I absolutely love this visual novel, the characters, the topics it touches on, the ending. Im glad it turned out well for them, although it is a little bitter-sweet im still happy with this ending.
((SPOILER)) ((also need help answering a question))
this Vn is AMAZING!!! I love it and how it made me care about the characters, it made me SUFFOCATE ON HOW SCARY THEY WERE FACING!!! I haven't read echo the vn but if this is like this but 10x more soul crushing, oh nah that will leave me more of a sobbing mess but I'm happy for the ending they achieve even tho it's a little bittersweet.
Although I do have some questions like I'm genuinely confused.
I don't understand the part where Devon is wearing a white hoodie imagining Cameron?? Like is he dead? I don't understand that part of the story so if someone has an answer for it, please tell me.
The dream of Devon with Cam in his head is Cameron imagining/seeing an alternative timeline where he was shot by Brian in the mines and his spirit possessed Devon (kinda like how Sam possesses Chase)
This was one of the best visual novels I have ever read. The character development is top level and the story of the two lowers made me feel sad and peaceful(I guess this is the right word for it) at the same time.
Even tho it's ending is kind of a happy ending, I'm still left with hopelessness and sadness. The story is beautifully written, soundtracks are amazing and the art is the cherry on the top.
Thank you to Echo Project and to the people who worked on this novel.
Thank you...thank you all for making this, you guys are freaking awesome yall know that? I LOVE YALL!!! AAAAAAAA THIS IS THE BEST VN I EVER READ IT'S...marvelous, nothing can describe this amazing masterpiece...
This made me shiver in fear, and cry with emotion. I am not your average Goodreads keysmasher; I do not cry for nothing. No, it takes beautiful writing, and wonderful music, and gorgeous art, and this VN had all of that in spades. You can clearly see the effort that went into it, and more importantly, the love.
This Novel took a complete turn on what I was expecting and I am not upset one bit. I'm at a loss for words and I just needed to comment to express how truly stunned I am by the jaw-dropping and suspenseful plot and storyline.
Absolute 110/10 if I've ever seen one. Amazing, simply amazing.
wow... that was something. Usually i like to think about vns as some sort of escapism but this time things got really personal. I relate to cameron on a deep level, it's actually funny how we have so much in common, from his experiences to his feelings but things got real at the end.
I was expecting this to be just like echo with the horror setting and mystery, that cameron would realize how "special" he was and with the help of his new found powers and his awesome boyfriend would uncover the secrets of echo and "free" the town for good, but real life doesn't work like that right?
It was a punch in the gut, a wake up call that i needed but didn't want. I don't mean to be a killjoy or anything but this time it feels right to share what i feel. For most part of my life i've struggled with major depression and lack of sense of self as a result of trauma and reasons i preffer to keep undisclosed, the way cameron described how he felt was just like seeing a recount of myself, it felt human and that goes to show how much tought was put to write this vn, how the soul of the creators can be felt and that's what hurts the most. Something else that i found interesting is how cam takes some of the same pills as me so they made their investigation about the medication, in fact it reminded me in my stupor that i had to take my pills, i was so shaken that i dropped my mothers favorite glass to which she just said "don't worry about it, what's broken is broken but what matters to me it's that you're fine" and i swear to god i was about to cry.
What i'm trying to say with the mess of this comment is that i'm grateful for this vn, it didn't "save" me, it didn't solve my problems, it didn't "fix" me but it gave me hope, a bittersweet hope and that's enough for me to feel grateful, i wish to see what's next for the future, for my future and the continued future of Echoproject, it was a pleasure reading.
btw, sorry if there's gramatical errors, english is not my first language
for me i absolutely love this game just like Echo and Smoke room the games that come from this project like Adastra as an example are amazing it shows me things i didn't know about myself or other things like that but the way its written shows just how amazing it is thank you
also i am missing three things from the gallery in the beginning if anyone knows why or where i can find them i would greatly appreciate it
Maybe you didnt read the side story, click on cameron in the main menu. or if you finished the game and its just an empty desert you gotta click where he wouldve been otherwise.
Howly, what you've written is masterful because it is personal. Arches is such a personal and grounded story about addiction, abuse, loss, recovery and, most of all, hope. I realized that this game started during the Covid-19 Pandemic and that says a lot about the nuances and charm this story has. It really is a time capsule of this pandemic and I'm glad it is.
