Review: Echochrome [PS3, PSP] Written By Brian Paterson on 5/13/08
Echochrome, the latest mind-bending PSN offering from Sony Computer Entertainment Japan, is an ode to early twentieth century artist M.C. Escher and a worthy addition to Sony’s ever-maturing downloadable game store. Keeping with the game’s unique artistic style, you assume control of a tiny mannequin (which are ever-present on so many artists’ desks) and guide him throughout a series of staircases, boosters, and holes. The trick is, the figure’s environment can be manipulated in any direction with the analog stick. To be straightforward, what you see on the screen is exactly what you’ll get.
The object of Echochrome is to maneuver your character to all of the checkpoints before time expires. Achieving this in the game’s first few stages, even to the seasoned gamer, could prove daunting. However, you will begin to challenge your initial perception of the layout and think of new ways to guide the figure to the finish. For example, if your character needs to cross over a gap but there is no apparent way across, simply rotate the screen and place an object in front of the opening. Sure enough, the figure will move across without a hitch even though technically the gap is still present. There were a few instances where the mannequin doesn’t quite perform the expected action, but this is easily remedied with another quick try. It’s an innovative concept done exceptionally well.
This is but a small example of the potential challenges that will arise in Echochrome (and believe me, there will be quite a few). The PSN version of the game features fifty-six stages beginning with simple challenges, but ending with a brutal onslaught of puzzles even Stephen Hawking would become frustrated over. Adding to this tally is the near-infinite replayability offered in the canvas mode, which allows users to create their own Echochrome stages and upload them to Sony’s server where they can be enjoyed by gamers around the world. The first user created level I attempted pitted me in a disturbing labyrinth that at first seemed overwhelming, but with a bit of thought, patience and luck, you can conquer the stages within a few minutes.
The game’s graphical style, though simple, is undeniably beautiful. Not since the days of Pong has a title taken this simple an approach to artistic style. You will not find any bloom lighting, bump mapping or any other graphical marvels present in other modern-day titles, rather, the game’s clean black obstacles are laid upon a white canvas. It’s a breath of fresh air from the more visual-centric games that place more emphasis on their looks rather than their gameplay. Luckily, Echochrome manages to get both right while delivering a wealth of content that will have you playing for months to come. With larger games such as Halo 3 and Super Smash Brothers Brawl offering level editors in the retail versions, hopefully the trend will continue in smaller titles such as Echochrome.
It’s hard not to recommend this title for the miniscule price of $9.99. Echochrome already offers more than most full priced games currently sold in brick and mortar stores worldwide, and with new stages being uploaded every day it’s clear that Sony’s investment in online gaming is now starting to pay dividends to gamers. It’s also worthy to mention that this title can be downloaded to your PSP for the on-the-go gamer as well. In closing, for those who enjoyed titles such as Puzzle Quest and Brain Training, Echochrome deserves a spot on your hard drive. If you’re willing to put down the assault rifle in GTAIV for a few minutes, Echochrome will no doubt impress.
