Synduality: Echo of Ada Review – A Boring Extraction Shooter

Extraction-style games, which have gained significant popularity following hits like “Escape From Tarkov” and “Hunt: Showdown”, are currently a hot trend among multiplayer gaming developers. While many new entries in this genre have been able to attract small but dedicated fanbases, only a few have managed to sustain success over time. The latest entrant aiming for the top spot is “Synduality: Echo of Ada” from Bandai Namco, which sets itself apart with innovative gameplay mechanics and an original setting.

What makes “Synduality: Echo of Ada” stand out among similar games is primarily that it’s a mech-based game. At first glance, this might appear to be a trivial difference. However, the unique aspect lies in the fact that instead of controlling a human character, you pilot a mech, or as it’s called in the game, a Cradlecoffin. This changes the gameplay significantly from most other extraction shooters available. Moreover, “Synduality” boasts a gentler learning curve compared to many of its contemporaries, including the visually stunning The Forever Winter.

As a gamer immersed in the vibrant world of Synduality: Echo of Ada, I can’t help but feel that this game carries an undeniable anime-inspired essence. From the ominous names of the mechs in its universe to the customizable AI companions, each with a variety of unique outfits, it’s clear that this game draws from a different palette compared to games like MechWarrior 5: Clans. The mechs here are sleeker and more streamlined, embodying Japanese design aesthetics rather than the bulky, tank-like structures often found in western titles. However, visually, while there are some delightful eccentricities, the game as a whole can seem quite monotonous at times.

“Synduality also has a smoother learning curve than many of its contemporaries”

As a gamer diving into Synduality, I found myself yearning for a more immersive experience. The game’s menus showcase an intriguing design and flavor, but unfortunately, this uniqueness seems to stop there. My AI companion, although a partner in my journey, lacks the charm and individuality that could have made our bond more engaging. It’s as if I’m navigating the gaming world alongside another generic anime character.

The Craddlecoffins, too, felt disappointingly uninspired. Their design, while drawing inspiration from various IPs in the mecha genre, seemed to lack originality and instead leaned towards being derivative. From the designs inspired by older classics like Gunbuster, to the modern-day Gundam influences, the mix felt a bit too familiar, leaving me yearning for something fresh and innovative.

The environments within the game appear quite ordinary and lack a sense of excitement. Although the color scheme is generally decent, with distinct zones clearly defined by their color-coordinated design, it’s challenging to make elements in the two maps stand out due to their generic feel. There are only so many interesting things to encounter beyond the ruins of cities and military structures, and the occasional forest or mountain landscapes that fill the spaces between these locations offer some unique chances for diverse combat. Unfortunately, this monotony is exacerbated by the fact that even significant game elements often look either slightly out of focus or faded, including your own mech.

In combat, Synduality aims to stand out, but it occasionally appears too basic to bring anything truly innovative. Despite each player commanding a mech, the battles tend to lack variety, often reducing to players circling each other while firing weapons or engaging PvE enemies. The weaponry itself is straightforward; you’ll find the typical arsenal common in shooters, including SMGs, shotguns, and rifles. These weapons are divided into two categories based on ammo type – energy or live rounds – but this distinction seldom impacts battles.

Although Synduality aims to excel in combat, it sometimes lacks depth as it seems overly basic compared to other options available.

As a follower of this game, one aspect I appreciate is the ability to choose my battle buddy, each with their unique skills at my disposal. However, some of these skills, such as the multi-target missile barrage, though potent, take too long to charge up, making them less effective in actual combat. More often than not, it’s quicker and more efficient to dive headfirst into the fray, relying on my instincts to dodge incoming attacks effectively.

It’s only fair to acknowledge that Synduality: Echo of Ada offers one of the most effective onboarding experiences I’ve encountered in this genre. Unlike other games where you’re left to fend for yourself in a harsh, unforgiving world, potentially losing everything including your weapons and gear upon failure, Synduality provides a more welcoming start. In contrast to the infamous toughness of Escape From Tarkov, Synduality gradually introduces players to its gameplay mechanics. Initially, you’re confined to a PvE-only zone where you can hunt monsters and gather materials necessary for building up your base before engaging in Player vs Player combat, which becomes available only after completing some early objectives.

As a passionate gamer, I’d like to share my thoughts on this captivating game. It’s brilliantly designed to help newcomers like me get the hang of things gradually. For instance, during the initial stages, I was tasked with establishing a crafting room in my base. This mission served as an excellent tutorial, teaching me not only how to venture out and engage in combat but also demonstrating the versatile uses of different materials for building up my base. What’s more, it showed me that by completing objectives, I could upgrade my inventory in the game’s store, eventually gaining the ability to craft customized equipment tailored to my playstyle.

To participate in Player versus Player (PvP) gameplay, it’s essential that you advance through some of the initial game goals.

Sometimes, the tutorial in this game can be overly extensive, making it hard for the player to explore and discover things on their own. In the beginning especially, there are frequent interruptions with either your companion or a cartoon character trying to assist by explaining too much about the game. At times, these explanations seem as though the game assumes you’ve never played a video game before.

In essence, the narrative isn’t particularly groundbreaking. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic landscape ravaged by a lethal rainstorm that has decimated mankind. Players assume the role of Drifters, venturing into this perilous, rain-soaked world to gather AO Crystals, the newly discovered energy source helping humanity recover from the brink of extinction. The storyline mainly revolves around encounters with monstrous creatures called Enders and occasional rival Drifters. Beyond the initial premise, the story lacks depth, offering only hints about some factions being nefarious without fully exploring them. Additionally, there’s no significant resolution regarding the destiny of humanity as a whole.

Regrettably, Synduality: Echo of Ada seems to be an initial concept that didn’t fully develop. On the surface, it presents intriguing ideas, and its early game objectives are indeed a commendable move in the right direction for the genre. However, the game falls short when it comes to substance; the combat mainly consists of circle-strafing and shooting, with little evolution over time, and even the progression system is quite rudimentary. Moreover, its anime aesthetics are rather ordinary and commonplace, and the narrative doesn’t seem to progress much, leading to a game that may not have a lasting impact on the gaming world.

This game was reviewed on PC.

2025-01-26 21:14

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