Before the Echo

Neat, fun, and relaxing game. It has a slower pace menu system more akin to Puzzle Quest, which I like. The gameplay was very unique at the time, one of the first games to put rhythm and rpg together. I really enjoyed my time with it.

You'll probably like Before the Echo (previously named "Sequence") if (but not only if!):You'd like a mashup of Dance Dance Revolution like rhythm gameplay (using your controller instead of a dance pad) with real-time RPG battles.

Extremely unique concept, and for me, just very much incoprehensible. I do not have the mental capability to juggle between three screens doing a dance dance revolution kind of minigame. If you have three brains and three pairs of eyes, perhaps this will appeal to you.

It's a decent and experimental little rhythm game, but ultimately lacks polish.

Not recommending due to the devs no longer supporting the binary puzzle solution. You won't be able to decipher the puzzle anymore unless you cheat and look it up. Additionally, there are similar and better indie titles out now, some for free.

Very much an indy title. Mixes a bit of RPG elements into a ddr-esque rhythm game. If you have a dance mat, probably something to consider.

Runs fine on steam deck.

Yes

This game is amazing

Before the Echo

Really loved this game, the music still sticks with me, and the last few levels are quite a fun challenge!

I'm reviewing all my 600+ gamed. This is 18th.

As a game designer, I've seen a lot of people trying to make fighting rhythm games. This is the only one I've played that did it well enough. It's not perfect, the art is a bit janky, but the gameplay is original and pretty well done. A very nice curiosity.


Also did you know, it was called Sequence before.

DDR but it's an rpg

Before the Echo is a game that struggles to define its audience. Marketed as a rhythm game, it falls short of delivering on that promise. The gameplay revolves around managing three different screens: one for gaining mana via directional inputs tied to a beat, another for avoiding damage by inputting directions, and a third for casting spells based on specific inputs. The problem is that only the mana-gathering screen has any rhythmic elements, while the others lack any designed rhythm, making it feel disjointed and unconvincing as a rhythm game.

The gameplay loop is highly repetitive. Players progress through floors, fighting enemies that drop items needed to craft better equipment and increase stats. This setup turns the game into a grind-heavy experience, reminiscent of mobile games with endless repetition and incremental upgrades.

While some may find value in the story, I found the dialogue excessive, and it didn't hold my interest. For those who enjoy a strong narrative focus, it may be more appealing, but the gameplay's repetitive nature and lack of cohesive rhythm make it hard to recommend.

Hidden gem of a game for fans of quick time oriented rpgs. Combat system is like if Dance Dance Revolution was an rpg, but it also has some serious depth as well. Story is surprisingly captivating. 100% worth the cost.

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Bejewled combined with a VN.