What I personally thought before I started reading Arches was that Cameron and Devon were literally going to go through the town, finding ghosts and learning about themselves and whatnot. But once I found out that Duke and Brian were there, still alive in Echo, it dawned on me. THEY are the ghosts, the remnants of Echo's past horrors and trauma. It makes perfect sense that they would still be there. Cameron and Devon were their last nail in the coffin.
I keep thinking of that shadow that jumped Cameron in the forest, the perceived "fork" during the shotgun blast in the mines. Echo, the town, may be dead but its trauma was still able to seep through. However, that is...kind of necessary? We will NEVER be able to forget our past trauma. No matter how hard we try. Like Devon trying to make up past mistakes, Brian trying to forget his victims and continue his selfish tirade. It stays with you, like a scar. Scars heal but the mark is still there. The only thing we can do is learn and keep moving. Embrace our trauma and choose whether we want to keep living or just stop. You can never get what you had back. Your choices define your future.
Thanks again for making this short novel. It might not be as "popular" as the other vns but I don't think that is the point. The best creative works in the world are when creatives create for themselves and the world simply enjoys what they created. You wrote something for you and it clearly does resonate with many folks.
Thank you for your hard work. You are appreciated and loved. All of you peeps in the Echo crew. Thank you. ❤️
I'm very excited to what will happen to Echo after this even. The vn was fun! It really puts you on ease while reading it and it makes you feel like you're actually the character that's experiencing all of those 10000/10 can't wait for the future of echo
Does this game takes place after the event of echo or in the middle of it? overall the game is so good that It kept me all night just to finish it 🥹 can't wait for the next game you guys would release about the echo
Honestly it's p probably cus of me not finishings the other endings on echo, but of what I remember didn't the bear and the weasel die?, I thought it was and an alternate universe, but then again the otter drown thing still happened that mean the previous cast on echo could still be alive
I won't give you game spoilers, but I once wrote a theory in a comment which ending with echo is compatible with arches. I noticed the deaths of Brian and Duke. However, I recommend going through all the endings in echo.
Okay... I don't know what to say. I beat the game... I experienced the game practically a few hours after the update. And I wanted to write my opinion, thoughts on what I played right after I finished the game. But all this time I was unable to express my thoughts in words. What I'm going to write now will be long and I'm sure most people won't read it. But I feel I have to say something, and I'm grateful to anyone who reads this. There will be spoilers here, so if you haven't played this game, do so first.
Incredible. This word best describes what I experienced playing Arches. I am usually a critical person when I evaluate various creations of popular culture. I've seen a lot of visual novels and other creations in this fandom, but also in other fandoms. Many of these creations were of very poor quality. I am often disappointed when modern culture tries to show very schematic plots in a very unoriginal way. It's obvious that many plots will be schematic because there are many works around the world, but even a schematic thing can be shown well. And I like many traditional forms, like the fight between good and evil, etc. but any traditional form can be retold in a new way. Also, many modern works of culture try to move people's emotions by causing shock through drasticness, jumpscares and through sweetly sad plots. These works, instead of causing a stir of emotions in me, often cause laughter or embarrassment. In many works, the characters appear artificial and devoid of depth. Many works understand in a very simple and distorted way the problems of the modern world and people. Often looking from a very flawed perspective. Some works try to be artificially moralizing. And I am somewhat of a moralist, but I believe that the moral in history must be shown well. It can't be shown right in the viewer's face screaming: THIS IS GOOD, THIS IS BAD, YOU MUST BELIEVE IT OR YOU ARE BAD. A good work must present its moral and thought in a subtle way to make the viewer think.
Arches does not make a single mistake of modern works of culture. I really haven't experienced something as good as this game in a long time. In a way, I regained hope in modern works of culture. But now to the point.
