Echochrome

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Sophisticated puzzle game with simple visuals.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is a simple yet sophisticated puzzle game available for download on the PlayStation Network. The puzzles are quite challenging, so younger players may struggle grasping the perspective concepts. There is an online component, although it's limited to leaderboards and shared puzzles.


What's it about?

Sony attempts a slightly artistic approach to the puzzle game with the release of ECHOCHROME, a simply-designed brain teaser that's highly sophisticated. The goal is simple: Navigate a mannequin figure toward a series of 'echos', or shadows of your character.

Accomplishing this requires you to use Echochrome's five perspective laws. Each level consists of a series of platforms. As you manipulate your view of the puzzle with the analog stick, you'll notice sections start to merge. This is perspective traveling. In perspective landing and jumping, holes appear on pathways that either send the mannequin in the air or tumbling through. If you adjust perspective quickly enough, you can catch it on a different platform. If you hide your view of these holes, they disappear using perspective absence. You can also block gaps in pathways and pass over as if they were linked. The mannequin walks automatically, but you can stop it or speed up the pace.


Is it any good?

 

Initially, Echochrome feels difficult, even frustrating at times, as you learn the laws. However, after a few rounds studying and implementing the proper perspective tools, the game turns to a surprisingly soothing experience. Minimalist visuals reminiscent of M.C. Escher and soft classical music create a highly relaxing environment. As you master techniques, the puzzles become a bit easier to figure out. In Freeform mode, you'll tackle a group of random puzzles that must be solved before time expires. One annoying feature is the lack of a visible timer. Only auditory cues signal when time is about to run out. Atelier is less constrictive, giving you an opportunity to choose between the game's 56 puzzles. If you've conquered them all, you can create and share levels in Canvas mode. While Echochrome requires patience to surmount, it still provides a fresh, hypnotic experience.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about the stripped-down presentation of the game. How does that change the game experience? The game's look has been compared to the art of M.C. Escher. Is it possible for a game to qualify as a work of art, or is it merely entertainment?


This review was written by Brett Molina
Teen, 17 years old
July 13, 2010
 
Perfect puzzle game
It hasn't been many times that a game can really bend your mind, but this fits the bill. WOW! Its minimalistic graphics and excellent music put a simplstic stamp on it, which makes it all the more perplexing. The game looks juvenile, but it will put your brain in a vise. It bends reality and fits it to your advantage, but also, expect for this world to throw a few curveballs your way and work against you. This multi-facted and intelligent game makes you want to study the whole subject of optical illusions. Haven't you always wanted to walk on an optical illusion? A long game and surprisingly entertaining. Hard for young gamers. 5 STARS.

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Educator
May 15, 2009
 

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This review was written by Brett Molina
Platforms:PlayStation 3, PSP
Available online?Available online
Genre:Puzzle
Developer:Sony Computer Entertainment
Release date:May 1, 2008
Price:$9.99
ESRB rating:E for Everyone

This review was written by Brett Molina

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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