Overall, it’s your usual item marketplace that can be found in many other live-service games. But the inclusion of some core progression features and rewards makes the monetization here one of the more egregious examples I can remember.

Recommending a GaaS title is always a gamble, especially in its early days, and Synduality: Echo of Ada is no exception. The core gameplay is solid, engaging, and entertaining, but the game could have had more content and the monetization is aggressive, also the game doesn't always respect players’ time.The way Game Studio e Bandai Namco built up the game makes it similar to a free-to-play, and in that case it would be a must-play, but the €40 price tag may raise some eyebrows. However, if you're a fan of extraction shooters, intrigued by the game's distinct Japanese aesthetic, or looking for a less "hardcore" entry into the genre, it might be worth considering. The real question is whether Game Studio and Bandai Namco will support it with meaningful content updates; an official roadmap would certainly help. For now, trips to Amasia may feel bittersweet, but with enough dedication, the game could still deliver some highly rewarding moments.

If you give it a chance, SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada is an interesting game. It will still be a repetitive game, but it ends up becoming addictive. Its unique world and the desire to discover more about it can make up for the high grind and frustration - especially at the beginning - of losing everything because you were too ambitious.