Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Expansion pack for echochrome PSP available todayhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/expansion-pack-for-echochrome-psp-available-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/expansion-pack-for-echochrome-psp-available-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/expansion-pack-for-echochrome-psp-available-today/#commentsFiled under: ,


Today's PSN update will see the release of a $5 expansion pack for echochrome on PSP. The PlayStation Blog states that the PSN's mind-bending puzzler will receive an additional 40 stages for the doll to survive.

The expansion pack will also be offered in a bundle with the original game, though no price was set. There is also no mention of an expansion for the PS3 version, which released the same day as the PSP version back in May.

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]]>echochromepsnpsn-storesonyAlexander Sliwinski2008-10-09T10:30:00+00:00Echochrome re-tooled in 2D for Home, creators working on new projecthttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/echochrome-re-tooled-in-2d-for-home-creators-working-on-new-pro/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/echochrome-re-tooled-in-2d-for-home-creators-working-on-new-pro/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/echochrome-re-tooled-in-2d-for-home-creators-working-on-new-pro/#commentsFiled under: ,

During the Develop conference in Brighton, England, Sony Japan Studio producer Tatsuya Suzuki told Eurogamer that there are no plans to create a sequel to the PS3 and PSP puzzler Echochrome. Instead, he and Jun Fujiki, the Kyushu University researcher who helped develop the game, confirmed that they will expand on Fujiki's work in "3D trick imagery" in a completely new title.

Those hoping for more Echochrome shouldn't feel totally forgotten; the duo also mentioned that the original game is being remimagined in two dimensions exlusively for PlayStation Home. The game will appear in the virtual space as an "arcade game" along with titles previously announced by Namco.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]
Source - Eurogamer
Source - Develop

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]]>echochromehomejapan-studioRandy Nelson2008-07-31T20:20:00+00:00Echochrome: The PSP's philosophical answer to Brain Agehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/29/echochrome-the-psps-philosophical-answer-to-brain-age/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/29/echochrome-the-psps-philosophical-answer-to-brain-age/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/29/echochrome-the-psps-philosophical-answer-to-brain-age/#commentsFiled under: ,


For most of our younger readers, school's no longer in session in observation of the midsummer months -- though we're certain that our studious readers won't allow their minds become dull as rusty butter knives during their valuable vacation time. That's why we turn your attention to a fascinating article written by PS3 Fanboy's newest columnist, Ph.D candidate and gaming enthusiast Kylie Prymus, who examines the effect that the Escher-esque Echochrome can have on our perception of our own three-dimensional world.

Prymus posits that Echochrome's unique, manipulatable 2D perspective is not only jarring when compared to the robust 3D engines we've become accustomed to seeing in most games, but it also points out the "frailty of our own perceptual apparatus", which is fundamentally two-dimensional. Those who still possess unblown minds might want to give the article a read -- if only to give you some Hawking-quality discussion material with which to impress your gaming cohorts.

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]]>2d3dcolumndimensionechochromekylie-prymusperspectivephilosophyps3-fanboyGriffin McElroy2008-06-29T17:00:00+00:00First batch of free echochrome levels up tomorrowhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/first-free-echochrome-levels-up-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/first-free-echochrome-levels-up-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/first-free-echochrome-levels-up-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The PlayStation Blog announced today that 20 new user-generated levels will be available in echochrome between May 15-21, and those new levels may be replaced with even more content the following week. Despite our mixed feelings on the idea that the puzzles are replaced rather than added to a mega-list, it's still great to see how quick the promise of free extra content for the $10 Escher-iffic puzzler was fulfilled.

The additional levels will appear randomly in freeform mode if the difficulty is set to level 2 or 3 and there's also been a Flickr page created to give some recognition to the level designers. Definitely check out the demo for the game if you haven't tried it,

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]]>echochromelevelspsnAlexander Sliwinski2008-05-14T23:30:00+00:00Echochrome's free updates will add more levelshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/echochromes-free-updates-will-add-more-levels/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/echochromes-free-updates-will-add-more-levels/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/echochromes-free-updates-will-add-more-levels/#commentsFiled under: ,


Kumi Yuasa, associate producer of echochrome, has revealed on the PlayStation Blog that future free updates of the title will add hand-picked user-generated content selected by the developers. The new levels will be available on a "regular basis" by signing in online with the game; however, these levels will only be available until the next group goes up. The PlayStation Blog details how players can create and submit levels for consideration.