Arches shows a very genuine and very realistic love relationship between two people. This is not a relationship based on sex. This is also not a relationship based on childish emotional ecstasy. It's not a perfect relationship either. This is a truly living relationship transferred from real life. Not everything goes well in this relationship. Not everything goes perfectly. There are many things that go against being perfect. And paradoxically, thanks to the fact that this relationship is not perfect, it makes this relationship perfect. Problems often arise in relationships with other people. Cameron's trauma and mental issues are a challenge in this relationship here. It is a challenge for him and for Devon, who does everything to support his partner. In life, we often struggle with our own problems, but in a real and honest relationship, we struggle with problems together with someone we love. The purpose of a relationship is not always to be fulfilled for yourself. The purpose of a relationship is to help each other to make each other better and to try to become better ourselves. Devon and Cameron share a strong love for each other and we can feel it. We can cheer them on to solve their problems and to survive in a difficult situation. We can be happy when they are finally together and overcome the problems in their relationship. We can be sad when they argue, but feel relieved when despite the arguments, their love turns out to be stronger. I personally observe many gay couples in real life who don't do well in relationships and quickly break up. I personally experienced such situations. Every couple, straight and gay, should see this game. Especially a couple who have some problems.
The game very realistically shows what trauma is. The end of the game shows it best. We can look into the minds of the characters very thoroughly, even though the narrator is in the third person. For me, it's easier to identify with a character when the narrative is in the first person. That was something I really liked about Echo. It's easier to show the character's thoughts in this way and it's easier to identify with him. The narrative here is third person. However, this is very good, because we have not one but two main characters here. This helps us see what's going on in the bigger picture. It's also done in such a way that we can empathize with each character very well. We can really feel the perspective of Cameron, Devon and even Arturo. Each of them experiences the events of the echo differently. Of course, Cameron's perspective seems to be the clearest here, but others have not been left out.
In the face of the modern wave of mental problems in the world, this game corresponds well with our times. Showing love in the context of the fight for the mental health of your partner (and the fight for your health), which is so strong that it can even endure sacrifices such as the lack of fulfillment of sexual needs. But back to the issue of trauma and struggling with trauma, this game shows hope. There is always hope, even when you feel like there is none. You have to fight for your health. Sometimes you can be too weak. Then a close person and trust in them can be helpful. It's good to have someone like that.
The game also touches on philosophical struggles. At first, the main character seems to be an atheist and a bit of a nihilist as well. At the end, however, there is hope for life after death. We don't know what awaits us when we die and whether the reality after death is good or not. But we can still hope, and I think hope is important here. Hope can break nihilism and give our lives meaning. I myself hope that there is a heaven and I will be happy there. And that everything will be better there than it is in this world. Hopes for heaven and something after death is also a reflection of our hope each day for a better tomorrow. I like that the game doesn't romanticize suffering, but shows suffering as it really is. From the side of thought, from the side of psychology and also philosophy. In suffering, the most important thing is hope, and hope can really save us. However, the game does not impose philosophical views on whether or not to believe in life after death. The question remains open. It's a good decision in my opinion. This does not impose views on anyone what other works of culture are trying to do. At the same time, this does not make the message subjective. This makes the message objective and adequate to everyone.
The game shows well some people's problems with their own identity. When a lot of terrible things are going on in your head, sometimes you lose yourself. You lose a piece of who you used to be. You often behave differently than you want. You often do things you regret. You ask yourself who you really are in the face of doing things that contradict yourself. It is necessary to always remember that if a part of you is broken and you have trouble putting yourself back together, it is always possible to fix it with help.
The last thing is the brilliant psychological horror. This game rarely scares you with monsters outside of you, but attacks you with monsters inside your mind. The atmosphere and tension are very well built. The action starts slowly at first. Then faster and faster. At one point, the action keeps a fast pace and keeps you in suspense, they release that tension from time to time. It's a good thing the game isn't too long, because that could spoil the tension. This can be done by other people and what can happen in the head of a person after difficult experiences is a greater horror than a monster walking in the forest. I think Echo combined these two aspects in a good way. Here the monsters have definitely gone aside. This is completely opposite to the smoke room where monsters are the main bogey in the smoke room. I feel like there are also some direct references to us, the players. One of the monsters looking at the scene where brian strangles cameron seems to me to be us gamers watching the tragedy happen like a spectacle. I will never forget the moment when cameron is staring at us centrally. Such moments additionally involve the players in the events that are happening. It's not a direct fourth wall break, but it's done in a very subliminal and clever way.
