Draft:Echo Generation

Echo Generation is an indie adventure role-playing game developed and published by Cococucumber. The game was originally released on October 21, 2021, for Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. An updated version, titled Echo Generation: Midnight Edition was released on June 19, 2024, for Nintendo Switch and Steam. Set in a small Canadian town during the summer of 1993, the game features a group of kids investigating supernatural occurrences while navigating turn-based combat and solving environmental puzzles.

Gameplay
Echo Generation combines elements of adventure games and turn-based RPGs. Players explore a richly detailed pixel art world, interacting with various characters and uncovering hidden secrets. Combat is turn-based and incorporates quick-time events, requiring precise timing for attacks and defenses. Players can collect comic books that grant new abilities, upgrade their characters, and recruit new members to their party.

Plot
The story of Echo Generation follows a group of kids on summer vacation as they investigate mysterious occurrences in their small town. The narrative is driven by a blend of nostalgia and supernatural intrigue, with influences from classic '80s and '90s films and television shows. As the children delve deeper into the mystery, they encounter strange creatures, uncover hidden government experiments, and confront otherworldly threats.

Development
Echo Generation was developed by the Toronto-based indie studio Cococucumber, known for their previous titles Riverbond and Planet of the Eyes. The game was first announced in May 2020 and was showcased at various gaming events, including the Xbox Games Showcase. It features a unique visual style with voxel-based graphics that create a blend of retro and modern aesthetics.

Echo Generation is the second installment in Cococucumber's Voxel Trilogy, which includes Riverbond and Ravenlok.

Reception
Upon its initial release, Echo Generation received generally positive reviews from critics. Praise was directed towards its charming art style, engaging storyline, and nostalgic atmosphere. However, some reviewers noted that the combat mechanics could feel repetitive over time. The game was particularly well-received for its visual design and the evocative recreation of a 1990s small-town setting.