It's too bad about the time limit on the content, but it all depends on the frequency of the updates. Of course, for some people it'll be too short, while for echochrome addicts aficionados even a weekly update would be too rare. We'll try to give warning about the new content in our PSN Thursday posts.

Gallery: echochrome

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]]>echochromepsnupdatesAlexander Sliwinski2008-05-05T10:00:00+00:00PSN Thursday: Echochrome and Canadian equalityhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/psn-thursday-echochrome-and-canadian-equality/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/psn-thursday-echochrome-and-canadian-equality/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/psn-thursday-echochrome-and-canadian-equality/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It's time for North America to experience the full perception contorting reality of echochrome with this week's PSN update. For those not sure about putting down $10 for the 56 MC Escher-inspired levels, don't be afraid to try out the demo first.

Also, Happy PSN Canadian Equality Day! Today's the day that Canada begins getting charged the same price as the United States for PSN titles.

Europe has an update too ... we're sure they aren't happy, but there's an update. Check it out -- or not -- at PS3 Fanboy. This week's North American PSN update can be found after the break.

Gallery: echochrome



Downloadable games:
  • echochrome ($10)
Add-on Content:
  • Rock Band DLC
  • Many Karaoke Revolution: AIE songs ($1.50 a piece)
Demo
  • Dark Sector
Game Videos:
  • echochrome Trailer
  • Battlefield Bad Company Redford Blog
  • Kung Fu Panda Trailer
  • Dead Space Announcement Trailer
  • Dead Space Ship Date Trailer
  • Turok "Kane" Gameplay Trailer
  • Turok "Bring It" Trailer
  • NBA Ballers: Chosen One TV Spot
  • Wyclef "Fast Car" video
PS3 Wallpaper (Free)
  • echochrome (x4)
  • Kung Fu Panda (x3)
PC Store (for PSP):
  • echochrome ($10)
  • echochrome Trailer
  • echochrome Wallpaper (x4)
  • Wyclef "Fast Car" video

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]]>echochromepsnpsn-storepsn-thursdaypuzzleAlexander Sliwinski2008-05-01T18:30:00+00:00Rest Eschered, echochrome on American PSN tomorrowhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/rest-eschered-echochrome-on-american-psn-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/rest-eschered-echochrome-on-american-psn-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/rest-eschered-echochrome-on-american-psn-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , ,


This is not a good week in games for anyone who has finals or works from home. The PlayStation Blog announced this afternoon the full version of echochrome will be available tomorrow from the PlayStation Store, which is just one glorious week after the demo release gave the general populace a taste of the game's MC Escher-inspired addictive madness.

The game is available on the PS3 and PSP for $10, and comes with 56 levels on PS3, along with 56 "completely different" levels for PSP. The game will also feature a "Canvas mode," allowing players to create their own levels and share them online. In the parlance of the internets, "Do want now!"

Gallery: echochrome

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]]>echochromepsnpsn-storepsnstoreAlexander Sliwinski2008-04-30T17:30:00+00:00PSN Thursday: Echoing that the echochrome demo releases todayhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/psn-thursday-echoing-that-the-echochrome-demo-releases-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/psn-thursday-echoing-that-the-echochrome-demo-releases-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/psn-thursday-echoing-that-the-echochrome-demo-releases-today/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Happy echochrome demo day! But, for those not in the mood to Escher their minds, there may be a couple other things in this week's PSN update to pique your interest.

The PS1 classic R-Types is available for $6 and bundles R-Type with R-Type II for one giant classic shmup experience. The Call of Duty 4 fans can get excited that the Variety Map Pack is finally available. Living room performers should be happy that Karaoke Revolution: AIE added a massive variety of new songs. There's a lot of stuff in this update, so check it all out after the break.

Europe has an update too. Want to know what it is? Head on over to PS3 Fanboy.

