Before the Echo

Before the Echo is a music role-playing video game developed and published by Iridium Studios for the Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows in 2011, and for OS X and Linux in 2015. The game received a sequel, There Came an Echo, in 2015.

Gameplay

Development

The game was renamed Before the Echo in 2015 due to a copyright claim from the makers of the board game Sequence. The developer of the game, Jason Wishnov, stated on NeoGAF that he did not believe the copyright extended into electronic software, but did not wish to risk legal proceedings, believing that the claim amounted to "bullying".

Reception

The PC version received "mixed or average reviews" according to the review aggregation website Metacritic. Reviewers note its unique combination of rhythm-based combat and role-playing elements but differ on its overall execution and depth. Publications such as IGN and GameSpot offered varied assessments of the gameplay experience, highlighting the novel mechanics but critiquing aspects of its design and structure.
On digital distribution platforms, Before the Echo has maintained a positive player reception over time. On Steam, the game’s community reviews are classified as “Very Positive,” with a large majority of user assessments praising its innovative fusion of genres and engaging soundtrack. Many players appreciate the game’s blend of rhythm mechanics with RPG progression, while some note challenges with difficulty and repetition.