sci-fi

Alter Echo was the last game created by Outrage, the same group that did the marvelous Descent 3 on the PC. I bought this game based on that reputation. Shortly after this game was completed, THQ dissolved Outrage. At the time, I thought that was controversial. But, the more I play Alter Echo, the more I find that THQ had a definite reason for their actions.

Alter Echo is one of the worst games I've played in a long time. Its throwaway story concerns Nevin, a shapeshifter, who is sent to an alien planet to stop Paavo, the galaxy's greatest shapeshifter. The planet is alive and built with this malleable "Plast" material and, in a homage to HAL, escorts you through a series of painfully linear missions through ugly purple and yellow corridors. Apparently, Nevin fights on the surface of a tye-dye T-shirt.

Although the combo-driven combat probably looked good on paper, the game is tremendously uninteresting, with most combat situations boiling down to fighting limitless enemies room-by-room until you destroy the orb that generates them, deactivating the nearby forcefield. Repeat several dozen times. Sure, sometimes there's an annoying platform twist, or you get to shift into different forms, but the gist of the game is the same throughout. And don't even think about dying, unless you want to be transported right to the start of the map and endure every last cinematic all over again. That's it, folks. There's virtually nothing here to hold your interest or even keep you playing.

Controls are responsive, but frustrating since Nevin can't get to many places. The path you are to follow is bold and linear, with zero room for improvisation or going against what the level designer thinks. Even if it looks like Nevin can use his environment in an advantageous way, an invisible wall stops him. Graphics are an ugly mismash of yellow and purple hues and, while very organic in styling, somehow manage to be too simple and uninteresting. The look is already old five minutes into the game. Sound is acceptable, as is the skewed techno music which is fitting for a game like this.

Boring, repetitive, and hardly worth a rental, Alter Echo is a clunker you should avoid. 1/5 stars.

This Game is Amazing....Its A Little Dumb At The Begining But Once You Get Your Other Forms Its Sooo Cool! I Love The Stealth Form (Its Animal-like) So Buy it if u like games with lots of Futuristic Action!!!

This is my all time fav game. The plot is well thought out and the time dilation thing rocks!!! I'ts sooo cool to morgh into gun mode and stealth mode. 5 STARS!!! You should really buy this fantastic game, it rocks! Que up inmsane combos in time dilation...surprise your enimies by morghing into Gun mode... scuttle around like a spider in stealth mode... I'm telling you BUY THIS GAME!!!