To sum up, it's been a long time since there was such a work that would engage me so completely. It involved my feeling, emotions, thinking and everything else. It's a really good visual novel that we can learn a lot from. I also hope that such works of some people raise their spirits and help or raise awareness about really important problems. Thank you very much for this game. It was worth waiting for.
Yes!!! the way everything was executed in this short novel is excellent. I hope we get another cast of characters like these again. Their characters, struggles, and interactions feel so realistic/heartfely. I'm telling you man these Echo writers are experienced fucks.
I`m blown away, this has been such an experience! such a story built well sounds and designs and emotions, truly a story to be cautioned for future readers but oh so recommended for a overwhelming cascade of feelings.. bravo bravo!!
so i have to stop my self and think before i type up anything. this VN was a trip for me, a rollercoaster of emotions the swirled in my very core. sounds dramatic but it really felt that way. I loved every minute of it. waiting on the smoke room to be finished to piece the story of all 3 stories together (the smoke room, echo, and arches).But all and all 10/10
(There's also a bug on the android version (possibly others also?) where the background songs/sounds will not loop, leading to a bit of an awkward silence sometimes.)
Compared to Echo, it really feels a lot more certain with what it is trying to accomplish. Also I absolutely loved that the epilogue took its time.
I must say that the art style is a lot better. Instead of the heavily edited photos, that would then suddenly switch to (comparatively) the most beautiful illustration you've ever seen, this sequel is fully done in a very nicely stylized and incredibly cinematic style. Pair that with some truly masterful music from Anthemics, and you've got an absolutely kino experience.
I just wish it was longer, but oh well, it's understandable, since making a big story after the events of Echo is basically impossible, as the town gets mostly abandoned. ...And also quality>quantity.
I love the epilogue. It's a realistic depiction of recovering from trauma. They realize things will never be the same as it used to be bc of echo. But even so, they yearn for a future that may or may not exist.
wow, i love every second of reading this, it was great. and shit, there were times i even felt tears.(must be because im pretty emotional) well. i loved the story. it kinda struck something in me so 10/10 would most likely read again!
After clear the story i need explain everybody pls i need explain what happen after we left echo omg i cant, and when cameron say that hes a vessel what is that mean omg
If I understand correctly, the whole thing with Cameron being the "vessel" for Devon is a vision Cam sees of what's happening in the alternative timeline, where Cam failed to survive Brian's gunshot.
The version of the present in which Devon lives on either possessed by something that resembles Cam (I think its not actually Cam, because think about Sam) or just lost his mind (which is less likely, because I don't think that things are ever that simple in Echo VNs, even if it IS a reasonable explanation).
Like, remember how Cam saw a vision of himself getting shot in the head and then grabbed at Brian's gunshot so that it doesn't happen? Well, what he saw was a version of future that does actually exist, and the one he succeeded to avoid, thus creating a "fork in the road" of time.
BANGER. Ending left me with questions regarding Devon's sanity but I guess they are truly alive and gay happy. This headcanon will be an absolute to me.
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I absolutely love this visual novel, the characters, the topics it touches on, the ending. Im glad it turned out well for them, although it is a little bitter-sweet im still happy with this ending.
((SPOILER)) ((also need help answering a question))
this Vn is AMAZING!!! I love it and how it made me care about the characters, it made me SUFFOCATE ON HOW SCARY THEY WERE FACING!!! I haven't read echo the vn but if this is like this but 10x more soul crushing, oh nah that will leave me more of a sobbing mess but I'm happy for the ending they achieve even tho it's a little bittersweet.
Although I do have some questions like I'm genuinely confused.
I don't understand the part where Devon is wearing a white hoodie imagining Cameron?? Like is he dead? I don't understand that part of the story so if someone has an answer for it, please tell me.
Overall I love the story, 10/10 almost cried!!
Im pretty sure it was a dream he was having, and a really scary one too!
The dream of Devon with Cam in his head is Cameron imagining/seeing an alternative timeline where he was shot by Brian in the mines and his spirit possessed Devon (kinda like how Sam possesses Chase)
=VERY MINOR SPOILER AHEAD=
This was one of the best visual novels I have ever read. The character development is top level and the story of the two lowers made me feel sad and peaceful(I guess this is the right word for it) at the same time.
