Developer Cococucumber has made a name for themselves in the indie gaming scene by delivering accessible throwback titles that put a new twist on old genre formats. Their latest offering, Echo Generation, is part of their self-styled ‘Voxel Trilogy’ and provides Switch owners with a nostalgic and charmingly funny adventure/RPG experience.
Set in the ’90s in the small town of Maple Valley, Echo Generation follows the story of a group of suburban kids embarking on a bizarre summer holiday. The game kicks off with our protagonist emerging from their cluttered bedroom, interacting with their mother, and exploring the neighborhood. However, things take a strange turn as they encounter talking dogs, abusive raccoons, missing children, a serial killer on the loose, and even a crashed spaceship in a cornfield.
A Visual Feast with a Distinctive Style
One of the highlights of Echo Generation is its distinctive voxel-powered visuals. The environments look like lovingly crafted dioramas, while the blocky characters and enemies move fluidly in and out of battle. The game’s frame rate shines when played in handheld mode, with the models feeling more at home on a smaller screen. Despite a slight stutter, the visuals of Maple Valley and its inhabitants still hold up on a larger display.
While Echo Generation excels in its story and visual presentation, it falls short in blending adventure game mechanics and RPG elements. The gameplay sticks to a familiar formula without offering anything innovative or truly engaging. Quests mostly involve fetch tasks and item collection, and combat is turn-based with timing-based mechanics reminiscent of the Mario & Luigi series. While the battle system keeps players on their toes, it can feel repetitive and lacking in depth.
Despite its gameplay shortcomings, Echo Generation manages to captivate players with its blend of horror and nostalgia. The game’s visual style, sound design, and writing create a unique atmosphere that oscillates between eerie and nostalgic. Standout moments like encounters with the ‘Prom Queen’ in the closed high school add a layer of unpredictability to the game, elevating it above its mechanical flaws.
Echo Generation is a testament to Cococucumber’s ability to create memorable gaming experiences that resonate with players. While the game may stumble in its gameplay mechanics and progression, its compelling story, charming visuals, and atmospheric design make it a worthwhile addition to any gamer’s library. Whether you’re a fan of adventure games, RPGs, or simply appreciate a well-crafted indie title, Echo Generation offers a mix of genres that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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