Gallery: echochrome



Downloadable games:
  • PS1 classic: R-Types ($6) -- Includes R-Type and R-Type II
Add-on Content:
  • Eye of Judgement: Biolith Rebellion 2 Expansion Set Two ($15)
  • Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Variety Map Pack ($9.99)
  • Rock Band DLC
  • GH III Def Leppard pack ($6.25)
  • Army of Two SSC Challenge Pack ($7.50)
  • Karaoke Revolution: AIE songs ($1.50 a piece)
Demo
  • echochrome
  • Iron Man
Game Videos:
  • Resistance 2 Teaser Trailer
  • GT5 Prologue Techno Video
  • Army of Two SSC Challenge Teaser Trailer
  • FIFA 08 Features Video
  • Iron Man Action Trailer
  • PROTOTYPE Discover Evolution
  • Interview with Wyclef Jean P.1
  • Interview with Wyclef Jean P.2
  • Behind-the-Scenes of "Fast Car"
Movie and Blu-ray disc Trailers (Free):
  • 88 Minutes
PS3 Themes (Free):
  • Eye of Judgement Theme #2
PS3 Wallpaper (Free)
  • Gran Turismo 5 Prologue wallpaper (x4)
PC Store (for PSP):
  • LocoRoco ($21.99)
  • Kingdom of Paradise ($10.99)
  • R-Types (PSone Classic) ($5.99)
  • echochrome PSP Demo (also downloadable through the PS3 system)
  • LocoRoco Trailer
  • Kingdom of Paradise Trailer
  • R-Type Command Trailer
  • Resistance 2 Trailer
  • GT5 Prologue Techno Video
  • LocoRoco Wallpapers (x2)
  • Kingdom of Paradise Wallpapers (x5)
  • LocoRoco Nightmare Track (free)

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]]>echochromepsnpsn-storepsn-thursdayAlexander Sliwinski2008-04-24T17:55:00+00:00Echochrome demo puzzles North American PSN tomorrowhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/echochrome-demo-puzzles-north-american-psn-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/echochrome-demo-puzzles-north-american-psn-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/echochrome-demo-puzzles-north-american-psn-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The PlayStation Blog twisted our perceptions today with the announcement that an Echochrome demo will be contorting PSN tomorrow. Of course, enterprising individuals have already played the demo via the intertubes, but here's the opportunity for us less tech savvy plebs to get in on (a sample of) the Echochrome fun.

Prepare to savor every MC Escher inspired level of the demo for now. There's still no actual date for the full version of Echochrome, but it's apparently due sometime in May.

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]]>echochromepsnpsn-storeAlexander Sliwinski2008-04-23T19:30:00+00:00UMD-nied: Echochrome PSP goes download-only in NAhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/umd-nied-echochrome-psp-goes-download-only-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/umd-nied-echochrome-psp-goes-download-only-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/umd-nied-echochrome-psp-goes-download-only-in-us/#commentsFiled under: , ,


At last, the PSP version of Sony's Escher-esque puzzler, Echochrome, is no longer "up in the air" for the North American market. When it comes down to earth, however, it'll strictly be in the form of a digital download. Newsweek's N'Gai Croal confirms that the game will only be available through the PlayStation Network store, thereby ruling out a retail-bound UMD like that released in Japan. The PSP version will come with 56 unique levels, a number roughly in line with the (PSN-only) PlayStation 3 version.

So, what about those 100 levels on the Japanese Echochrome UMD? For now, it looks like they'll only be obtainable if you import the game. Echochrome is out in North America this May.