Even tho it's ending is kind of a happy ending, I'm still left with hopelessness and sadness. The story is beautifully written, soundtracks are amazing and the art is the cherry on the top.
Thank you to Echo Project and to the people who worked on this novel.
10/10
Thank you...thank you all for making this, you guys are freaking awesome yall know that? I LOVE YALL!!! AAAAAAAA THIS IS THE BEST VN I EVER READ IT'S...marvelous, nothing can describe this amazing masterpiece...
Thank you all <3
This made me shiver in fear, and cry with emotion. I am not your average Goodreads keysmasher; I do not cry for nothing. No, it takes beautiful writing, and wonderful music, and gorgeous art, and this VN had all of that in spades. You can clearly see the effort that went into it, and more importantly, the love.
Does this game contain any horror scenes or pornographic content? I'm a little afraid of those
no pornographic content, and maybe only one real "jumpscare." Every other element of horror is just good 'ol slow-burn disturbing
Thank you!
Wow... Just.. Wow.
This Novel took a complete turn on what I was expecting and I am not upset one bit. I'm at a loss for words and I just needed to comment to express how truly stunned I am by the jaw-dropping and suspenseful plot and storyline.
Absolute 110/10 if I've ever seen one. Amazing, simply amazing.
played Echo, and TSR downloading this like "oh boy I do sure love heartbreak."
wow... that was something. Usually i like to think about vns as some sort of escapism but this time things got really personal. I relate to cameron on a deep level, it's actually funny how we have so much in common, from his experiences to his feelings but things got real at the end.
I was expecting this to be just like echo with the horror setting and mystery, that cameron would realize how "special" he was and with the help of his new found powers and his awesome boyfriend would uncover the secrets of echo and "free" the town for good, but real life doesn't work like that right?
It was a punch in the gut, a wake up call that i needed but didn't want. I don't mean to be a killjoy or anything but this time it feels right to share what i feel. For most part of my life i've struggled with major depression and lack of sense of self as a result of trauma and reasons i preffer to keep undisclosed, the way cameron described how he felt was just like seeing a recount of myself, it felt human and that goes to show how much tought was put to write this vn, how the soul of the creators can be felt and that's what hurts the most. Something else that i found interesting is how cam takes some of the same pills as me so they made their investigation about the medication, in fact it reminded me in my stupor that i had to take my pills, i was so shaken that i dropped my mothers favorite glass to which she just said "don't worry about it, what's broken is broken but what matters to me it's that you're fine" and i swear to god i was about to cry.
What i'm trying to say with the mess of this comment is that i'm grateful for this vn, it didn't "save" me, it didn't solve my problems, it didn't "fix" me but it gave me hope, a bittersweet hope and that's enough for me to feel grateful, i wish to see what's next for the future, for my future and the continued future of Echoproject, it was a pleasure reading.
btw, sorry if there's gramatical errors, english is not my first language
What your mom said was very sweet. I really wish you all the best!
This was like, a rollercoaster of feelings
Damn boy
This was an absolute 10/10
I really enjoyed it!
I like this VN so much ,cuz it gives me like a new world experience.
The plot
The places
The music
The ambients
THE CHARACTERS omg
The only sad thing about it is
When it ends , and i just sit there on my bed
Looking at that calm desert road with cricket sounds
And i just think to my self
...what now..
for me i absolutely love this game just like Echo and Smoke room the games that come from this project like Adastra as an example are amazing it shows me things i didn't know about myself or other things like that but the way its written shows just how amazing it is thank you
also i am missing three things from the gallery in the beginning if anyone knows why or where i can find them i would greatly appreciate it
Maybe you didnt read the side story, click on cameron in the main menu. or if you finished the game and its just an empty desert you gotta click where he wouldve been otherwise.
Until 110...
Howly, what you've written is masterful because it is personal. Arches is such a personal and grounded story about addiction, abuse, loss, recovery and, most of all, hope. I realized that this game started during the Covid-19 Pandemic and that says a lot about the nuances and charm this story has. It really is a time capsule of this pandemic and I'm glad it is.
What I personally thought before I started reading Arches was that Cameron and Devon were literally going to go through the town, finding ghosts and learning about themselves and whatnot. But once I found out that Duke and Brian were there, still alive in Echo, it dawned on me. THEY are the ghosts, the remnants of Echo's past horrors and trauma. It makes perfect sense that they would still be there. Cameron and Devon were their last nail in the coffin.
