I used this order myself and enjoyed it. This is also the order everything came out in from my understanding.
You can tweak the order a bit, like doing Leo first or swapping around TJ and Flynn, but I suggest that you save TJ and Flynn for your 3rd and 4th playthroughs and do Jenna last.
Route 65 is a prequel to Echo with the same cast, but it should be played after you do Leo’s route for maximum emotional impact in my opinion.
After you finish Echo you should be good to go with Arches (Sequel) or The Smoke Room (Prequel). You should probably finish Echo first before going to either of these, but I was introduced to the series with Build 2 of Arches and don’t feel like too much was spoiled.
Here is the timeline you asked for as well:
Echo takes place during Spring Break of 2015 (Mid to late March).
Route 65 is a prequel to Echo with the same cast set on November 1st, 2008, when the cast is in High School.
Arches is a sequel with a new cast of characters that takes place after the events of Echo in 2020, at some point before Lockdown (Likely February or Early March).
The Smoke Room is a prequel with its own cast set in the town of Echo, but in 1915.
Technically you could play the game chronologically, however, it would be better to play starting with Echo in my opinion and sandwiching in Route 65 after you complete one or two routes in Echo.
(SPOILERS)I have a few questions which I still don't understand after reading through the story:
Who and what is this "spirit" that controls Chase (and eventually takes on Flynn too)?
In Leo's route, how did Flynn know Chase was in the mines(or to better state it, why was Flynn in the mines in the first place because it's highly unlikely Flynn knew where Chase was).
This might be a no-brainer question to some, but who was the true culprit involving Sydney's death?
Does the end of Flynn's route imply Flynn is the true monster and in this story?
What is the true cause of the mass hysteria in Echo? I feel as if something deeper is at play other than, "Chase's bad energy made everyone crazy".
What the hell even happened in Carl's route? It made so many references to the Smoke Room, which I don't even understand. The ending was sweet compared to the others imo.
I know most of these questions are probably still unexplained but these questions were seriously nagging my brain and I couldn't hold it any longer.
1. Chase is possessed by two ghosts: Sam (the actually good one) and the mirror ghost (from TJ route), the mirror one is probably responsible for Chase killing Sydney back in the day.
2. (I think) the reason Flynn is present in the mines is the same as in Flynn's route, he got there because of his histeria hallucinations that led to safe otter from death.
3. 99% Chase, however as I mentioned before I doubt Chase killed otter without exterior influence (the most probably the mirror ghost made him to do it)
4. There is a lot of ghosts in Echo, Flynn is the one that can travel through timeliness, the "socketface", the very same that Jenna, TJ etc. saw through their life
5. (I think) it is the main reason of the mass histeria beginning. Chase didn't want anyone to know what he did so fatal forces had to make histeria again to reveal truth. I do believe it is the reason, because in TJ route there is no histeria, the most likely reason is because TJ made a game that lead to reveal Chase's murder and histeria wasn't necessary. It wasn't otter's bad energy, it was his sin from the past that lead to this tragedy.
6. I don't understand? The whole plot was that the people trapped in "inception" had to reveal the Jack's? James'? rape on kids? whatever xd. This one that possessed Carl though
If someone see that I made a mistake or has other theory feel free to write it down, there is no plain answer for most of the questions :)
I recently finished all the routes in the game + Route 65 and agree with most of what you said. I haven't played The Smoke Room yet, but have seen Build 2 for Arches, so I may be missing something talked about in TSR.
1. Chase does appear to be possessed, however, I'm not sure that Sam is actually good. In Flynn's route he pushes Chase and Flynn to condemn each other and guides Flynn into the mines to become the Red Socket Monster. Maybe I misunderstand Sam's reasoning, but between that, his constant insults towards Chase, and how Mr. Bronson and Sydney reacted to being possessed by Sam, I'm led to believe that he is probably not a good spirit either.
2. I think you are right on this one. Flynn never really explains why he knew in Leo's route and its not explained in other routes. I assume it was either the Hysteria giving him that info (Similar to how he was led to the mines on his route) or that the Moore family knows more about the source of the Hysteria and Flynn's aunt tipped him off.