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]]>EchochromePlaystation-StorePlaystationStorePSNUMDLudwig Kietzmann2008-04-03T15:45:00+00:00Spring PSN lineup datedhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/spring-psn-lineup-dated/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/spring-psn-lineup-dated/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/spring-psn-lineup-dated/#commentsFiled under:

elefunk
Sony recently showed off near-final builds of its next wave of original PSN games, and even committed to release time frames, according to MTV Multiplayer. Though weekly releases on the PS Store are largely kept behind the big, black curtain until showtime, it appears that Sony is trying to steal some attention away from the recent bevy of WiiWare boloney "buildup" and the well-oiled Xbox Live Arcade machine by generating previews of its own. So how 'bout those dates:

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]]>echochromeelefunkpixeljunkpixeljunk-monsterspixeljunk-monsters-encorepsnwipeoutwipeout-hdJames Ransom-Wiley2008-03-28T18:15:00+00:00PSN Thursday: Rocketmen blast off, Echochrome marches onto Japanese PSNhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/psn-thursday-rocketman-blasts-off-ninja-into-japanese-psn-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/psn-thursday-rocketman-blasts-off-ninja-into-japanese-psn-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/psn-thursday-rocketman-blasts-off-ninja-into-japanese-psn-for/#commentsFiled under: ,


Just like XBLA, Rocketmen: Axis of Evil is the only new game offering on PSN this week. Sure, there's the Rock Band and GHIII DLC, but its a pretty tame week overall. Now, for those with access to the Japanese PSN it's a different story. Those people should go grab echochrome immediately and twist their brains, Escher-style.

Check out the complete list of this week's content after the break. Wondering what the Europeans got? Take a little trip down the yellow brick road to PS3 Fanboy.

Gallery: Rocketmen: Axis of Evil



Downloadable games:
  • Rocketmen: Axis of Evil (Free demo, $9.99 full game)
Add-on Content:
Game Videos:
  • NBA Ballers: The Chosen One Trailer
Movie and Blu-ray Disc Trailers:
  • Hancock Trailer
  • 21 Trailer
PS3 Themes:
  • Lost Planet (Free)
PS3 Wallpaper:
  • Condemned 2: Bloodshot (Free)
PC Store (for PSP):
  • flOw ($7.99)
  • Ape Escape: On the Loose ($14.99)
  • God of War: Chains of Olympus Trailer (Free)
  • Ape Escape On the Loose behind the scenes #1 (Free)
  • Ape Escape On the Loose behind the scenes #2A (Free)
  • Ape Escape On the Loose wallpaper (Free)
  • Warriors Orochi Wallpaper (x6) (Free)

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]]>echochromepsn-thursdayrocketmenAlexander Sliwinski2008-03-06T15:30:00+00:00Get the echochrome demo on your PSPhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/get-the-echochrome-demo-on-your-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/get-the-echochrome-demo-on-your-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/get-the-echochrome-demo-on-your-psp/#commentsFiled under: ,


You're heard the critics lavish praise on the monochromatic, perspective-twisting goodness of echochrome, and now you PSP owners can finally take the game for a spin. How, you ask? Why, with a free, downloadable demo of course. Our friends at PSP Fanboy have all the instructions.

We hope you dig the demo, because without a release date for the game currently, there's not telling how long you'll need to make this sliver of echochrome last. Enjoy.

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]]>demosechochromepspJustin McElroy2008-03-06T11:50:00+00:0010 reasons the PlayStation 3 is relevant againhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/04/10-reasons-the-playstation-3-is-still-relevant/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/04/10-reasons-the-playstation-3-is-still-relevant/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/04/10-reasons-the-playstation-3-is-still-relevant/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sony is expecting a big year for PlayStation 3 -- it might even turn a profit in the next fiscal year, according to SCEI President and CEO Kaz Hirai. The folks at PS3 Fanboy think it's got a fighting chance, and here are ten reasons we expect a better year for the console.

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]]>echochromehomelittlebigplanetmetal-gear-solid-4mgs4playstation-3ps3sceasonyRoss Miller2008-03-04T15:00:00+00:00Today's most perspective-bending trailer: echochrome in real lifehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/04/todays-most-perspective-bending-trailer-echochrome-in-real-lif/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/04/todays-most-perspective-bending-trailer-echochrome-in-real-lif/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/04/todays-most-perspective-bending-trailer-echochrome-in-real-lif/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ever wonder what echochrome would look like in real life? Of course, given the entire game is based on perspective, we'd never be able to enjoy the new reality because we'd always be watching from afar. But then that person would see the real perspective and not benefit from the ... oh, we've gone ahead and confused ourselves.

