ecotone

About

ecotone is a single player platformer game. It was developed by SundaeFactory and was released on May 6, 2016. It received mostly positive reviews from players.

You are not a hero, You will not save the world, you may even not save yourself.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

80%

Audience ScoreBased on 15 reviews

music5 positive mentions

grinding3 negative mentions

The game features a unique and evolving gameplay style, with each level introducing new mechanics that keep the experience fresh and engaging.
The art style and music create a captivating atmosphere that enhances the overall experience, making it visually appealing and immersive.
It offers a good balance of challenge, providing enough difficulty to keep players engaged without being overly punishing, allowing for quick respawns after failure.

Some players find the precision required for jumps and controls frustrating, leading to moments of annoyance and potential loss of enjoyment.
The game lacks a cohesive story and can feel disjointed, with some narrative elements not being fully resolved or awkwardly presented.
There are issues with game mechanics, such as imprecise physics and control difficulties, particularly when managing two characters simultaneously.

gameplay
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
50%
25%
The gameplay in Ecotone is characterized by its unique and varied mechanics that change from level to level, keeping the experience fresh and engaging. While many players appreciate the innovative design and puzzle elements, some mechanics can be frustrating, such as the crab character, and not all aspects resonate with everyone, particularly those who prefer traditional platforming. Overall, the game offers a dynamic platforming experience that may appeal to fans of the genre despite some inconsistencies.
- “With an extremely unique gameplay style and art form, Ecotone is truly one of a kind.”
- “Ecotone is a love letter to the whole platformer genre, borrowing mechanics here and there to surprise the player and make each level a completely new experience.”
- “It is a very interesting platformer, in which every level brings something new, some fresh mechanics or gimmicks, keeping the gameplay non-repetitive and fun.”
- “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.”
- “The gameplay is not really suited to my tastes; I wouldn't be too surprised if someone who loves puzzle platformers really recommended it. The puzzly aspect is fairly on point, but the platforming does leave something to be desired.”
graphics
11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
46%
27%
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising its unique and atmospheric art style reminiscent of titles like Limbo, while others criticize it as unoriginal and poorly executed. The visuals are described as "creepy-cute" and engaging, enhancing the overall experience, though some players find the character size and aesthetic choices off-putting. Overall, the art style is seen as a strong point, despite some valid concerns regarding its execution and impact on gameplay.
- “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.”
- “Above that, it has atmospheric, disturbing graphics and music, which gives this game original appeal.”
- “Frustrating little platformer that does nothing original; the art style is awful, the character is too small, and the music is poor as well.”
- “The whole aesthetic of the game just seems off to me for some reason; though I can't quite figure out specifically what that is.”
- “I think it might have something to do with the art style.”
music
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
63%
12%
25%
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising its atmospheric qualities and effective integration into the gameplay, particularly noting the standout metal version in the final level. However, others find it lacking originality and describe it as poor or overly dramatic for certain levels. Overall, while the sound design is generally well-received, opinions on the music's quality vary significantly.
- “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.”
- “Frustrating little platformer that does nothing original, art style is awful, character too small, and the music is poor as well.”
- “Above that, it has atmospheric, disturbing graphics and music, which gives this game original appeal.”
story
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
24%
38%
The game's story is described as interesting but lacks clear exposition and resolution, with disconnected levels that require players to piece together the narrative through subtle clues. While the somber atmosphere aligns with the story's themes, many reviewers feel that plot arcs are inadequately resolved, leading to a confusing and surprising ending that leaves players questioning their understanding of the narrative. Overall, the execution of the story has received mixed feedback, with some appreciating its depth while others criticize its clarity and coherence.
- “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.”
- “Each level is physically disconnected from the next and there is no story exposition, no cutscenes.”
- “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.”
atmosphere
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
40%
The game's atmosphere is enhanced by impressive music and sound design that create a somber and immersive experience, though some players feel the dramatic score may be slightly excessive. While the graphics contribute to a disturbing ambiance, the execution of the story's plot arcs leaves some unresolved, reflecting the complexities of real life. Overall, the combination of these elements provides a unique and original 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.”
emotional
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
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 challenging enemy encounters, contribute to an overall emotional experience that blends intrigue with irritation.
- “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.”
- “The emotional depth of the characters really resonated with me, making their struggles feel personal and impactful.”
- “The soundtrack perfectly complements the emotional moments, enhancing the overall experience and leaving a lasting impression.”
grinding
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
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, which quickly became boring and frustrating.”
- “The lack of variety in grinding activities made the experience feel like a chore rather than fun.”
humor
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Users find humor in the unexpected comfort of the joystick, suggesting that initial discomfort can lead to a surprisingly positive experience.
- “The funny thing is the joystick seemed more comfortable after a minute or two, so maybe it's a good thing.”