3. I 100% agree with you that it is likely that Chase was possessed when killing Sydney (if that is what happened). Chase is repeatedly described as being a good simmer for his friend group but bad by Otter standards. Sydney (also an Otter) is more athletic that Chase but somehow could not hold his own against Chase. While Chase did get a surprise attack on Sydney, the speed and power needed to hold down another person long enough to drown them is beyond a 10 year old in my opinion, especially when they should be able to hold their breath as long as you. I think Chase was given extra strength to kill Sydney by the Mirror Ghost (Likely a spirit that wants the Hysteria to occur) to kill Sydney. This would be similar to when Chase gains strength to beat up Flynn in TJ's route.
I do want to mention though it is strange to me that the only route that attempts to confirm Chase killed Sydney is TJ's. It is touched on with people accusing Chase in Leo, Flynn and Jenna's routes (And I assume Duke was accusing Chase in Carl's route, but it never fully came up), however, none of those routes fully confirm it. Chase when not possessed (by the Mirror Ghost) doesn't seem to really remember it, but in TJ's route he gets either fully or near fully possessed and seems to realize what happened. Only in TJ's route does he seem to admit to killing Sydney. I have some theories regarding the Timeline and how Route 65 works as a prequel but this is already a long post.
4. I think you got this dead right, so I have nothing to add.
5. So the Hysteria seems to be a cyclical aspect of Echo, caused either by the Quartz in the mines or just some cursed aspect of the land itself. The area absorbs the negative energy of the people who are in the area over time. Every so often the negative energy is released back onto the town's inhabitants and you get a Hysteria Event. The trigger of an event appears to be whenever a murder occurs and the killer gets away without being caught, but I think that is not quite on the money. For example Mr. Bronson and Janice killed Sam and hid the body, but there was no Hysteria in the 70s (The most recent event at that time was the 60s if I recall correctly), Sydney's accident with his father could also have been a trigger but nothing beyond the possession seems to have happened for either of them. There is also the issue with Brian killing 19 people and none of their deaths appear to act as a trigger for the Hysteria, but somehow Chase returning to town is the trigger. It's also mentioned that the Hysteria would have happened eventually even if Chase never returned, so Chase's return was just the tipping point. This leads me to believe that the true Trigger is Chase having relationship issues with the rest of the friend group.
Each friend has some reason they care deeply about Chase and want him to spend time with them, so when Chase focuses on someone else their issues seem to intensify. Examples include: Leo's Chase Tulpa, Carl's route being about a haunted house which was why Chase spent the entire summer in 5th grade with him as well as Carl having an imaginary Chase he spoke to when crashing his car, TJ always wants Chase to join him on a hike and Jenna mentions that TJ was most excited to see Chase, Flynn has a strong attraction to Chase but believes that it wouldn't work due to a variety of circumstances, and last but not least is Jenna mentioning she gets jealous of what she can't have and when Chase spends time with her she flaunts it in front of Leo. I think that due to everyone wanting Chase to spend time with them, stresses the group and also may be the reason why Chase appears to be the center of focus for the Hysteria. Throw in that Chase probably killed Sydney on top of that and you've got a huge storm coming, honey.
6. Carl's route is a bit off, but that may be due to it being written first. James and John are possessing their descendants (Carl and Jenna) in a fight to either hide what really happened or reveal the truth of who was the pedophilic serial killer (The worst combo). Chase gets wrapped up in this due to the town using him as the witness that has to figure out which spirit is telling the truth and which one lies, while Raven kinda got stuck by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Carl's route feels the most disconnected with what is going on in Echo, but that is due to it really being focused on what happened around the time of The Smoke Room. Since it takes place around that time it makes sense for TSR to have a few references to Carl's route.
As stated before I just finished the game and haven't check out TSR so I could be missing somethings and this is all just my two cents. If there is something wrong or you have a different theory, I would love to hear it.