Thankfully you don't have to wrap such conundrums around your head. Just enjoy this Japanese commercial for the game after the break. (Take note of the pretty Mint Green PSP seen at the end.)

[Via PSP Fanboy]

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]]>echochromehottestvideoRoss Miller2008-03-04T01:00:00+00:00PS3 Echochrome coming stateside Spring 2008, PSP version 'up in the air' [update]http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/ps3-echochrome-coming-stateside-summer-2008-psp-version-up-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/ps3-echochrome-coming-stateside-summer-2008-psp-version-up-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/ps3-echochrome-coming-stateside-summer-2008-psp-version-up-in/#commentsFiled under: ,


North American gamers who wish to live out their long held fantasies of frolicking through Escher's world of Relativity will get their chance this summer, when Echochrome, Sony's perspective swapping puzzle platformer, will be made available for download on the PlayStation Network. In the usual fashion for Sony developed games, Japanese gamers will be able to pick up the game long before the rest of us -- some time in March.

No news has been heard about a stateside release date for the pricier PSP version of the game, though Siliconera is claiming that a Sony rep told them the handheld edition is "up in the air". This isn't a death knell for the portable port -- we don't know why they'd cancel the U.S. version, considering that Japan's March release date is for the PSP as well. We'll let you know when we know a more definite release date for the two versions, until then, we suggest enrolling into some sort of MENSA organization in order to garner the massive, genius brain you'll need to navigate these impossible constructions.

Update: The PS3 version is on track for a Spring release.

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]]>echochromeescherplatformerps3psppuzzlerelativityreleasedateGriffin McElroy2008-02-20T21:15:00+00:00Echochrome cheaper on PS3 or more on PSP; a matter of perspectivehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/echochrome-cheaper-on-ps3-or-more-on-psp-a-matter-of-perspectiv/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/echochrome-cheaper-on-ps3-or-more-on-psp-a-matter-of-perspectiv/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/echochrome-cheaper-on-ps3-or-more-on-psp-a-matter-of-perspectiv/#commentsFiled under: ,


Like an MC Escher drawing, this news could be seen a handful of different ways: either Sony is doubling the price of Echochrome for the PSP UMD release or is halving the PS3's downloadable price. Either way, Siliconera reports that when the game is released in Japan on March 19, the PSP version will cost ¥3980 (about $37) while the PS3 release will cost ¥1800 (about $17). Update: The price discrepancy is due to the former version containing twice as many puzzles -- the value of which is debatable considering you can make your own.

Sure, the price could change for the North American market (as Siliconera sagely points out, several games from Jeanne D'Arc to Patapon have been cheaper here) but what about our Japanese gamer brethren? With Patapon going for a ridiculously low $20 on UMD, could they really charge much more for the simple, yet similarly bewitching, Echochrome?

Gallery: echochrome



[Via PSP Fanboy]

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]]>EchochromePSNChristopher Grant2008-02-08T14:40:00+00:00Joystiq hands-on: echochrome (PSN)http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/15/joystiq-hands-on-echochrome-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/15/joystiq-hands-on-echochrome-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/15/joystiq-hands-on-echochrome-psn/#commentsFiled under: ,


What a difference two buttons can make. We tested a new build of echochrome, and we found the new demo to be even more enjoyable than our last session at TGS. Why, you ask? (Amuse us, if you will.) There are two reasons: the Triangle and X buttons. Granted, they may have been in the Tokyo demonstration, lost to us in our inability to firmly grasp the Japanese language. Regardless, these two new buttons change the overall flow and feel of the game.

A press of Triangle allows you to pause the game action, giving the player time to think, adjust the perspective and find the best route through the level. However, each puzzle is a race against the clock. Time is still ticking, and levels will end if players can't figure out a way to reach the echoes quickly enough. Players will be able to regain some lost time by pressing X, which forces your echo to run faster.

Each puzzle can be approached in a number of different ways. For example, in the level we played, we moved the camera to move our character from one adjacent platform to another. It took us quite some time, as we traversed through the stage in seemingly the longest way possible. The SCEA representative played the same level and cleverly manipulated the middle block, allowing it to connect to any other point in the stage. He was able to cross the echoes in a time that simply shamed our pathetic attempt. We only saw five levels, but we're hopeful that later levels in the game will all feature multiple solutions.

