Echoes Of The End, A Formidable Review

As I mull over going to Croatia and bathing in the Adriatic Sea this year, I find it much easier to at least buy a virtual ticket to somewhere nice, like Iceland. Unfortunately, I initially landed on a configuration that barely met the minimum requirements, and instead of volcanoes and geysers, I was greeted with incomplete textures. I would take two steps, and then I'd lose my footing. The version of the adventure game Echoes of the End that they sent us before its release was unfinished, with technical issues such as [specific technical issues]. There was no choice but to wait for the day one patch. However, that didn't help.

In the mood for something a little different? Then check out our Wheel World review!

Echoes Of The End Won't Run On Mobile, That's For Sure

Although the manufacturer claimed the patch would smooth out technical issues, after updating, the textures still refused to reach my graphics card stubbornly. I had to postpone my trip to Iceland for a few more days until I finally got my hands on my regular transportation device, which features an RTX 3080 Ti graphics card and a Ryzen 5600X processor. This time, the landing went much better than the initial one.

Not only did I walk on solid ground in HD resolution and 80 fps, but I also saw massive glaciers in the distance – much prettier than the ones in real Iceland. At least I think so; I've never actually been there.

However, the long-awaited stay in beautiful nature was short-lived. I hadn't taken 20 steps before I was already entangled in the political intrigue of virtual Iceland!

The Story

 The game's storyline is set in a virtual Iceland, where under the leadership of the usurper scum Zara and Aurick, the hostile empire of Reigendala decided to sneak-attack my peaceful province of Syrouve. The reasons for their attack should have become clear to me after their three-minute monologue at the introduction, but their plan was too intelligent for me to understand. When they asked me to betray the Icelandic people and join them, I refused without hesitation.

Sometimes it's good not to be too bright.

Unfortunately for me, it turned out that I was only at level 2 development at that point, while Zara and Aurick were surely at least at level 10. As soon as we clashed, I got beaten up and had to flee to a cave to recover. A cave that appeared literally two meters behind me. It was just a temporary escape. Maybe I lost the battle, but I didn't intend to lose the war!

I needed to reach level 10 myself.

After exiting the cave, I first crossed swords with enemy infantry on patrol, who were also at level 2. I also fought local monsters; although they were at level 2, they were more vicious and dangerous than regular soldiers. That's where the old dude I met in the cave came in handy; it turned out that, besides fighting well for his age, he knew a thing or two about Icelandic history. 

So, between battles, he tried to help me understand the nuances of the enemy's plan. In other words, he was a mentor and companion. Even though I didn't fully understand him either, I still grasped something important. I was the descendant of the main municipal haiduk! Oh, yeah! The one who protected the slopes of Iceland from various riffraff and their usurper business for years. Then he died. And now I was supposed to take on that task.

Mastering Sword and Spell

Besides wielding a sword, I could also learn magic. So, I spent whole days training to strengthen both my muscles and mind. I chopped down regular enemies and bosses, and levels grew. I learned new skills: defensive, attack, and magic. I could create new sword moves or hit harder than before, cast better spells than Wingardium Leviosa, and my health and mana grew. 

I trained everywhere, from caves to villages and fortresses. The old dude also learned a few new moves along the way, so together we were stronger. Along the way, I collected papers and documents lying in the middle of the road, finally trying to understand the usurper's plan. It turned out that I messed up at the beginning; their plan wasn't too intelligent after all! More like something from a cartoon. That's why I got confused.

Little by little, with a lot of patience (because the game's opponents barely changed from the start), I reached my goal, the famous level 10! On this journey, the most significant obstacles weren't the enemies, as I initially assumed. I chopped them all down like a haiduk. However, I wouldn't have made it to the end without solving new puzzles. These puzzles, such as [specific puzzle types], were often frustrating and interrupted the flow of the game. But that's how it is; a warrior needs to have something in their head to survive.

Echoes Of The End In Conclusion

As much as I enjoyed the routine training and trying out new moves, every trip comes to an end. My Icelandic adventure wasn't an exception. It ended as I expected: neither Aurick nor Zara could match my level 10 development. I chopped them down like regular infantry, saved the world. Banners were waving, and in my hometown, people drank by the hectoliter. The old dude and I drank a few in our name. It was tough, but I managed to succeed. I became a real Icelandic haiduk, just like my old man. This sense of accomplishment is what makes Echoes of the End a truly rewarding experience.

Yes, it was tough, but I managed to succeed. I became a real Icelandic haiduk, just like my old man.

Rating: 7.8/10. 

The game gets this grade because it has engaging combat mechanics that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and an interesting storyline that will keep you invested. However, its pacing and level design can be frustrating at times.

Recommended Age: 12+

I would recommend this game to kids aged 12 and above because it has some violence and a complex storyline, but it's not excessively gory or mature. Echoes of the End is a game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages, but it's particularly suitable for those aged 12 and above.