Echo Isle is an exceptionally short re-imagining of the GameBoy Color Zelda games. It features sprites and characters that are often as close to the originals as possible while being legally distinct. Almost everything about the gameplay is directly analogous to something from the GBC games. It’s far from the most original game ever made, but that’s fine when the goal is to be a short tribute. Is it any good?
This is a simple enough game that it’s not really worth talking about the story, graphics, or music. They succeed in making Echo Isle feel like a GBC game, but they’re really just set dressing. You’re probably not going to look up the OST on Youtube or be invested in any of the characters. There is a small plot twist that you’re likely to see coming, but otherwise nothing really stands out.
On the gameplay front, Echo Isle is pretty much what you’d hope for. It has some small secrets to find, four dungeons with unique bosses, and a handful of usable items. The game is very easy if you collect all the health and sword upgrades, but it’s also short enough that you don’t really have time to get bored. I finished everything in under an hour despite being slightly distracted.
Conclusion
Echo Isle isn’t a memorable game, but being competently forgettable is fine for a game that takes an hour and costs almost nothing. Just don’t go in expecting anything revolutionary and you’ll have a good time. Hopefully it serves as a springboard for the dev’s next game to be bigger.
Rating: 70%
Time to beat: About an hour for 100%
Price: $4
For another GBC-style game, see Claire a la Mode Review – Gimme Ice Cream
Feel free to leave a question or comment below!
For more reviews, see my Steam curator page: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43219041
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