Echo Generation is another new indie game in 2021 that is going for an EarthBound vibe. The other big indie RPG is Eastward. Just based on numbers, Eastward seems like the better homage to the Nintendo classic. It checks all the boxes and then some. That doesn’t mean Echo Generation is not worth anyone’s time.
This shouldn’t be a battle between these games although Echo Generation certainly does a few things better than Eastward. It’s far from perfect but this blend of EarthBound meets Super Mario RPG is an indie RPG that is something to behold. Let’s go through the positives and negatives of Echo Generation.
8 Best: HD Voxels
The graphics in Echo Generation are unique to the gaming space. Voxels have been done before but not to this degree. Everything looks crisper than other games with this art style. It can really feel like players are setting up LEGO sets and characters.
The environments and buildings are well-stocked with vibrant things to look at. One of the cooler early areas is the bookstore which has an amazing train setup. It's like looking at a toy come to life albeit digitally.
7 Worst: Preset Characters
Echo Generation allows characters to choose from a set of predetermined character designs. On one hand, this is nice in that it gives players some sort of customization option. However, if the game is going to go this far then why didn’t it allow players to fully design their characters?
That’s a staple for the bigger RPGs. More customization with character creation does not always mean the game is going to be better. It still would have been nice to see in Echo Generation all the same.
6 Best: The Battle System
Echo Generation is a turn-based RPG with time-based attacks. This means that if players plan their attacks or blocks right, they can boost damage or negate damage respectively. This is a lot like the RPG games in the Mario series.
Using special abilities will vary things up further such as asking players to line up crosshairs or to punch in a combo code. RPG systems like this can help keep players on their toes, making games feel more active.
5 Worst: The Grind
The downside to this game and RPGs, in general, is the grind. Echo Generation might have the steepest climb in recent memory. From the very first battle to the last, this game is going to ask a lot from players. It is very challenging which means grinding is a must.
The thing is getting items is rare early on so the only good way to heal is by going home. Players will have to fight one or two battles and then run back home, only to repeat the process. This can feel repetitive quickly.
4 Best: Title Screen
A good title screen isn’t necessary to make a game good. However, it certainly doesn’t hurt. Echo Generation is an example of a title screen where players should get hyped at the idea of jumping back into the chaos.
The synth wave is very catchy and fits the early 90s vibe well that was still clinging onto the 80s. Another great example is The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim which is often praised as the best around.
3 Worst: The Rest Of The Score
The good music stops at the title screen, unfortunately. The score in Echo Generation isn’t necessarily bad. It’s just not as catchy as the opening music. It fits the role of an RPG and that’s about it.
On the subject of sound, Echo Generation doesn’t feature voice acting either. That’s not a huge problem as not all modern games need voice acting to be good. Getting a voice cast couldn't have hurt though. There just needed to be a little more life injected into the sound design in some way to really make Echo Generation sing, pardon the pun.
2 Best: Raccoons
The very first enemy players will fight are a series of raccoons. They’re adorable and sassy to boot. The raccoons are only one example to showcase how neat the enemy designs are. From creepy clown robots to ghost school girls, the variety in Echo Generation should be praised.
Seeing enemies on repeat through grinding doesn’t feel as problematic as other RPGs since every enemy is unique, or at least fun to look at. Raccoons are a pretty mundane creature in reality, but their spunkiness really works in this game. Overall the character and enemy designs are as clever as Mario’s RPG spinoff games.
1 Worst: The Story
Echo Generation is about two siblings, and their pets, getting into outlandish situations in a seemingly ordinary town. That’s what was so charming about EarthBound and the Mother series overall. While the character and world designs deserve praise, the story falters a bit.
The writing is not as clever as it wants to be which is a shame. It’s always great to see a game attempt comedy and nail it, again, like EarthBound. Echo Generation isn’t that funny and the story probably won’t entice players much.
Echo Generation was released on October 21, 2021, and is available on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.