Thanks! I've been thinking over Echo a ton recently and have a few theories about some things within the plot.
The weirdest theory I have involves the various timelines and how Route 65 not only affects which route you are on in Echo, but might also affect what happened during the groups childhood.
I would love to see what other theories people have though cause it would be nice to see other perspectives on what happened in Echo.
I love your explanations on events so far. I'd be really curious to hear your thoughts on the route 65 changes to the group dynamic as I havent placed those pieces together yet myself.
The one thing I think I have a slightly differing opinion on is what happened at the end of Flynns route.
Spoilers!
I dont believe that Flynn is going through time. He is experiencing the events that happened in echo from the "almagamations" perspective as he's being assimilated in to it. I believe this is because he left everything (Carl and Dax who were representations of a good past friend and friends he could make) behind to learn the truth about what happened to Sydney. The spirit then takes the truth from him as he loses his eyesight.
The ending to carl route is so heart warming. It's make you feel like things are real but also not, gives me sometimes to think about my live, that's how deep it touched me. It such a rollercoaster of emotion, from the music of horror to the romantic music when chase and carl are together. I'm just really disappointed that they didn't get together after all that happens, if they did my heart wouldn't be so broken. The series is so good with everything linking to the smoke room i love it. I would like to have a future of echo tho more into the characters lives, mostly about Carl tho just bc he's such a bf material. I don't recommend reading if you can't takes emotional attacks from every route, you'll be scars but you'll learn some valuable lesson, except for leo he's just that crazy ex.
You can get more of Carl in Echo Interactive Short Stories: Benefits. I wouldn't call Carl "bf material" considering his "bad" habits - his frequent laziness and drug use that enables his laziness (and craziness in Jenna's route). I understand there are times to unwind and destress, but if someone lacks motivation, lives in constant fear (TJ), and/or make excuses to justify their ineptitude, regardless if they are wealthy and can provide, they are not relationship material for meESPECIALLY if they can't strike deep, meaningful dialogue. Carl is cute and can be hot but reasons above. Flynn is sexy but too toxic. Jenna is my intellectual soul mate, but she is female and I ain't hetero; therefore, besties. Leo, at least, is committed, understanding, passionate, idealogical, and determined (CUPID) who is willing to compromise and work towards the future together ad astra (bf material).
To dumb it wayyyyy down for you, I said Leo has the qualities that make him more bf material tome than Carl and/or Flynn. After all, Leo DOES have bf experience on his dating resume whereas the other two do not. I choose Leo>Carl>Flynn>TJ; Jenna, if I was straight/bi. READ carefully.
Don't worry I read what you said properly I was just dumbing it down as you say so as to not repeat your whole paragraph, if it really bother you that much you can replace the word toxic with flawed in my first post.
My point was that you singled out the flaws in Carl and Flynn while ignoring the very obvious ones in Leo which I found very funny, especially considering how prevalent they are in the story. But hey more power to you my dude, I just thought that was an interesting takeaway from the game.
Bout to play Jenna's route after Leo and TJ's. The story keeps pulling me in even though its almost paralyzing, like I have a heavy feeling in my chest similar to drowning. wish my sanity luck on my next route lol
I could not have been more impressed, absolute bravo to the team behind this. So far I've only made 1 play through. And it was the TJ route. (I honestly didn't even realize I had chosen his route when I made the decision but I came to grow really attached to the character). I cant remember a time I felt so emotionally invested in a story and its characters, absolutely amazing!
