Echo: Secret of the Lost Cavern
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Echo: Secret of the Lost Cavern is a point-and-click adventure that immerses players in the prehistoric civilization of the Stone Age. The game is inspired by the famous paintings of the Lascaux Caves, and focuses on prehistoric art. Puzzles are extremely challenging and cannot be skipped, so younger players might need the help of a parent or an online strategy guide. The game contains some scary situations where players are menaced by wild animals, but there is no violence or gore.
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What’s It About?
Set about 15,000 years ago in the Paleolithic era, ECHO: SECRET OF THE LOST CAVERNS follows the adventures of the young hunter Arok, who sets out to find a renowned cave painter named Klem, and in the process learns how to become an artist himself. Players must solve a variety of puzzles, including unique \"fresco puzzles,\" which involve manipulating paintings on the walls of caves to affect similar objects in real life. There's also an in-game database that contains a wealth of supplementary learning material about Prehistoric tools, customs, art, and culture.
Is It Any Good?
Echo: Secret of the Lost Cavern is a challenging adventure with unique subject matter. The prehistoric theme constantly challenges players to think outside the box: When Arok gets hungry, for example, he has to catch his lunch himself by spearing a fish in the river. When he wants to paint, he can't just go to the arts supply store –- he has to fashion a brush out of horsehair and other materials, and collect different colors of "paint" by finding naturally occurring pigments. Puzzles are challenging and cannot be skipped or even reset, but players who persevere through the challenge will enjoy the unique setting and breathtaking 365-degree views of the Lascaux Caves. With the real-life Lascaux Caves now closed to the public, Secret of the Lost Cavern is a great way for kids to be inspired by some small part of the cave's magic.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the restoration and preservation of ancient art. What steps do museums take to preserve paintings? Why is it important to do so?
Families can also talk about technology. In the era of high resolution digital photography and video, is it really important to see famous works of art in person?
Families can talk about learning history from playing games. Do you think games are a good way to teach?
Game Details
- Platforms: Mac, Windows
- Subjects: Language & Reading: reading, reading comprehension, vocabulary, Math: patterns, sequences, Science: substance properties, Social Studies: cultural understanding, exploration, history, Arts: drawing, painting
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: applying information, hypothesis-testing, solving puzzles, Creativity: brainstorming, combining knowledge
- Available online?: Available online
- Publisher: The Adventure Company
- Release date: November 15, 2010
- Genre: Adventure
- Topics: History
- ESRB rating: E for Mild Violence
- Last updated: August 26, 2016
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