Ecotone is a platform game with a unique, dreamlike atmosphere and a changing gameplay that provides puzzle and skill phases. As you journey through the strange world, you'll control a weird character with a story to discover, gaining new skills along the way. Watch out for the environment, though, as it's full of peculiar creatures that may not have your best interests at heart.
Reviews
- Ecotone features a unique gameplay style with changing mechanics in each level, keeping the experience fresh and engaging.
- The art style and music create a captivating atmosphere that enhances the overall experience of the game.
- The game offers a good balance of challenge, making it suitable for casual play while still requiring concentration.
- Some mechanics can be frustrating, particularly the precision required for jumps and controlling two characters simultaneously.
- The physics engine can be imprecise, leading to unpredictable outcomes that may detract from the enjoyment of the game.
- The difficulty curve can be inconsistent, with certain levels being excessively challenging, potentially leading to player frustration.
- gameplay11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The gameplay in Ecotone is characterized by its unique and varied mechanics that change from level to level, providing a fresh experience and preventing monotony. While some mechanics are enjoyable, others can be frustrating, such as the crab gameplay, which detracts from the overall fun. Despite some issues, the game's ability to surprise players with new challenges keeps it engaging and appealing to platformer fans.
“With an extremely unique gameplay style and art form, Ecotone is truly one of a kind.”
“But once a few levels have been played, the game shows how it truly stands out from the crowd: the mechanics can be completely different from one level to the next.”
“What I like most about Ecotone is how it changes up mechanics on each level throughout the game; some of these changes are fairly subtle, but often enough the alterations totally change how you play the game.”
“Some game mechanics have issues and are not very fun; playing as a crab is annoying.”
“As this game borrows mechanics from others, it risks being hollow and lacking personality on its own.”
“While the game introduces new mechanics in each level, it can feel disjointed and lacks a cohesive experience.”
- graphics7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are praised for their unique and engaging art style, which stands out compared to minimalist or poorly executed designs. The "creepy-cute" aesthetic enhances the overall atmosphere, contributing to a visually appealing experience that complements the gameplay. Players appreciate how the art style enriches the game's levels and mechanics, making it an enjoyable platforming experience.
“I've really enjoyed my time playing through Ecotone; the creepy-cute art style bleeds into every part of every level.”
“Above that, it has atmospheric, disturbing graphics and music, which gives this game original appeal.”
“The art style is leagues better than some minimalist box or poorly done pixel style, so that’s one point for it there.”
“I've really enjoyed my time playing through Ecotone, the creepy-cute art style bleeds into every part of every level.”
- music7 mentions
- 71 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its quality and ability to enhance the atmosphere, particularly noted during the final level with a metal twist. While some find it slightly dramatic for certain levels, the overall sound design effectively complements the game's somber and disturbing visuals, contributing to its unique appeal.
“Enjoyed the music, especially the last level when the metal version kicks in.”
“The sound design is pretty on point with the varying level background music reinforcing the sombre atmosphere.”
“Ecotone has great atmospheric effects, and the music fits really well.”
“The sound design is pretty on point with the varying level background music reinforcing the somber atmosphere.”
“Above that, it has atmospheric, disturbing graphics and music, which gives this game original appeal.”
- story7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The story is described as interesting but lacks traditional exposition, relying on clues to piece together its narrative. While it aligns with the game's somber atmosphere, many reviewers feel that plot arcs are inadequately resolved, leading to a confusing and surprising ending that leaves players questioning their understanding of the story.
“These clues stitch together to give the game what amounts to its story.”
“Whilst the story more or less fits the sombre atmosphere of the game, I'm not sure it's executed fantastically; plot arcs that seem to be building feel like they aren't resolved properly, though I suppose that sadly mirrors real life in many cases.”
“Without going into spoiler territory, I found the ending the game goes with very surprising and confusing. I mean, I could just be a moron, but it made me feel like I had missed something in terms of the story that seemed to be being told throughout the game.”
“Each level is physically disconnected from the next, and there is no story exposition or cutscenes.”
“Whilst the story more or less fits the somber atmosphere of the game, I'm not sure it's executed fantastically. Plot arcs that seem to be building feel like they aren't resolved properly, though I suppose that sadly mirrors real life in many cases.”
“Without going into spoiler territory, I found the ending the game goes with very surprising and confusing. I could just be a moron, but it made me feel like I had missed something in terms of the story that seemed to be told throughout the game.”
- atmosphere5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is enhanced by impressive music and sound design that effectively create a sombre and disturbing environment, although some players feel the dramatic score may be slightly excessive. While the story aligns with the atmosphere, its execution leaves some plot arcs unresolved, which may reflect real-life complexities. Overall, the combination of atmospheric graphics and music contributes to the game's unique appeal.
“The sound design is pretty on point with the varying level background music reinforcing the sombre atmosphere.”
“Above that, it has atmospheric, disturbing graphics and music, which gives this game original appeal.”
“The music supporting the game is great, even if a tad too dramatic for atmospheric levels.”
“The sound design is pretty on point with the varying level background music reinforcing the somber atmosphere.”
“While the story more or less fits the somber atmosphere of the game, I'm not sure it's executed fantastically. Plot arcs that seem to be building feel like they aren't resolved properly, though I suppose that sadly mirrors real life in many cases.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express mixed emotions regarding the game's ending, finding it both surprising and confusing, which leaves them feeling as though they may have overlooked key story elements. Additionally, frustrations with gameplay mechanics, such as an elusive enemy, contribute to an overall sense of emotional dissonance.
“Without going into spoiler territory, I found the ending of the game very surprising and confusing. It made me feel like I had missed something in terms of the story that seemed to be told throughout the game.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect tedious due to an imprecise physics engine that makes object manipulation unpredictable, leading to frustration and a loss of interest in continuing the game.
“The grinding feels endless and repetitive, making it hard to stay engaged with the game.”
“I found myself doing the same tasks over and over again, which quickly became boring.”
“The grind is so excessive that it overshadows the fun aspects of the game.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users find humor in the unexpected comfort of the joystick, suggesting that initial discomfort can lead to a surprisingly enjoyable experience.
“The funny thing is, the joystick seemed more comfortable after a minute or two, so maybe it's a good thing.”
“The game's humor is spot-on, with witty dialogue that had me laughing out loud.”
“I love how the characters have such quirky personalities; their banter is hilarious and keeps the gameplay entertaining.”