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An innovative action game that lets players morph between three combat modes and alter time with pioneering TimeDilation technology. The game lets players assume the role of Nevin, a reluctant hero with the ability to alter time and morph his PolySuit between three unique combat forms. He must fight for survival against an entire planet that has gone mad-the surface of the planet is alive, and uses its bio-mechanical properties to spawn enemy after enemy, ensuring relentless action. A revolutionary PostFX camera system intensifies the action with spectacular visual effects that heighten the drama of every combo and special attack. [THQ]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 83
Cinescape
A pretty rock-hard game. While it is somewhat short, the game is action packed and the three-form combat modes add a lot to the game.
 80
Game Informer
If you like brawlers, platformers, or both, Alter Echo should be on your list of must-plays. [Sept 2003, p.114]
75
Official Xbox Magazine
There's no end to the action in Alter Echo, and the game succeeds in its deep fighting system... Unfortunately, the game stumbles with PS2-style graphics as well as repetitive and linear play. [Nov 2003, p.102]
75
Play Magazine
While it's not exactly triple-A, Alter Echo is one of the most innovative and all-around interesting action-adventures you're likely to play this year. [Oct 2003, p.73]
75
GameSpot
It would have been nice to have seen some more variety in the environments, and the instances of backtracking through areas you've already visited are disappointing. But the game's exciting, free-form combat makes up for those deficiencies.
74
Team Xbox
The primary drawback to Alter Echo is its repetitiveness.
74
Gamezilla!
The most interesting part of the gameplay comes from the fact that you can use a time dilation feature that lets you freeze time, and by using a small mini-game like interface, unleash a multiple hit combo on any of your opponents.
73
GameZone
Even though this Alter Echo has a unique idea, the repetition kills it completely. This game is a good rental but nothing more.
71
Game Chronicles
Looks fantastic and has some truly inventive and original gameplay, which only makes it that much more disappointing when the ride is over just a bit too quickly.
70
eToychest
There are enough bells and whistles to make Alter Echo appeal to some, such as the title’s unique combo system that serves to make combat quite entertaining. Sadly, however, the game is far too short to be considered anything other than a weekend rental.
70
GamingTrend
Falls under that old adage of "jack of all trades, master of none" - as the game seems to go out of its way to provide a variety of game styles for you to enjoy. Unfortunately they all come in as merely average examples of what we've seen in other games.
70
Adrenaline Vault
If the developers had included a few secrets or collectible items then it might have warranted a second and third play through, but as it is, there’s probably only enough content to justify a weekend rental.
68
IGN
I just wish the game stood up and presented more of an open-ended challenge and demanded that I master all of them instead of having me slog through enemies in such a linear fashion --both conceptually and in the game world.
60
G4 TV
Big things lie in store for the series -- but not in its first incarnation. Take this beginning episode with a grain of salt and save it for a rental.
60
Maxim Online
But the game's star is really Nevin's cool, morphable costume, which gives new meaning to the phrase "class action suit."
57
Electronic Gaming Monthly
You'll never get lost instantly die from misjudged jumps, or have to play through difficult parts ten times over. Consequently, it's also a little too easy. [Oct 2003, p.135]
50
Xbox Nation Magazine
The camera never quite gets it together during combat, and the animations are stilted and choppy. [Oct/Nov 2003, p.99]
50
NTSC-uk
It's more the case that despite cramming an auspicious set of variables into its equation, Alter Echo’s efforts result in a diminutive single unit which doesn’t entirely work.
50
Yahoo! Games
Suffers from a distinct lack of character. Nothing here really draws the player in, and as a result, the whole experience feels more like an exercise than the entertaining diversion a game should be.
50
TotalGames.net
The combat flows nicely, the graphics are bright – if never really revolutionary – and the gameplay defines the term solid. It’s hard not to like Alter Echo, but by the same note, it hard to get truly involved in it.
42
GameNow
Aside from its lousy story, poorly designed levels, and uninspired character design, Alter Echo does have some good points - tight control, pretty visuals, decent cameras, and smart A.I. [Nov 2003, p.58]
42
Game Revolution
What we’re left with is a good stab at innovation marred by hopelessly dated level design and short (you can beat it in 10 hours), repetitive gameplay. You get the feeling that Alter Echo could have been much more.
40
Edge Magazine
There's a fine line between graphic artistry and immaturity, and while Alter Echo makes an attempt at the former, it probably falls into the latter. The hues are creative enough, and the faux-naturelle structures suitably curled and alien but perhaps the real problem is that a world made from plastic would look as dull as it sounds. [Nov 2003, p.109]
30
games(TM)
You'll quickly realise that it's button bashing and not finesse that will aid you in your quest. Add to this a tacked-on rhythm-action game and you're left with a shallow and derivative game that offers no redeeming features. [Nov 2003, p.122]
Jon F. gave it a 10: |
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