Game Details
Price
  • $9.99
Available on
Genre
More details

Echochrome (PlayStation 3, PSP)

common sense media says

Sophisticated puzzle game with simple visuals.


parents & educators say

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.

Educational value: Teaches visual perception and logical thinking.
Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Echochrome

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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?

What's the story?

What's the story?
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?

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.

Game themes & details

Game Details
Available on: PlayStation 3, PSP
Available online
Genre: Puzzle
Developer: Sony Computer Entertainment
Released on: May 1, 2008
Price: 9.99
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone

This review was written by Brett Molina
 
 

Review It

 

Review Echochrome





Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

Scovillian3
teen, 17 years old
 
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.

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
 

vote now

Will you play Echochrome?


Already played it? What do you think?

 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors


About our rating system
ON: Content is 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