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Alter Echo Preview
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Developer |
Outrage Games
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| Publisher |
THQ
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| Genre |
Adventure
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| Release Date |
August 2003
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Although Alter Echo is classified as an action-adventure game, it’s a lot more than that. Outrage Games has taken the genre and put their own unique spin on it in their hopes to provide gamers with an experience like none other. From what we’ve played so far, the game is looking to do just that!
The main draw of Alter Echo involves its main character, Nevin, and his ability to transform into three distinct forms. These unique transmogrifications are ultimately what Outrage Games hopes will draw gamers in. The three forms, Nevin’s human identity, a massive mech, and a lizard-type protagonist allow the game to traverse a variety of genres, ranging from RPG elements to fighting elements.
Nevin’s heroic manner all began when a group of baddies began to increase the intelligence of a unique space-goop called Plast. This special gunk gives people the ability to morph into whatever shape they wish, and Nevin is one of the few people who can utilize it. Things don’t go well, as the Plast gains a mind of its own and becomes bent on ruling the universe. Thus, players will take on the role of Nevin and his various forms to try and stop the Plast and its maniacal ways.
In Nevin’s human form, players will be able to slash their way through levels with his sword and have opportunities to upgrade him and buy new combos and whatnot. His mech-form aims to bring out the shooter in you, allowing players to carry big guns, grenades, and perform other undisclosed attacks. Although certain enemies dictate certain transformations, the game does seem to let the player decide at times which transformation is best. It’s never out of the question for an enemy to experience damage from above by his lizard form, followed by a dash attack in his human form and then a lead-based attack from his giant mech. You can get out of breath just describing the range of possibilities!
Now, the three forms isn’t the only major aspect of Alter Echo. Time Dilation will play a large role as well. That’s right, Time Dilation (a fancy word for stopping), not bullet-time, so get those pictures of The Matrix out of your head. Instead of stopping time to dodge bullets and such, players will face a unique interface where you’ll test your reflexes by pressing the X, square, circle, and triangle buttons at their designated moments. Doing so will obliterate the enemies and give you a great advantage throughout the adventure. This unique ability will also aid gamers in other aspects of the game such as puzzle solving as well.
Alter Echo is also looking to stun the gaming industry visually. The character’s transformations are sleek, smooth, and fast, and the world’s are interestingly odd. Although the style may not be for everyone, and some of the environments look bare in the early build, there’s little doubt that this game has some great technical aspects and simply looks at least intriguing, if not solid overall.
THQ and Outrage Games’ Alter Echo is set to release later this summer and looks to bring some a new style of gameplay during a time when many gamers complain of a lack of originality. Will Alter Echo alter the gaming experience as we know it? We’ll have the answer soon enough.
Preview by Kevin Sloan
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