Alter Echo

Written by Ryan Genno  on September 23, 2003

Second Look: "Altered Beast!"

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I heard some good things and some bad things about this new game called Alter Echo here. The strange idea of an entire world that was completely alive and interactive sounds like an interesting enough concept but is it any good? I like to root for the underdog sometimes so I'm giving this game a shot.

In the 29th century, one man would discover the ultimate power. Paavo was famous for being an expert with the Echo Plast, a new form of energy from the world of Proteus. This scientist was secretly sent to the planet to see the potential uses of this resource but the plan went horribly wrong however when Paavo was able to get full control of the entire planet and he became insane with power. Now Paavo wants to use the Echo Plast to create his own sick vision of what the galaxy should look like. This is where you come into the picture. Nevin and a crew of specialists were sent in to investigate Paavo's disappearance but Paavo would attack you even before you land on the planet's surface. Nevin survived the crash only because the Echo Plast itself wants to counterattack Paavo's evil desires. The Echo Plast gives Nevin a very unique shape shifting Polysuit so he can be the one who stops this madman's sinister plans before it's too late.

This story may seem cool and original at first but what kills it for me here is the cheesy dialogue. Here Nevin is trapped in a bizarre new world and all the guy can do is crack jokes? It really doesn't help matters when this hero sounds like an overly confused young whiner either. I haven't heard a voice this annoying since that Raiden kid from Konami's Metal Gear Solid 2. Oh well, at least the Polysuit is kinda cool.

What makes your new Polysuit so special is that it can change into three different forms. First there is the Sword mode where Nevin carries a huge blade for defence. Sword mode is a good selection for your typical up close hack and slashes but as the game moves on you discover you'll need more then that to survive here. The next transformation you have to acquire is the Gun mode. The Gun mode not only morphs you into a giant soldier but you also get a big cannon. This new form really slows you down but you're now safe to attack enemies from a distance. Finally there is the cool Stealth mode where you turn into a freaky lizard-like creature that can climb walks, lick power ups, and even turn invisible. As you progress through the game you can learn more moves and techniques. Nevin can even stop time and kill enemies while they are in suspended animation in a tedious timed mini game.

Since Alter Echo has this weird living planet theme to it, the game has better have a unique look to it. Fortunately this game really goes full throttle with the whole organic world because each area or levels looks like it's alive in some way. You can even see the various walls move from time to time. I said earlier that the game sports some corny dialogue but what about the rest of the sound? The sound effects are there when they need to be but overall they are certainly nothing too special.