Lone Echo
| Lone Echo | |
|---|---|
| File:LoneEcho LogoFINAL expot VS high RES copy.png | |
| Developer(s) | Ready At Dawn |
| Publisher(s) | Oculus Studios |
| Director(s) | Ru Weerasuriya Dana Jan |
| Producer(s) | Ru Weerasuriya |
| Programmer(s) | Jacob Copenhaver |
| Artist(s) | Nathan Phail-Liff |
| Engine | Ready At Dawn Engine |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows/Oculus Rift |
| Release |
|
| Genre(s) | Adventure, Sports game (Echo Arena) |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Lone Echo is a virtual reality adventure game developed by Ready At Dawn, and published by Oculus Studios.[1] Set aboard a space station orbiting Saturn, it allows players to move in zero-gravity by grabbing and pushing off of the environment. In addition to the narrative single-player game, the title includes a team-based multiplayer sports mode called Echo Arena, which was also released as a stand-alone game. [2][3][4]
Gameplay
Lone Echo is a narrative adventure game consisting of both exploration and using tools and objects to solve puzzles. Of particular note is the game's locomotion system, which allows players to grab almost any surface, and either move themselves along or push off of the environment to float in a given direction.[5] The player is also given wrist-mounted thrusters that can be use to change or finesse a trajectory.[6]
Players can pick up and move objects, as well as manipulate switches and control panels. In addition they are given a data scanner that can interface with machinery, and a plasma cutter than can cut through certain surfaces. As a service android, the player must repair damaged or inoperable systems, as well as aid and protect the station's sole human crew member.[6]
Synopsis
Set in the year 2126, Lone Echo casts players in the role of an ECHO ONE service android nicknamed "Jack," aboard the Kronos II mining station orbiting Saturn. When a mysterious spacial anomaly knocks out some of the station's vital systems Jack and human crew member Olivia Rhodes work together to repair the damage and investigate the mysterious phenomenon.[7][6]
Development and release
Development began in 2015, when the first prototypes of the Oculus Touch were made available to developers. A small team created VR prototypes, while Ready At Dawn was finishing The Order: 1886. After demonstrating an early prototype showcasing the locomotion system, Oculus came on board as publisher to produce a full game. The team was expanded to 15 people, and eventually grew to 60 at its peak. [8]
About a year into its development, Ready At Dawn held an internal game jam, which resulted in an early prototype of Echo Arena. The decision was made to split the team, and develop both Lone Echo and Echo Arena alongside each other. [8]
Lone Echo was released on July 20, 2017. This release included both the single-player Lone Echo and the multi-player Echo Arena. A separate, stand-alone version of Echo Arena with no single-player was also released on the same day. As the result of a partnership with Intel, Echo Arena could be redeemed for free to anyone with an Oculus Home account for the first three months of its release. [9]
Echo Arena
A multi-player component, Echo Arena, was developed alongside the title, and included with its release, but was also made available as a stand-alone release. As the result of a partnership with Intel, Echo Arena was offered for free to anyone who redeemed it within the first three months of launch.
Echo Arena is a team-based sports game, based around the locomotion mechanics of Lone Echo. Players compete in an arena to grab a flying disc and throw it through the opposition's goal. Players can grab onto other players and punch opposing players in the head to stun them, making it a full-contact sport.
Reception
Prior to its launch, Lone Echo won the Game Critics Award for Best VR Game at E3 2017.[10]
Upon its release, Lone Echo received positive reviews. As of July 26, 2017 it had an average score of 88 on review aggregator Metacritic, indicating "generally favorable reviews."[11] UploadVR awarded the title an 8.5/10, calling it "a landmark achievement in three key areas of the VR experience: locomotion, UI, and interaction," but criticized the game's deliberate pacing and abrupt ending.[6] In his review, GameCrate's Leo Parrill called it "one of the best VR experiences I’ve had the opportunity to enjoy," while noting the presence of some frustrating bugs and glitches.[7] Road to VR awarded the game a 9/10, with particular praise given to the storytelling and the relationship between Jack and Olivia.[12]
References
- ^ "Lone Echo". Lone Echo. Oculus. 2017. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
- ^ Newhouse, Alex (July 20, 2017). "Awesome Multiplayer VR Game Echo Arena Out Today, And It's Completely Free". GameSpot. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
- ^ Thomas, Lucas M. (July 17, 2017). "Out This Week: Splatoon 2, Gigantic, Lone Echo". IGN. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
- ^ MacLean, Haley (July 3, 2017). "Every July 2017 VR Game Release Date". twinfinite.net. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
- ^ Kuchera, Ben (July 24, 2017). "Lone Echo is one of VR's newest high points". Retrieved July 24, 2017.
- ^ a b c d Feltham, Jamie (July 20, 2017). "Lone Echo Review: A New Kind Of Space Odyssey". Retrieved July 23, 2017.
- ^ a b Parrill, Leo (July 20, 2017). "Review: Lone Echo is a blast". Retrieved July 24, 2017.
- ^ a b Magee, Matthew (July 24, 2017). "'Lone Echo' Behind-the-Scenes – Insights & Artwork from Ready At Dawn". Retrieved July 24, 2017.
- ^ Hayden, Scott (July 20, 2017). "'Echo Arena' Launches Today, Free for a Limited Time". Retrieved July 24, 2017.
- ^ "E3 2017 Game Critics Award Winners". Game Critics Awards. June 28, 2017. Retrieved July 24, 2017.
- ^ "Lone Echo for PC reviews". July 20, 2017. Retrieved July 24, 2017.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ Hayden, Scott (July 20, 2017). "'Lone Echo' Review – Humanity and A.I. Bond at the Ragged Edge of Space". Retrieved July 24, 2017.