I keep thinking of that shadow that jumped Cameron in the forest, the perceived "fork" during the shotgun blast in the mines. Echo, the town, may be dead but its trauma was still able to seep through. However, that is...kind of necessary? We will NEVER be able to forget our past trauma. No matter how hard we try. Like Devon trying to make up past mistakes, Brian trying to forget his victims and continue his selfish tirade. It stays with you, like a scar. Scars heal but the mark is still there. The only thing we can do is learn and keep moving. Embrace our trauma and choose whether we want to keep living or just stop. You can never get what you had back. Your choices define your future.
Thanks again for making this short novel. It might not be as "popular" as the other vns but I don't think that is the point. The best creative works in the world are when creatives create for themselves and the world simply enjoys what they created. You wrote something for you and it clearly does resonate with many folks.
Thank you for your hard work. You are appreciated and loved. All of you peeps in the Echo crew. Thank you. ❤️
loved this
I'm very excited to what will happen to Echo after this even. The vn was fun! It really puts you on ease while reading it and it makes you feel like you're actually the character that's experiencing all of those 10000/10 can't wait for the future of echo
Does this game takes place after the event of echo or in the middle of it? overall the game is so good that It kept me all night just to finish it 🥹 can't wait for the next game you guys would release about the echo
5 years after
Honestly it's p probably cus of me not finishings the other endings on echo, but of what I remember didn't the bear and the weasel die?, I thought it was and an alternate universe, but then again the otter drown thing still happened that mean the previous cast on echo could still be alive
I won't give you game spoilers, but I once wrote a theory in a comment which ending with echo is compatible with arches. I noticed the deaths of Brian and Duke. However, I recommend going through all the endings in echo.
Arches doesn’t follow any of the Echo routes, it follows a “route” we were never given the option to take.
The closest route was from Tj after the incident
i created an itch.io account just to comment this. what an unique experience, beautiful. awesome work! 10/10
Okay... I don't know what to say. I beat the game... I experienced the game practically a few hours after the update. And I wanted to write my opinion, thoughts on what I played right after I finished the game. But all this time I was unable to express my thoughts in words. What I'm going to write now will be long and I'm sure most people won't read it. But I feel I have to say something, and I'm grateful to anyone who reads this. There will be spoilers here, so if you haven't played this game, do so first.
Incredible. This word best describes what I experienced playing Arches. I am usually a critical person when I evaluate various creations of popular culture. I've seen a lot of visual novels and other creations in this fandom, but also in other fandoms. Many of these creations were of very poor quality. I am often disappointed when modern culture tries to show very schematic plots in a very unoriginal way. It's obvious that many plots will be schematic because there are many works around the world, but even a schematic thing can be shown well. And I like many traditional forms, like the fight between good and evil, etc. but any traditional form can be retold in a new way. Also, many modern works of culture try to move people's emotions by causing shock through drasticness, jumpscares and through sweetly sad plots. These works, instead of causing a stir of emotions in me, often cause laughter or embarrassment. In many works, the characters appear artificial and devoid of depth. Many works understand in a very simple and distorted way the problems of the modern world and people. Often looking from a very flawed perspective. Some works try to be artificially moralizing. And I am somewhat of a moralist, but I believe that the moral in history must be shown well. It can't be shown right in the viewer's face screaming: THIS IS GOOD, THIS IS BAD, YOU MUST BELIEVE IT OR YOU ARE BAD. A good work must present its moral and thought in a subtle way to make the viewer think.
Arches does not make a single mistake of modern works of culture. I really haven't experienced something as good as this game in a long time. In a way, I regained hope in modern works of culture. But now to the point.