Leo is good but i think imma pass - _- i always imagined a guy being like that to me but too much is too much so no thanks, also the thing he did with someone
i feel betrayed after knowing that i thought he loves the mc but mehh fuck leo spoilers
Love the game tho thanks for giving me the nightmares <3 (jk)
Shadow Chase walking animation gives me the chillls its still on my brain ffs
"You were kinda thin, which was cute, but you should eat more..." "Make sure Chase gets a real big chunk. He's getting waaay too skinny." WHAT DO YOU WANT, LEO??? TELL ME A SHAPE TO BE AND I'LL BE IT
yes, but the question is, what does Leo actually want? the earlier implies thinner than chase currently is would be most attractive to him, the latter the opposite
Former statement implies Leo thinks Chase was cute when he was skinny. The conjunction "but" implies he wants something more from him in the present/future as opposed to the past; hence, Leo tells Chase he "should eat more" as a nudging suggestion in hopes to appeal to his newfound appetite. Leo expresses his sexual taste for THICC otters when he states he desires "real big chunk" and dislikes "way too skinny"; the phrase "too [insert adjective here]" sets a negative connotation in just about any language and describes someone of having a trait that seems excessive and unhealthy. I fail to understand how you didn't understand even your own post...
Regardless, if perfect, then why did Leo make his statement? Tulpa Chase represents the past that Leo clings onto; hence, the physical thinness and missing goatee. Despite the fact, the tulpa is also present because sometimes Leo desparately feels he wants Chase around. You can call someone cute (a subtle attraction), but then you also want them to be hot by [insert activity here] (a profound attraction).
PRAISE: This game's story is absolutely fantastic, I sadly chose the TJ route as my first (I thought he was cute) and the feeling I was left with was one of [sadness, loss, happiness, a little bit scared and traumatised]. Never in my life have I felt in such a way after watching/reading any book, series, movie or game. I'm kinda scared of playing the other routes for now, but I will. 9.99/10
FEEDBACK:
- A true ending would be amazing for clearing things out, straightening them
- Another ending for TJ. At least an option for not (SPOILERS AHEAD: killing Flynn) or fighting off whatever the hell that thing in Chase's head was at the hotel and in his mind
(I just want my boy TJ and Chase to be happy together qwq)
as someone who's really really keen on communication, it's interesting to think about how different things could be if chase just talked. talk to jenna in the car ride over, talk to leo when he gets to the motel, talk to flynn on a walk along the lake, talk to tj on a hike, talk to carl over a smoke and a game. things could be so much better if they just talked.
I just want Leo and Chase to have another chance or just an open ending about them. Not Micha and Leo interesting in each other because I can see how their relationship is changing. Whyyyyyyy Echo Project
BIG AGREE. if i were chase i'd say something along the lines of, "listen, leo. i have felt terrible about how my hanging out with jenna this past week made you feel, and it, along with the threat posed by micha, has made me realize just how much i can't live without you. if we could speak as openly about all our problems as the van made us with this, i think we could get through anything. could i ever convince you to take my dumb ass back?
ikr,The writers could make a good ending for Jenna and Chase, everyone else still be friends and could be a couple in the future, but not a chance for Leo and Chase to get back together( WHAT??), I literally don't know why and Leo's ''good'' ending is not it. Because there are still problems to solve, but they decided to make Chase run away from all the problems to live with Kudzu, Leo is traumatized, alone and don't need anybody helps for the rest of his life
i think any problem in a relationship can be worked through with open, honest discussion, and it hurts to never get the chance to do that. i get why as a character Chase wouldn't, but it still hurts
No, but you can infer by definition. Draco even answered you in parantheses as to "who[m]" Leo may have called chula. A little bewildered you didn't catch who chula is on first reference in the VN...
You failed to mention Micha in your original post...
How was there ever a thing between Leo and Micha apart from the prequel...? What is "love" to you? Because I don't sense any "love" (perhaps sympathy) between the two.
is it bad that the things the game considers bad about leo and reasons he and chase dont work only attract me to him more? i want nothing more than a good ending with leo, even if i know why he doesn't have one. maybe in another game in the franchise i guess...
that's really upsetting. i love leo so much. i know chase isn't a player insert type, so there's no reason to think things between me and (bi au) leo would go thusly, but, it still hurts. the "bad" ending is definitely my canon ending, i can't leave him.
Yeah its sad. I like Leo too, he's an interesting and cool character. Chase is cute but they have so many problems! Honestly though they should have given their relationship another chance.
Oh man , I want to play this game but I was too scared . I Played adastra before and I took it so hard , I don't think playing this game is good for my emotions but I want to tryyy !!!
