Pros:
+ smart variations on the MetroidBrania game design of the original
+ inversion of the monomyth and tired video game clichés
+ deep integration of gameplay, setting, and story
+ great attention to detail in all departments
+ unique and awe-inspiring new setting with plenty of surprises
+ incredible visual design of the new setting
+ rich atmosphere and implementation of the light/dark design
+ clever introduction of surprising new game mechanics
+ often ingenious, four-dimensional puzzle design
+ creative implementation of visual puzzles to this universe
+ fitting new soundtrack and sound design
+ deeply emotional ending that is beautifully tied to the original
Cons:
- controls are still iffy and take a lot of time getting used to
- traversal of the game world leaves little margin of error
- horror elements are often too intense and at odds with the exploratory design of the base game
- some incomprehensible puzzles makes progress cumbersome
- very short time frames for some late game tasks
- hidden parts of the world flesh out the story but are mostly impossible to find without guides
- ship log could offer more hints after a certain time without progress
- a customizable note or marker system would eliminate issues with orientation
- character design is an acquired taste
Magic Moment(s): Entering the Stranger for the first time, understanding the relation between light and dark and the final sequence.
Verdict: Echoes of the Eye is a smartly designed and tremendously presented extension of the original game that rewards intelligence and curiosity in fresh, exciting ways. The attempt to invert the puzzle designs of the base game displays confidence, but the results are sadly mixed and the change in genre and atmosphere compared to the original is questionable and contentious. Some opaque puzzles even made me look up solutions so as to not lose interest in finishing it, but the final sequence is a true highlight and, ultimately, makes the DLC worth finishing.
+ smart variations on the MetroidBrania game design of the original
+ inversion of the monomyth and tired video game clichés
+ deep integration of gameplay, setting, and story
+ great attention to detail in all departments
+ unique and awe-inspiring new setting with plenty of surprises
+ incredible visual design of the new setting
+ rich atmosphere and implementation of the light/dark design
+ clever introduction of surprising new game mechanics
+ often ingenious, four-dimensional puzzle design
+ creative implementation of visual puzzles to this universe
+ fitting new soundtrack and sound design
+ deeply emotional ending that is beautifully tied to the original
Cons:
- controls are still iffy and take a lot of time getting used to
- traversal of the game world leaves little margin of error
- horror elements are often too intense and at odds with the exploratory design of the base game
- some incomprehensible puzzles makes progress cumbersome
- very short time frames for some late game tasks
- hidden parts of the world flesh out the story but are mostly impossible to find without guides
- ship log could offer more hints after a certain time without progress
- a customizable note or marker system would eliminate issues with orientation
- character design is an acquired taste
Magic Moment(s): Entering the Stranger for the first time, understanding the relation between light and dark and the final sequence.
Verdict: Echoes of the Eye is a smartly designed and tremendously presented extension of the original game that rewards intelligence and curiosity in fresh, exciting ways. The attempt to invert the puzzle designs of the base game displays confidence, but the results are sadly mixed and the change in genre and atmosphere compared to the original is questionable and contentious. Some opaque puzzles even made me look up solutions so as to not lose interest in finishing it, but the final sequence is a true highlight and, ultimately, makes the DLC worth finishing.