Arches shows a very genuine and very realistic love relationship between two people. This is not a relationship based on sex. This is also not a relationship based on childish emotional ecstasy. It's not a perfect relationship either. This is a truly living relationship transferred from real life. Not everything goes well in this relationship. Not everything goes perfectly. There are many things that go against being perfect. And paradoxically, thanks to the fact that this relationship is not perfect, it makes this relationship perfect. Problems often arise in relationships with other people. Cameron's trauma and mental issues are a challenge in this relationship here. It is a challenge for him and for Devon, who does everything to support his partner. In life, we often struggle with our own problems, but in a real and honest relationship, we struggle with problems together with someone we love. The purpose of a relationship is not always to be fulfilled for yourself. The purpose of a relationship is to help each other to make each other better and to try to become better ourselves. Devon and Cameron share a strong love for each other and we can feel it. We can cheer them on to solve their problems and to survive in a difficult situation. We can be happy when they are finally together and overcome the problems in their relationship. We can be sad when they argue, but feel relieved when despite the arguments, their love turns out to be stronger. I personally observe many gay couples in real life who don't do well in relationships and quickly break up. I personally experienced such situations. Every couple, straight and gay, should see this game. Especially a couple who have some problems.
The game very realistically shows what trauma is. The end of the game shows it best. We can look into the minds of the characters very thoroughly, even though the narrator is in the third person. For me, it's easier to identify with a character when the narrative is in the first person. That was something I really liked about Echo. It's easier to show the character's thoughts in this way and it's easier to identify with him. The narrative here is third person. However, this is very good, because we have not one but two main characters here. This helps us see what's going on in the bigger picture. It's also done in such a way that we can empathize with each character very well. We can really feel the perspective of Cameron, Devon and even Arturo. Each of them experiences the events of the echo differently. Of course, Cameron's perspective seems to be the clearest here, but others have not been left out.
In the face of the modern wave of mental problems in the world, this game corresponds well with our times. Showing love in the context of the fight for the mental health of your partner (and the fight for your health), which is so strong that it can even endure sacrifices such as the lack of fulfillment of sexual needs. But back to the issue of trauma and struggling with trauma, this game shows hope. There is always hope, even when you feel like there is none. You have to fight for your health. Sometimes you can be too weak. Then a close person and trust in them can be helpful. It's good to have someone like that.
The game also touches on philosophical struggles. At first, the main character seems to be an atheist and a bit of a nihilist as well. At the end, however, there is hope for life after death. We don't know what awaits us when we die and whether the reality after death is good or not. But we can still hope, and I think hope is important here. Hope can break nihilism and give our lives meaning. I myself hope that there is a heaven and I will be happy there. And that everything will be better there than it is in this world. Hopes for heaven and something after death is also a reflection of our hope each day for a better tomorrow. I like that the game doesn't romanticize suffering, but shows suffering as it really is. From the side of thought, from the side of psychology and also philosophy. In suffering, the most important thing is hope, and hope can really save us. However, the game does not impose philosophical views on whether or not to believe in life after death. The question remains open. It's a good decision in my opinion. This does not impose views on anyone what other works of culture are trying to do. At the same time, this does not make the message subjective. This makes the message objective and adequate to everyone.
The game shows well some people's problems with their own identity. When a lot of terrible things are going on in your head, sometimes you lose yourself. You lose a piece of who you used to be. You often behave differently than you want. You often do things you regret. You ask yourself who you really are in the face of doing things that contradict yourself. It is necessary to always remember that if a part of you is broken and you have trouble putting yourself back together, it is always possible to fix it with help.
The last thing is the brilliant psychological horror. This game rarely scares you with monsters outside of you, but attacks you with monsters inside your mind. The atmosphere and tension are very well built. The action starts slowly at first. Then faster and faster. At one point, the action keeps a fast pace and keeps you in suspense, they release that tension from time to time. It's a good thing the game isn't too long, because that could spoil the tension. This can be done by other people and what can happen in the head of a person after difficult experiences is a greater horror than a monster walking in the forest. I think Echo combined these two aspects in a good way. Here the monsters have definitely gone aside. This is completely opposite to the smoke room where monsters are the main bogey in the smoke room. I feel like there are also some direct references to us, the players. One of the monsters looking at the scene where brian strangles cameron seems to me to be us gamers watching the tragedy happen like a spectacle. I will never forget the moment when cameron is staring at us centrally. Such moments additionally involve the players in the events that are happening. It's not a direct fourth wall break, but it's done in a very subliminal and clever way.
To sum up, it's been a long time since there was such a work that would engage me so completely. It involved my feeling, emotions, thinking and everything else. It's a really good visual novel that we can learn a lot from. I also hope that such works of some people raise their spirits and help or raise awareness about really important problems. Thank you very much for this game. It was worth waiting for.
