The platforming genre is one of the staples of video gaming. Many have come and gone over the past few years, but few leave a lasting impression for me. Some of the most successful tap into my memories of my favourite games from my childhood. I grew up with games like Mega Man and its many sequels. The theme song still brings a smile to my face to this day. So out of the blue, I was presented with the opportunity to try out a new game from Batterystaple Games, titled “Echoes of Eridu”, which is trying to get Greenlight status on Steam, and has also just recently met its funding goal on Kickstarter. The developer promises to give me that Mega Man-like experience, with modern-day gaming elements thrown in to give it that extra kick. I leapt at the chance!
The game, still in active development, currently only has two characters to choose from, but more are on the way. So at the moment you have the choice between Nina, who is equipped with a Mega Man type blaster, and Ace, who is outfitted with a sword. Once you have selected your character you will be able to outfit a number of slots in order to upgrade your player with new weapons and abilities for your upcoming play through.
You will find these new weapons and enhancements scattered randomly around the levels stashed in breakable boxes. I found that if you want these boxes you are going to have to work for them because they are normally surrounded by hazards and swarming with enemies. I love a good challenge and this did not disappoint. The game will sport over a hundred different types of weapons and enhancements in the form of new more powerful main weapons and secondary attacks, plus powers that will give you the ability to double jump, move faster, have more health, and also money which can be used to buy health, energy and items at the end of each level after the boss.
The levels themselves were huge, teeming with mechanical beings out to kill you and brimming with environmental hazards that will drain your health quickly. Action is fast and furious, so I always had to be on my toes. There are moments that do allow you to stop and catch your breath, though, letting you think how to approach another area full of mechanized baddies. It was rather neat to be able to walk on the ceiling of some areas (like “Gravity Guy”, or “VVVVVV”), which also added some extra strategy (and chaos?) to the mix. Another great feature the team has brought to the table is that the levels are randomly generated with each play through, so you can’t memorise who is going to appear where and what particular item is located in a certain point on the map. I love this style of game, and it kept bringing me back over and over again, even in this very early build of the game (which was only 20% complete, according to the developers).
Controls for the game are tight, which is a good thing for a platformer like this. I spent most of my experience using a gamepad but there is also keyboard support for those who want to try it. If you don’t want to venture alone through the levels you can bring a friend along for some local co-op play. Online multiplayer will also be available when the game is complete. Having a multiplayer option for this type of game will definitely come in handy when facing a boss – but you might be scrambling over who gets the powerups first!
You will have a couple of modes to choose from to once the game goes live. There will be a story mode to follow, spanning about six or so levels. An endless mode is also planned for those who would like to set some records and compete against friends and planned leaderboards.
The best way to describe the overall look of the game is a dazzling blur of colour, inspired by the world of Mega Man. Everything is animated very well even in this early stage. Things did get crazy from all the action, but I never lost sight of my character. Enemy designs range from classic turrets trying to gun you down, to walking robotic hulks who’s only goal is to stop you.
For those who love chiptune type music, you are in for a treat. The game sports a soundtrack that would make any Mega Man fan happy. The composer, Brandon Ellis, definitely has the right idea on where to take this game audio wise, and I look forward to hearing more of the tracks when the game is complete. What I’ve heard so far makes me think the soundtrack would be a must-buy. Let’s not forget about the rest of the audio – weapons fire, hacking, slashing and mashing from you and surrounding enemies are all good and rounds out the game nicely.
After my first few play-throughs of Echoes of Eridu, I can say my inner child was smiling happily. If you are a fan of platformers with that Mega Man vibe, and a dash of modern day gameplay, this is definitely worth checking out and supporting.
