Media reviews for Final Fantasy: Echoes have been released, with IGN giving it an 8/10 and GameSpot awarding it a 7/10. Currently, Metacritic has aggregated scores from 30 media outlets, resulting in an average score of 85.
IGN Score: 8/10
Final Fantasy: Echoes reimagines Final Fantasy Brave Exvius as a classic RPG, setting new benchmarks in HD-2D visuals, solid turn-based combat, and captivating music, but its storyline is rather mediocre.
Verdict
Part of the appeal of playing Final Fantasy: Echoes lies in exploring why RPGs from a bygone era remain so deeply ingrained in our memories. We sometimes look back on the past through rose-tinted glasses, but those classic titles delivered messages that were just as profound and powerful. The works we miss most understood that simplicity does not mean superficiality. This is precisely the key element that Echoes fails to truly grasp.
Even though its dialogue is somewhat weak and takes up much of the story, the journey is still worth experiencing. What sets Echoes apart is its clever use of HD-2D art style, setting a new benchmark that goes beyond mere nostalgia. It is this unique style that makes the solid turn-based combat system feel more rewarding when defeating bosses with low health. It is also this style that portrays the game world as a wonderful place full of exploration乐趣, especially with the superb soundtrack enhancing the experience, where the stirring battle themes are the cherry on top.
Although I was disappointed by certain aspects of the story itself, I am glad that Final Fantasy: Echoes not only revitalizes Final Fantasy Brave Exvius but also demonstrates that old-school RPGs can continue to raise the bar in multiple areas.
Releases on October 23
Priced at 268 CNY in the Steam China region, the Chapter 1 Early Access version was released for download in early September this year
GameSpot Score: 7/10
Pros
Engaging storyline with vivid character portrayals
Extensive player customization options
Plenty of optional side quests and challenges to encourage exploration
Excellent soundtrack that perfectly enhances the atmosphere
Cons
Combat can feel repetitive
Visuals can sometimes look a bit odd
Disappointing lack of more familiar Final Fantasy characters