I swear,if echoproject started making this VN in to a movie its going to make my dream come true and it will be the best of the best movie I've ever watched......if echoproject is planning it for the future I'll be sure to support you guys one day im finished my college and get a job I'll help you guys so my wish will be come true its gonna be so damn worth it,watching it is the only wish i had now in my life before i die ,I'll wait....
I do not agree with turning Echo into a movie. There are just wayyy too many routes and endings to solidify into an hour-and-a-half plot; then, there is the issue of determining what is canon by the developers and sharp criticism from the passionate fandom. If anything, I can see Echo as a Netflix adaptation making vol.1 have a mix of good and bad endings for half the characters and vol.2 another mix for the rest of the crew.
*Minor info (that some may consider as a major spoiler) about Carl's route down below
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You Know, at a point, Carl tells you that he has a job interview on Friday. But then why does it happen on Saturday? Is this something that is known and ignored by the writers or....? I don't know. Could someone please explain?
Before reading this VN i got happy,enjoy and inloved but.....after reading it....suddenly idk whats going on i just feel numb..like got a huge depression and anxiety or something i just dont understand what makes that VN change me or idk........and the part it makes me want to read it all again....the voice or sam was right....i will be back,he knew that I'd be back....
i feel you. Same thing happened to me. It will pass. Honestly some routes stuck to me more than others. Especially Leo’s route. There is so much symbolism and it just speaks to me. “Echo is a bad place, but Leo is a comfort. Do you let yourself sink like an anchor and stay in the place that makes you miserable? Or do you catch that last train ride out of this hell hole?” That is so my life. I hate where I am but I stayed because of the few comforts. It really really bugged me to change my situation (but for reasons I actually cant. So that train out of here is just a tease for me that I cant actually reach, sadly).
Yes me too, i choose the bad ending cus i want him hes my comfort even tho we didn't escaped echo atleast hes there for me he helped my injury from the train at the moment he took care of me we feel comfortable each other we get to be together again he loves me so much and i love him so much either also i don't want to leave leo alone heartbroken became depressed for all his life i felt so bad leaving him like that being depressed before and........i dont care about echo......as long as leo is with me im fine,im happy im comfortable.he will protect me.....he will always be there for me....i wont let him be sad or depressed ever again.....hes love is warm.......theres is a happily ever after at the bad endings.....
hello! i just finished plaing adastra and wanted to play echo.
in wich order should i play the game? a few people said Carl>Leo>Jenna>TJ>Flynn but some people say that i should play it in TJ>Leo>Flynn>Jenna>Carl, in wich order should i play the game? :)
damn,.......samuel.......i feel bad for him.....said that Samuel has a family contact or point contac outside state after chase reported his name to the system and i dont think Samuel has a family but maybe a people who knows him??....poor samuel just died alone on the roadside buried....this VN is full of tragedies that's how i love it
her earlier sprites make her look like a fennec fox a she was refer to as such in earlier uptates, but her later designs make her like a kit fox which makes more sense since fennec foxes are native to north Africa while kit foxes are native to western north America including Utah, however the wiki just list her species as "desest fox ", can anyone explain what happened?
hiya guys, can i ask which route after carl and leo should i pick next. I see some comments that said i should follow a certain pattern of routes because of how some mysteries from the past routes are revealed. Some say jenna>tj>flynn but others say tj>flynn>jenna, mainly because something about jenna's route being the better ending. I dont mind a having the worst ending, i just wanted to play echo how the author wants us to play. So im open to suggesions
So my take away from Flynns ending other than it being extremely sad is that Flynn doesn't become socket face that appears in other routes. It's more of a vague time traveling in the sense that he's experiencing events that the socket face was there for whether it's some state of limbo or Flynn is actually there is kept ambiguous and could most likely be both in some scenarios. What leads me to believe this is that you are given the choice to kill Salem, brain, or Keith. The thing is brain is still alive in echo so is Salem until the very end and dies in a different but similar way so it doesn't make sense for there to be an option for you to have a choice here. Along with how weirdly dream like that scenario was with the tv and salem acting funny but what we do know is that this has happened in before in some way, keith did die other wise Flynn wouldn't have any reason to be seeing this it has to be some kind of created dreamlike scenario that has some truth to it. I also notice how Flynns transformation was inconsistent, Tj describes the monster as "3 holes, 2 for the eyes, 1 for the mouth" (flynn also has control in this scene) but flynn's eyes pop when he tries to see what happend to Sydney which was after tj saw socket face and he's blinded but later is able to see a younger jenna. Speaking of TJ flynns route is only one where he mentions he saw socket face and recognizes it in the car scene "its real!?" but in Leos route he doesn't even recognize it "what was that!? what was that!?". The ending is really confusing and ambiguous for a reason so it's fine to come up with your own conclusions.
