SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada Review: The mecha extraction datingsim

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At first glance, SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada might seem like yet another common PvPvE extraction shooter. Its battle pass and cash shop offering customization options may not stand out positively, and its position as the flagship title of an emerging multimedia franchise might raise eyebrows. However, upon closer inspection, it reveals itself to be a rich experience with many hidden depths, far from just another live service game.

It takes a Magnus and a Drifter to build a base

Initially, my experience with the game was quite challenging and frustrating. Repeatedly running through the same map, searching in vain for elusive resources, and making slow progress was a tiresome endeavor. However, as I delved deeper into the game, I discovered that it was about building up an ‘up-and-coming Drifter’ character along with their Magnus puppet, which you can customize. The primary tasks involve checking locations, battling monsters scattered across the map, and gathering specific resources. Initially, it seemed like mundane chores, but over time, I began to appreciate the gradual progression. Each new construction in your hideout unlocks a crafting recipe for a weapon or piece of equipment, making these achievements feel significant.

In seclusion, with the outside world limited to text interactions, you grow more attached to your artificial ally. The quirky way it moves around in your steadily growing operational space is oddly endearing. It’s constantly by your side, boosting your morale, and chatting about various topics when not on duty.

What truly captured my heart, is how easily endearing the game becomes when it desires to be. The character logs, both visual and auditory, possess a great deal of character and your peculiar companion Magnus can occasionally be just effortlessly amusing. For instance, after I lost my initial match with another player and failed to withdraw my Mech in time, poor Magnus was momentarily sent to the shadow realm. Upon their return, slightly singed and with half their hair missing, they apologized profusely and swore never to let me down again. The concept of this entire scenario is chilling, but the way the dialogue and visuals were presented left me laughing and applauding like an excited seal.

Similar to other games within its category, the missions serve as a means to keep you active and interact with fellow gamers instead of repeatedly visiting the same loot locations and leaving. I must say, it functions significantly better here than in many of its counterparts in the genre. All items you acquire hold significance. Encountering another player, whom the game encourages cooperation with, is always nerve-wracking because you never know who might be untrustworthy. Interestingly, teaming up with friends isn’t an option; instead, you can invite players you encounter to join you in completing co-op objectives for lucrative rewards. At first, this may seem frustrating, but upon reflection, it makes sense given that almost every weapon in this game packs a powerful punch, and two players could potentially overpower an entire lobby.

PvP for the Sickos

either settle your bounty or embrace the new contracts that are now available to you.

In this game, the action is fast-paced once you get the hang of it. Instead of having numerous weapons with countless attachments, there are various ammunition types for each of your traditional gun categories. The varying power levels of these weapons make the game less about choosing the latest trend and more about strategy and risk. In battles against other players, positioning, map awareness, and taking calculated risks become crucial. Since everything seems to pack a punch, combat always feels intense. While the monsters and AI scattered throughout the map may not stand out individually, they can be quite annoying during player-versus-player interactions, adding an exciting unpredictability to the game. The main issues with a strategic, rock-paper-scissors style combat system featuring quick dashes and corner hiding are the awkward controls and pixelated graphics. Occasionally, you might get lost in the map layout or struggle to see clearly due to unusual shader effects. Your character’s ability, Magnus, can significantly impact encounters. Some skill sets are better suited for exploration and PvE, while others provide more combat-focused abilities like viewing other players’ health or summoning a shield wall.

If you don’t enjoy Player vs Player (PvP), you can continue working with the Drifters Association, often assigned PvE tasks instead. Most of the people you encounter will be amicable, but there’s always a lingering feeling that someone might disrupt your day unexpectedly. It’s comforting that the PvP element is primarily found in advanced stages of your Drifter career. Additionally, you’ll gain access to unique solo missions, immersing you in intricate combat scenarios that can be quite taxing at times. Unfortunately, there’s a significant difference in difficulty when facing off against the routine Ender creatures or an AI-controlled mech.

We’re in it for the long haul

After spending approximately 30 hours playing the game, I’m finding myself growing quite fond of its mechanics. The narrative, presented through video and audio logs from single-player missions, is an interesting touch, though players focused primarily on enhancing their Magnus’ appearance and swiping loot can easily bypass it. The sense of advancement remains gratifying as each new base feature, build, or upgrade proves beneficial, even if the gradual progress may deter some players completely. At first glance, the battle pass and in-game store might appear exploitative, but beyond cosmetic items that aren’t particularly appealing, they can be safely disregarded.

I’m excited to see where SYNDUALITY Echo of Ava progresses from here. The existing version sets up opportunities for grander and more vibrant developments, but could benefit from some additional refinement in its foundation. It may not appeal to everyone, but if you’re a fan of the franchise or are seeking a more relaxed sci-fi themed extract-and-shoot game, it might just win you over.

I’ve had the opportunity to evaluate SYNDUALITY Echo of Ava before its official launch on January 24, 2025. The game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and personal computers (PC).

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2025-01-23 23:57