Echoes of the Living: A Nostalgic Stroll Through Zombie-Infested Memory Lane
When your inventory management skills are scarier than the zombies
Launch Day Larry
Ah, “Echoes of the Living,” a game that takes us back to the days when survival horror meant more than just surviving the horror of your own clunky controls. This early access title is a love letter to the classics, with all the charm and quirks that come with it. Let’s dive into the guts of this game and see if it’s a scream or just a whimper.
Gameplay: A Dance of Nostalgia and Frustration
“Echoes of the Living” is like a reunion with an old friend who hasn’t quite kept up with the times. The gameplay is a throwback to the golden era of survival horror, with fixed camera angles and puzzles that would make even the most seasoned Resident Evil veteran feel right at home. The atmosphere is thick with tension, and the environments are designed to keep you on edge. However, the controls seem to have been designed by someone who thought tank controls were the pinnacle of gaming evolution.
Navigating through the game feels like trying to drive a shopping cart with a wonky wheel. The combat system, especially melee, is a bit like trying to swat a fly with a newspaper while wearing a blindfold. The defensive kick is a nice touch, but the melee weapons have all the reach of a T-Rex trying to play the piano. Ammo is scarce, and the save system is as reliable as a paper umbrella in a hurricane, with floppy disks making a comeback in the most inconvenient way possible.
Graphics: A Visual Feast with a Side of Shadows
Visually, “Echoes of the Living” is a treat. The game runs smoothly at 4k 60 fps, and the environments are beautifully crafted, evoking the eerie charm of the Resident Evil 1 remake. The lighting and atmosphere are spot on, creating a world that is both haunting and immersive. However, the lack of ultrawide support and some lighting issues can make the game feel like you’re playing hide and seek with the enemies, who are all too happy to lurk in the shadows.
The graphics are a standout feature, with impressive level designs and a nostalgic feel that will tug at the heartstrings of any survival horror fan. Yet, some technical hiccups, like camera transition issues and items blending into the background, remind us that this is still an early access title with room for improvement.
Story: A Maze of Mystery and Mayhem
The narrative of “Echoes of the Living” is a tribute to the classics, with a storyline that feels like a jigsaw puzzle missing a few pieces. The game captures the essence of survival horror with its atmospheric storytelling, but the plot can be as elusive as a ghost in a fog. Players often find themselves wandering through maze-like environments without a map, leading to moments of confusion and frustration.
The game’s story is still unfolding, with only one character’s journey available at the moment. The promise of a second character’s story in the full release adds a layer of anticipation. While the narrative has its moments of intrigue, the pacing and voice acting could use a bit more polish to truly shine.
Final Verdict
“Echoes of the Living” is a nostalgic romp through the world of survival horror, capturing the essence of what made the genre great while stumbling over some of the same hurdles. The game’s atmosphere and graphics are its strongest suits, but the controls, combat mechanics, and story delivery need some serious TLC. As an early access title, it shows promise, and with the right updates, it could become a must-play for fans of the genre.
Score: 6.5/10