Developer Cococucumber’s Echo Generation is a visually striking game that embraces the voxel style seen in their previous title Riverbond. The voxel-powered environments and blocky characters bring Maple Valley to life, creating a sense of nostalgia and wonder for players. The animations are fluid, particularly in battle sequences, with a noticeable improvement in frame rate when playing in handheld mode on the Switch. While the voxel art style is not groundbreaking in the indie game scene, it still manages to impress players with its diorama-like environments and charming character designs.
Set in the ’90s in the small town of Maple Valley, Echo Generation follows a group of suburban kids on a bizarre summer adventure. The story kicks off with our protagonist emerging from their cluttered bedroom and embarking on a series of tasks that quickly escalate into a strange and mysterious journey. The narrative draws inspiration from classic point-and-click games and iconic TV shows like Stranger Things, blending fantastical elements with comedic banter and oddball characters. The writing is sharp, funny, and keeps players engaged as they uncover the dark secrets of Maple Valley.
While Echo Generation excels in its visual style and storytelling, it falls short in terms of gameplay mechanics. The blend of adventure game elements and RPG systems feels formulaic and lacks innovation. Players will find themselves completing fetch quests, finding items, and battling a variety of monsters and extraterrestrials as they progress through the story. Combat is turn-based, reminiscent of the Mario & Luigi series, with different skills requiring precise button prompts and varied inputs. While the battle system keeps players on their toes, it can feel repetitive and uninspired after extended play sessions.
Challenges and Progression
One of the main criticisms of Echo Generation is its difficulty spikes and repetitive progression. Players may find themselves grinding through battles to level up their characters and overcome challenging boss encounters. The party’s supporting companions often feel underpowered until later in the game, leading to frustration and a sense of imbalance in combat scenarios. Despite these shortcomings, the game manages to keep players engaged with its standout moments of horror and intrigue, adding depth to the overall experience.
Echo Generation is a nostalgic and charming adventure/RPG hybrid that pays homage to genre classics while adding its own unique twist. The exceptional aesthetic, sound design, and writing elevate the game above its mechanical shortcomings, creating an immersive and enjoyable experience for players. While the gameplay may feel repetitive at times, the captivating story and visually appealing world of Maple Valley make Echo Generation a worthy addition to Cococucumber’s portfolio. Overall, the game offers a blend of nostalgia, humor, and intrigue that will keep players entertained from start to finish.
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