Echo: Secrets of the Lost Cavern
by Dreamcatcher Interactive
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Our Price: $9.50
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Category: Video Games
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Product Summary
Brand: The Adventure CompanyPrimary Contributor: Windows
Format: CD-ROM
Release Date: 2005-06-21
Platform: Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows XP
Model: 21669
Publisher: Dreamcatcher Interactive
Product features:
- Puzzles - innovative inventory system allows you to combine and create new tools and items necessary to solve an array of thought provoking puzzles
- Exploration - photo-realistic environments of pristine landscapes and rugged wilderness
- Survival - hunt, fish, and fend off predators that threaten your quest
- Create Masterful Works of Art - they will come to life and their stories will help you along your journey
- In-game Encyclopaedia - filled with historically accurate data on the Palaeolithic period
Video Game Reviews of Echo: Secrets of the Lost Cavern
Customer Review: Unique setting & puzzles - great for youngsters or beginners!
Summary: 4 Stars
I picked up this game because of its unique setting. It is a relatively simple little game, but it does offer interesting puzzles and enables you to learn about early man as you progress through the game - so this game would be great for pre-teens or beginning adventure gamers. I will break down my review into sections to help you decide if you want to purchase this game or not.
STORY: 3/5 You play as a young caveman searching for a great painter he knew in his youth. Your ultimate goal is to become a great cave painter yourself - to make the spirits of the cave walls come alive.
The story isn't deep, but it is unique. While the ending isn't the most amazing one, it does give you a sense of fulfillment. Exploring the prehistoric world is fun and educational.
GAMEPLAY: 4/5 I did experience ANY bugs playing this game... which was a relief. It is easy to navigate and using your inventory, etc., is also fairly easy. One thing that makes this game great for young players or beginners is your character keeps a journal that gives you clues as to what you need to do next. The game is fairly linear, but there are some items you can collect and assemble before they are needed.
The game also features an encyclopedia of sorts that updates as you progress through the game. You can read it to learn about early man, and some of the entries can help you progress through the game by giving tips on how to assemble items, for example.
The biggest flaw is the cursor - when working with items (especially in puzzles), the edge of the cursor is not the hotspot - instead, it is the center, so sometimes manipulating items can get frustrating. But if you keep that in mind, it is easier.
GRAPHICS: 4/5 Pretty good over-all. The main character (when you see him) is a little odd-looking in my opinion, but overall the scenes are illustrated well and the animations are fluid. Pretty good detail in landscapes and in close-ups.
PUZZLES: 4/5 Why did I give this such a high score? I will be very honest - most puzzles are pretty easy (again why it is good for a young person or beginner) - but some are difficult, but this is partially due to pixel sensitivity. The main reason I gave it a high score in this area is because the puzzles are often very unique. It does have a few puzzles you've seen before (i.e., reassemble a broken slab) - but most you will have fun doing because they are so fresh. I don't want to give anything away by saying more - but the cave-painting puzzles are particularly fun.
OVERALL: 4/5 - I highly recommend this game to youngsters interested in history or anthropology - it is fun & educational, and it isn't very difficult, plus there is no "adult" themes or inappropriate content. I also recommend this game to casual gamers, or those new to the genre who want to test the waters. I also recommend this game if you particularly like pre-history and want it to come to life a little bit for you. If you are an experienced, hard-core adventure gamer, you probably will be dissatisfied with this title, unless the time period really interests you or you want something light and fun. I personally enjoyed this game, especially after playing Paradise.
Description of Echo: Secrets of the Lost Cavern
Use your wits and powers of observation to survive the vast wilderness as your journey leads you to one of mankind's forgotten wonders. Experience your adventure through the eyes of Arok and meet many fascinating characters. Contend with the wild world where fishing, hunting, gathering, and mysterious shamanist ceremonies are all part of the struggle for survival as you unravel the secrets of the lost cavern. Also featured is an integrated encyclopedia filled with historically accurate data on the Paleolithic period, while detailed graphics of ancient rivers, troglodyte caves, and green valleys will take players back to the dawn of human existence. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS - Windows 98/ME/2000/XP / Pentium III 600 MHz (800 MHz recommended) / 16x CD-ROM Drive (24x CD-ROM recommended) / 64 MB RAM / 64 MB DirectX Compatible 3D Video Card / DirectX 7 Compatible Sound Card / Keyboard, Mouse, Speakers ESRB = T TeenPuzzle Games
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