Fading Echo

Fading Echo proves that there’s still room for original ideas in an industry obsessed with big budgets. Its brilliant visual style, an element-based combat system, and creative gameplay turn every level into a constant exercise in experimentation. Although its story and soundtrack don’t quite reach the same level of inspiration, it ultimately proves to be a charming, fresh adventure that’s very easy to recommend.

While Fading Echo appears like yet another action platformer, it quickly sets itself apart with its element manipulation features and intense gameplay mechanics. It’s fun to play, the comic book styles cutscenes are cool, and the abstract visual design will quickly grab your attention. It also helps that the game is very creative and it continues to throw things at the wall to see what sticks. If you’re into action platformers, this is certainly right up your alley. I felt that the game manages to introduce new audiences to this genre quite well, even if the combat does feel repetitive at times. The story is easy to ignore, and you can just focus on eliminating enemies and solving puzzles. Those are the true strengths of the game, and the title certainly knows that. Overall, Fading Echo managed to scratch the 3D platformer itch, with some amazing elemental powers and lots of intense moments.

Fading Echo utilizes a really unique style for its aesthetic, platforming and combat for a truly engaging experience.

Fading Echo is exactly the kind of indie game that deserves to be discovered. Its creative combat, excellent art direction, and—above all—fantastic Brazilian voice acting manage to create a unique identity in a market crowded with similar releases.

Fading Echo is a great debut. It’s a stylish game that’s easy to recommend. However, I think it stops just short of being able to be called a must-play. The transformation mechanics and elemental gameplay are genuinely fun for a time but can get repetitive. The art direction is wonderful, and the lead actor’s performance carries the game where the gameplay and choppy cutscenes can’t always support it on their own. Some minor technical hiccups and confusing navigation undercut an otherwise satisfying experience. All in all, none of the negatives are enough to sink the game. I think it’s a game you’ll enjoy for the ride, and it will definitely make a few waves.

Long-winded narrative complaints and lack of RPG elements aside, Fading Echo is a fun, fast-paced adventure that makes an incredible use of its core mechanics. Its combat is satisfying without relying on upping the difficulty through massive health bars and enemy swarms. Its puzzles are always a fantastic excuse to show off its elemental mechanics, and the world is one I'd have gladly explored for double the time it took me to roll credits. A game that is more focused on being the best version of itself than attracting you with the buzzy genres of today, Fading Echo is well worth your time.

The game deserves praise for its boldness in offering something fresh within a landscape perhaps somewhat saturated with action RPGs; it is a title that dares to be different and isn't afraid to showcase its own distinct identity. Fading Echo is a game worth championing, featuring an audiovisual style that is nothing short of dazzling.

This is a very charming game, one I’ve managed to play to 100% completion, and if you have even a passing interest in action-adventure games, this is the game for you.