! Its dated aesthetic and rough textures leave a lot to be desired. However, it strangely works, and I enjoyed the retro approach. Moreover, the simple but expansive stage design was interesting to explore. Additionally, the use of vivid hues and darkened rooms creates a suspenseful atmosphere.
The audio is awfully old-school. As such, the sound bites are gruff, repetitive, and dull. What’s more, the sound effects are rough but suitable for each task. Accordingly, this won’t blow you away! However, you’ll endure the madness during each short chapter.
The controls weren’t great.
Unfortunately, the controls weren’t as responsive as I’d have liked. Subsequently, each combat encounter is slow and arduous. What’s more, the crossbow is inaccurate and dodging each trap is occasionally a tough ask. As such, you’ll be frustrated as you try to complete each task.
A few of the key elements disappointed me. Yet, the replay value and longevity impressed me. EchoBlade allows you to revisit each chapter to explore the dungeon fully. As you take branching pathways, you’ll find secrets and each key to unlock the master gateway. Moreover, the basic character progression system allows you to improve the hero. Though this was a minor thing, it made the action much easier while giving you something to work towards.
EchoBlade is a good, albeit unusual indie title.
EchoBlade has its shortcomings. Yet, it is a good, albeit unusual indie title. I enjoyed the strange echolocation and its subsequent exploration mechanics. However, the poor controls hold it back. Consequently, this will frustrate gamers and put many of you off. Yet, despite its issues, I enjoyed my time with it. Accordingly, I recommend that you buy it here! Can you get used to the darkness and escape? Find the keys, kill the guards, and overcome every obstacle.