Gallery: echochrome


Supposedly, the developers want the press to provide feedback on how they can improve the echochrome experience. Immediately, one suggestion came to mind: adjustable camera speeds. Currently, the default speed of the camera is a bit too slow. Making the camera a bit speedier, and a bit more "loose" will help players establish the perspective they think will work. Connecting two platforms together is also a bit tricky, as it requires a strong level of precision. Merging platforms will work better if they more generously "snapped" to each other. Too much time was spent very finely moving the analog stick to get the exact result we wanted. Hopefully, some of these issues will be addressed.

echochrome is shaping up to be one of the most original puzzle games we've seen in ages. Gamers should be excited to see a game so fully embody one of Sony's greatest strengths this generation. No, not high fidelity, high definition graphics. Rather, echochrome is a prime example of the daring, innovative direction that Sony is willing to take with PSN downloadable titles. We can't wait to see how this turns out when it releases early next year.

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]]>echochromepsnAndrew Yoon2007-12-15T08:30:00+00:00TGS hands-on: echochromehttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/22/tgs-hands-on-echochrome/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/22/tgs-hands-on-echochrome/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/22/tgs-hands-on-echochrome/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


After its shocking E3 debut, we desperately wanted to play echochrome, the mind-bending Escher-inspired puzzle game that has players changing their perspective. Available on the PS3 as a downloadable title and as a PSP game, echochrome excited audiences with its truly innovative concept. But, how did the publicly playable PS3 demo play?

Well, it works exactly as you expect it to. The demonstration features an English-speaking monotone voice that seems a perfect match with the game's ultra-minimalist presentation. She'll explain the five rules of the game that control the way your perspective, the world, and your character, all interact with each other. Each sequence has players testing out a single new device, such as being able to block obstacles by hiding them from the player's vision. Through this brief tutorial, players will be gifted with the ability to start playing through the game's mind-destroying puzzles.

The single level available in the demonstration had us attempting to collect echoes, shadows situated in various points in the stage. As simple as that may sound, imagining the total destruction of object permanence is not something we're readily accustomed to. The on-screen avatar acts like a lemming, constantly going forward, even if it means certain doom for the character. This means players will have to act fast, and position the level correctly as the avatar makes its way forward. This is where we found that the camera rotates a bit too slowly for our tastes. We ended one of our lives trying to cover a hole, but couldn't rotate the level quickly enough to save our character. Thankfully, each echo that one walks into acts as a checkpoint, so that the level we played didn't become frustrating. However, we hope that Sony will make moving the camera a bit speedier.

echochrome is a simple, innovative, and more importantly, fun title that continues to deliver on the PlayStation Store's promise of offering gamers unique gameplay experiences. Although we didn't get to play much, it's clear that Sony has something truly special in their hands.

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]]>echochrometgs07Andrew Yoon2007-09-22T18:30:00+00:00Behind Sony's Echochrome is the OLE Coordinate Systemhttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/behind-sonys-echochrome-is-the-ole-coordinate-system/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/behind-sonys-echochrome-is-the-ole-coordinate-system/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/behind-sonys-echochrome-is-the-ole-coordinate-system/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Echochrome was one of Sony's E3 surprises, captivating audiences with its simple elegance and twisted, conceptual gameplay. Appearing like an M.C. Escher take on Lemmings, just the sight of this PS3 and PSP title was puzzling in its own right. While it deserves praise for originality, Sony shouldn't get all the credit.

Meet the Object Locative Environment Coordinate System: the heart of Echochrome.

Developed by Japanese designer Jun Fujiki, his OLE Coordinate System is directly inspired by the famous paintings of M.C. Escher, going on to say that his program allows users to "create and experience their own Escher-esque worlds." The concept of eye tricks is the fundamental core of the OLE Coordinate System, making it so objects drawn at one angle have one meaning, while looking at it from another view can give it an entirely different one.

We still have no idea how Echochrome will play out, but now we can at least understand what we saw.

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]]>echochromemcescherpsnJared Rea2007-07-16T17:25:00+00:00