Hands On: Episode 8

Echoshift, awaited sequel to echochrome, released today on the Playstation Network for download onto your PSP. (no PS3 version this time around). In case you have not been keeping up, and I can't blame you as the information on this title has been tough to digest, the Echo titles feature a geometric look in isometric perspective with the puzzle focus in Shift being Time and not Space like in Chrome.

The failing with that description I just gave, aside from being overly wordy, is that it does not really give any idea of he gameplay - but it is not my fault. Those of you who have even played a little of Echochrome know what I am talking about - it is a game that must be experienced to understand it. It is simply too tough to explain in a simple way. So when I originally cracked open the press release for echoshift and began to study the fact sheet, I knew that what was being explained to me was not the whole picture. It couldn't be, or so I thought.

Luckily for us Artoon released the PSP Demo earlier this week. As I put down my PSP, after finally finding time to get through the demo, I can tell you all just what to expect from Echoshift. Of course you could always just download the demo yourself and try it - but why bother when I could just tell you through this article.

So first things first - NO EDITOR INCLUDED! Okay, that's it - 'nuff said. Thanks for reading and we'll catch you next week, same GamerMade time same GamerMade channel. Yes that might be a bit harsh as the game does have more to offer than a lack of editor. Let's face it though with no editor EchoShift is a sequel fail in my opinion. I mean to take a title whose editor was a major contributor to it's coolness factor and then leave it out in the "sequel" is just plain wacky. Very bad form Artoon, very bad indeed.

Still reading? Well then let me run you through the game a bit. Echoshift has players working their way through a 2D world presented in that off angle 3D perspective using a new gameplay mechanic that basically works out to "Solo Co-Op". The goal in each level is to move from the starting point, a doorway, to the end of the level (another doorway) using multiple "echos" of yourself. When you start a level a timer begins to count down giving you a limited amount of breathing room to walk around, hit switches, and clear obsticles in order to get to the ending door. There is no way on earth you can get through an entire level in the time given - and that is the point. Y'see once the time runs out your actions replay with you as a ghost (the echo) doing everything you once did automatically. Now while your first echo goes through its paces you get a new beginning to go through the level and finish what you started. If time runs out again - then a new you appears while your two echos from previous runs repeat their motions. In this method you end up working with yourself in what is called a "Time Bounce" which is basically a loop of your previous actions layered. The less loops it takes you the more stars you end up with at level's end. The goal is to complete each level, of which there are 30 with more as DLC promised, with 3 stars by using the least amount of echos.

Overall the gameplay mechanics and very well done, and the puzzles are very engaging with the reward of making you feel pretty damn smart when you get the 3 star goal. The problem I had with the game was not the playability or enjoyment but with the presentation, design, and title. Seems like an odd statement right? Well if you are new to the Echo series then it sure is an odd statement. For those of us who have played and enjoyed Echochrome, however, might find that Echoshift fails to please. One of the major appeals of Echochrome was it's unique style and look, with an stark black and white almost drafting board look, and the look fit. It created a surreal environment where you could, like and engineer, artists, or physicist play with concepts in perspectives and in a way reality. When working with thoughts and designs, the drafting board look is quite appropriate, but in Echoshift it feels very tacked on. Having drawing models walking around a world that is basically a 2D platformer doesn't seem necessary and could have actually been pulled off with any simple mascot character, or even in a simple 16 Bit presentation. While the added effects, music, and surreal backgrounds are fun and interesting, they are also the only elements that make this a sequel to Echochrome. Any other element, including the editor, that made Echochrome a sleek complete package and experience is lost to Echoshift.

Bottom line? If you have not played Echochrome, then Echoshift is a very interesting and engaging title and worth checking out the demo. I won't blame you for liking it and picking up the complete title either. But if you are a fan of Echochrome and were looking forward to a sequel, then keep looking as Echoshift will only serve to disappoint. GamerMade wise it marks the end of a brief era for a quality creative title. The Echo is dead, long live Echochrome!