Yes!!! the way everything was executed in this short novel is excellent. I hope we get another cast of characters like these again. Their characters, struggles, and interactions feel so realistic/heartfely. I'm telling you man these Echo writers are experienced fucks.
I`m blown away, this has been such an experience! such a story built well sounds and designs and emotions, truly a story to be cautioned for future readers but oh so recommended for a overwhelming cascade of feelings.. bravo bravo!!
Alright
so i have to stop my self and think before i type up anything. this VN was a trip for me, a rollercoaster of emotions the swirled in my very core. sounds dramatic but it really felt that way. I loved every minute of it. waiting on the smoke room to be finished to piece the story of all 3 stories together (the smoke room, echo, and arches).But all and all 10/10
At times absolutely horrifying and beautiful.
(There's also a bug on the android version (possibly others also?) where the background songs/sounds will not loop, leading to a bit of an awkward silence sometimes.)
Compared to Echo, it really feels a lot more certain with what it is trying to accomplish. Also I absolutely loved that the epilogue took its time.
I must say that the art style is a lot better. Instead of the heavily edited photos, that would then suddenly switch to (comparatively) the most beautiful illustration you've ever seen, this sequel is fully done in a very nicely stylized and incredibly cinematic style.
Pair that with some truly masterful music from Anthemics, and you've got an absolutely kino experience.
I just wish it was longer, but oh well, it's understandable, since making a big story after the events of Echo is basically impossible, as the town gets mostly abandoned. ...And also quality>quantity.
10/10 music
10/10 graphics
10/10 story
Wasn't this finished?
Not until they're 110 after all 😭😭
I'm not ready I am really not-
Yeah, I was not. Holy- fuck. Fucking hell.
I loved every second of it.
My emotions all over the fucking place, and woah. I couldn't hold back my tears at some points
What a ride this was to go through
The thing about Echo is that no matter how unforgivable the story, there is something so satisfying about its entirety UwU
Arches was a f#cking wild ride, thank xou so much for sharing it with us <3
This game is amazing, i cried while reading the ending 100/10
I love the epilogue. It's a realistic depiction of recovering from trauma. They realize things will never be the same as it used to be bc of echo. But even so, they yearn for a future that may or may not exist.
Oh boy, im not ready
I indeed wasn't ready🥲
holy shit dude. finished the story and like. holy fuck. holy shit. holy mother of fuck.
god.
so like 10/10 game echo project never misses
lets fucking go, new update, been waiting SO damn long for this
wow, i love every second of reading this, it was great. and shit, there were times i even felt tears.(must be because im pretty emotional)
well. i loved the story. it kinda struck something in me so 10/10 would most likely read again!
with Arches ending i would like to ask for help filling out the Arches TvTropes page
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/VisualNovel/Arches
After clear the story i need explain everybody pls i need explain what happen after we left echo omg i cant, and when cameron say that hes a vessel what is that mean omg
HUGE SPOILERS AHEAD
If I understand correctly, the whole thing with Cameron being the "vessel" for Devon is a vision Cam sees of what's happening in the alternative timeline, where Cam failed to survive Brian's gunshot.
The version of the present in which Devon lives on either possessed by something that resembles Cam (I think its not actually Cam, because think about Sam) or just lost his mind (which is less likely, because I don't think that things are ever that simple in Echo VNs, even if it IS a reasonable explanation).
Like, remember how Cam saw a vision of himself getting shot in the head and then grabbed at Brian's gunshot so that it doesn't happen?
Well, what he saw was a version of future that does actually exist, and the one he succeeded to avoid, thus creating a "fork in the road" of time.
To better understand this look up "Quantum suicide and immortality"
I'm crying
Over all I enjoyed reading this story, while the main story is over I do hope for a short story about a happy date with these two. They deserve it!
Is this the least shitty ending Echo project gave us yet? I guess there's hope for TSR.
BANGER. Ending left me with questions regarding Devon's sanity but I guess they are truly alive and gay happy. This headcanon will be an absolute to me.
Happy ending but sad to see such a great story come to an end. Thanks again guys for your efforts, end... 🥲
Is that recording thingy a part of Cameron's soul? Cameron sees through time and space while it records emotionless.