A debut to remember, Echoes of the End blends heartfelt storytelling, satisfying combat, and old-school design into a modern package.
In a risk-averse world, big-budget titles often play it safe in trying to be the next big thing. But not Echoes of the End, because it gambles with a mix of action and RPG, which in recent memory we have rarely seen executed as well as Echoes of the End; in conclusion, their gamble pays off. Sure, there is an epic story about an unprovoked war being told, but that’s for us to decipher and you to discover.
Myrkur Games, the developers, have hit the mark on their very first try. Echoes of the End marks the studio’s first major release. The team has crafted a focused action-adventure RPG that recalls the PS3 and Xbox 360 era in its pacing and design, which works in the game’s favor as the genre seems to have needed a revival.
The premise is quite simplistic. Set in the world of Aema, you play the game through the lens of a magic user, or, as some may say, a sorcerer, Ryn. Together with your brother Cor, you are on a routine mission in the countryside to ensure the safety of the wards guarding the nation’s borders. Things only start getting interesting when you encounter soldiers of Reigendal, a neighboring kingdom.
Now here comes a surprise you would not have had a hint of—the invaders have a character among them, also called Ryn. As predictable as it may seem, a clash brews between the two, while Cor gets kidnapped. Even so, it’s safe to say that we know he’s safe because they require a local guide in order to launch an invasion of your nation.
A scholar named Abram, who just so happens to be nearby, saves Ryn. After finding out that Abram was also an acquaintance of Ryn’s deceased father, they join forces and try to warn the nearby militia camp before they end up having to wave the white flag.
Echoes of the End isn’t particularly remarkable in terms of storytelling, but it does raise the stakes well enough as it leaves you conflicted between getting Cor back and the larger threat of the incoming invasion of Reigendal looming large.
Some of the most compelling writing in Echoes of the End can be found in Ryn’s interactions with her fellow travelers, which is noteworthy given the game’s character-focused nature. You get a great look early on at the relationship she has with Cor, and you understand why they can’t seem to stand each other, while also taking a deep dive into a subplot that is the relationship they had with their father.
Ryn might seem indifferent in the beginning, with scenes showing how she refuses to hold her brother’s hand, but the game won’t unnecessarily keep the plot dragging, as the reasons are quickly found out, which ultimately come down to Ryn being protective of him.
Abram, too, is crucial to the plot. His being an acquaintance of Ryn’s late father, you’ll see some insights into the man he was, and especially understand the character development of Ryn better. You’ll also see Ryn befriending Abram as they find a common ground of realization that an invasion is oncoming.
While some characters in Echoes of the End may seem one-dimensional at first, you’ll see that they eventually acquire a great deal of depth thanks to the strong character writing. The only downside is the antagonists, or the lack thereof, which is heavily felt as you often find yourself fighting NPC soldiers.
The gameplay of the game is what truly makes it stand out in the world of action RPGs. The difficulty curve is not too steep, and it’s a common Soulslike template they’ve gone for in regard to gameplay. You’re often squaring off against enemies ranging from two to five at once, and you’ll have an abundance of tools at your disposal to fend them off in a manner that is smart and efficient.
Abram, again, plays a vital role in combat, just as he does in the plot. He can strike your target, leaving them stunned, making room for a potential big hit or two. Sometimes, he will also hold an enemy down, making them open to a swift kill. Similar to Ryn, Abram can gain more attacks and a wider variety of ways to help you in combat by upgrading his skills through the skill tree.
Ryn herself wields magical abilities that have to do with gravitational forces. The most basic ability you start with, for example, is Shift, which lets you pull or push enemies in specific directions. Think Stranger Things. Yes, out of 10, she’s an ‘Eleven’.
This move opens up doors for several attack choices, such as knocking two enemies together to strike them down like bowling pins. More powers are unlocked as you progress, growing Ryn’s capabilities to tackle multiple enemies. Point to be noted, many of these abilities are simply upgrades to your base powers.
Now that we have covered offense, let’s have a quick overview of defense. Aside from standard blocking and dodging, Ryn can time her blocks perfectly to avoid being hit, leaving the enemy open for a counter. These defensive options, too, can be expanded through the skill tree.
Despite being fun, we think the depth isn’t felt as much due to the absence of notable antagonists. Unfortunately, regular soldiers pulling off new moves rarely happen, and even those with unique weapons don’t often use them creatively. The game clearly lacks variety. The game’s idea of variety often boils down to adding multiple archers.
You’re largely fighting standard enemies with the occasional interesting boss fight. Abilities are unlocked through a simple XP system. Fighting enemies and finding collectibles gives you XP, which gives you skill points. These can be spent like a currency of sorts on new abilities, upgrading existing ones, or other upgrades like more health.
While this might sound limited compared to action RPGs with massive skill trees, it actually benefits Echoes of the End by keeping the action moving quickly and concentrating on Ryn and Abram’s story and character development.
Beyond battle, Ryn’s skills are also useful. Environmental puzzles also play a part alongside combat. Some of Myrkur Games’ strongest design work is on display here, as puzzles gradually introduce new mechanics before ramping up in complexity.
The game counterbalances the back-to-back fight sequences with challenging puzzles that use bridges or pulleys, among other mechanics, to keep you engaged. These quieter segments also give Ryn and Abram’s relationship more time to flourish.
The overall gameplay structure of Echoes of the End shows a holistic approach taken by Myrkur Games that will make you reminisce about an older era of gaming. In certain respects, its design heritage dates back to the PS2 era.
One of the areas where Echoes of the End truly overshadows its competitors is its visuals. It’s a gorgeous game, and Myrkur can rightfully take pride in it. Alongside the picturesque beauty, the game delivers graphics settings of burning villages, long-abandoned caverns now inhabited by mythical creatures, and more that will leave you stunned but also possibly petrified.
The visuals pair beautifully with the soundtrack. Much of the score chooses a softer tone to complement the undertone of the gameplay, despite the grand orchestral moments. The sound effects also shine, from the weight of Ryn’s sword swings to the crunch of enemies colliding mid-combat.
Echoes of the End is a strong debut for a new studio. The narrative maintains Ryn’s focus while subtly hinting at larger events. Gameplay is well-paced, alternating between intense combat, exploration, and puzzles. The 14-hour runtime will never make you feel overwhelmed due to the consistent pacing.
The combat may not be the deepest, but it’s satisfying when you pull off the right combos. The quieter platforming and puzzle segments help maintain a steady rhythm, and the strong presentation ties everything together. Ultimately, Echoes of the End is a fun, well-presented action-adventure game with light RPG elements that’s easy to enjoy over a weekend.
