Echoshift PSP Review

Posted by Philip Bethel in News | 3 comments

So – Echoshift.  A sequel to the 2008 puzzler that was Echochrome.  A puzzler that lets you take control of a small manequin, or rather nine manequins to solve mind bending 2D wire frame levels which get progressively more difficult.  As you may see from the screenshot above graphics do not play a big part in the game as it is solely designed as a problem solver.

The levels are divided into numbers from 1 to 7 catergorised from A to H and DL.  So all in all there are 63 which vary in problem solving type, for instance – the first seven levels will have you use your “echo”  or manequin to press buttons in order to remove walls or create bridges that your next echo, which spawns after a brief countdown, will use to reach an end of level door.

As you progress through the different letters or level types you may be required to escape chasing stars which erase your character making it necessary to move move very quickly, or you may have to walk over pressure pads to delete obstacles.  All this variety ensuring the game is diverse and you  never quite get used to the puzzles making every one that bit more difficult.

Each level is also split into three different puzzle modes the first being cast which is the basic – make it from one door to another.  Then theres key which is the same puzzle only you will have to obtain a key somewhere in the level to open the door at the end.  Finally theres illusion which is a kind of a time trial whereby you have an ability to stop time for three seconds allowing the player to finish in record time.

Initially the game will run you through a concise tutorial which makes the first few attempts at the actual game very easy and more of an introduction.  This pick up and play style draws you in to the game and intrigues the player.  It really is designed to keep you playing for as long as possible.  The star rating system at end of level will also have you yearning to achieve perfect scores every time. 

A very clever and unique puzzler albeit, addictive, gradually more interesting and asborbent, Echoshift improves on an already good puzzle game and will have you playing for hours at a time.  Simple yet almost genius – a top puzzler.