Echochrome, developed by Japan Studio and published by Sony Computer Entertainment
We're longstanding fans of the Metal
Gear Solid franchise. We've gone hands-on with Grand Theft Auto
IV--both single-player and multiplayer--and we desperately want to
bring it home. And we can't wait to see how Cliffyb will put Unreal
Engine 3's meat material simulator to use in Gears of War 2. But as of
last E3, the 2008 game we've been looking forward to the most is
Echochrome. Is it the austere art direction: black line art against a
white backdrop that trails off into infinity? (Blame our clumsy resizing for the jaggies in the screenshot above; the game's image quality is pristine.) Is it the
string-and-vocals melancholia of the game's classical music score? The
hollow clip-clop sound of our marionette protagonist's footsteps? The
deceptively simple puzzle-meets-platforming gameplay? Whatever it is,
we were hooked instantly, and its appeal only
increased after a limited hands-on session last fall.
We've had a
near-final build in our possession since Friday and it's prompted some
interesting observations, primarily around the following point: where will Echochrome fit into our videogame menu? Consider the following:
- Echochrome as appetizer:
Last weekend was a working weekend for the Level Up staff; a mix of
writing and gaming. On both Saturday and Sunday, we kicked things off
with Echochrome, playing a couple of levels before moving on to meatier
fare. It eased us into a game playing mindset, got our thumbs fired up
and sharpened our focus.
Verdict: Tart, but sweet. - Echochrome as palate cleanser: Other games demanded our attention over the weekend,
including Rainbow Six Vegas 2, Wipeout HD, Ninja Gaiden 2 and Final
Fantasy VII: Crisis Core. Each of those titles is very different. And
generally speaking--with the exception of speed-sampling a slew of
games, we rarely jump from one console game to the next--preferring
instead to engage in lengthy play sessions with a single title. But we
were determined to power through chunks of these games; after each one,
we played a single Echochrome level before moving on to the next gaming
course. And in so doing, it made for a nice transition from one title
to the next.
Verdict: Surprisingly effective. - Echochrome as (tapas-like) main course:
On Sunday, we intended to play some more of those other, ostensibly
more substantial games. But as we rolled through the end of Stage A
(stages go from A-G, with eight unique levels on each stage for a total
of 56 levels) and on to Stage B, we hit a roadblock in B3--and we
couldn't let it go. After the fifth try, our ego bruised, we jumped
ahead to B4. That stumped us as well. So did B5, B6 and B7. Ninja
Gaiden was calling our name, but Echochrome was kicking our ass, and we
could not let that stand. Finally, we eked out a huge success on B8,
and with our newly-restored self-esteem, used that momentum to work
backwards and conquer each of our Stage B nemeses--with the exception of
that damned B3.
Verdict: Tough, but tasty. - Echochrome as snack:
Three days into our work week, we haven't made any time for gaming
during office hours...other than sneaking in an Echochrome
level here and there. In fact, during a break from writing this very
post, we managed to knock off our obstinate foe, B3.
Verdict: Light and
refreshing. - Echochrome as food for the road: The game
was released on UMD for PlayStation Portable in Japan and Asia. We
ordered it from the importers over at Play-Asia over the weekend,
because we weren't sure whether Sony Computer Entertainment America was
going to release Echochrome PSP on these shores. But we can now
confirm, exclusively, that it will be coming to North America via the
Playstation Network store only--i.e. not brick and mortar retail--with
its own unique 56 levels. When we get our UMD version from Play-Asia,
we'll give you an update.
Verdict: Incomplete.
So there you
have it, our thoughts on various ways in which Echochrome can fit into
our gaming menu. But we'd like to hear from you. Are there any games
that you use as an appetizer, a snack, or even as a nightcap? Or do you reject
the menu metaphor entirely? Let us know in the comments below.