Killing Salem/Brian/Keith lead to different routes, for example if you will decide to kill Brian you will get Leo route IN Flynn route, etc. for others.
Flynn doesn't have to have any reason to kill any character, he is already a monster changed by histeria, don't expect from him being this gila we knew.
Socket monster is able to travel through time, he is and isn't everywhere and in everyone routes and lives (I confused myself writing this one, I dont speak english, leme explain more: at the very same time he is at the lake when Syd got killed, when Jenna was upset and sad etc.)
In Leo's route lynx is confused instead of shocked, because he went through breakdown, he is broken to the core and in Flynn's he is more stable (that's why he catch more from monster)
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Hey guys, I want to read this visual novel saga but I need your advice in regards of the order/timeline I have to follow to understand it fully.
I'm sure Arches is the last but in regards to ROUTE 65 and ECHO, which one should I read first?
Thank you in advance,
Snow
A common route order I see is the following:
Carl, Leo, Route 65, TJ, Flynn and end on Jenna.
I used this order myself and enjoyed it. This is also the order everything came out in from my understanding.
You can tweak the order a bit, like doing Leo first or swapping around TJ and Flynn, but I suggest that you save TJ and Flynn for your 3rd and 4th playthroughs and do Jenna last.
Route 65 is a prequel to Echo with the same cast, but it should be played after you do Leo’s route for maximum emotional impact in my opinion.
After you finish Echo you should be good to go with Arches (Sequel) or The Smoke Room (Prequel). You should probably finish Echo first before going to either of these, but I was introduced to the series with Build 2 of Arches and don’t feel like too much was spoiled.
Here is the timeline you asked for as well:
Echo takes place during Spring Break of 2015 (Mid to late March).
Route 65 is a prequel to Echo with the same cast set on November 1st, 2008, when the cast is in High School.
Arches is a sequel with a new cast of characters that takes place after the events of Echo in 2020, at some point before Lockdown (Likely February or Early March).
The Smoke Room is a prequel with its own cast set in the town of Echo, but in 1915.
Technically you could play the game chronologically, however, it would be better to play starting with Echo in my opinion and sandwiching in Route 65 after you complete one or two routes in Echo.
Hope you enjoy the read!
(SPOILERS)I have a few questions which I still don't understand after reading through the story:
Who and what is this "spirit" that controls Chase (and eventually takes on Flynn too)?
In Leo's route, how did Flynn know Chase was in the mines(or to better state it, why was Flynn in the mines in the first place because it's highly unlikely Flynn knew where Chase was).
This might be a no-brainer question to some, but who was the true culprit involving Sydney's death?
Does the end of Flynn's route imply Flynn is the true monster and in this story?
What is the true cause of the mass hysteria in Echo? I feel as if something deeper is at play other than, "Chase's bad energy made everyone crazy".
What the hell even happened in Carl's route? It made so many references to the Smoke Room, which I don't even understand. The ending was sweet compared to the others imo.
I know most of these questions are probably still unexplained but these questions were seriously nagging my brain and I couldn't hold it any longer.
Spoilers alert!
1. Chase is possessed by two ghosts: Sam (the actually good one) and the mirror ghost (from TJ route), the mirror one is probably responsible for Chase killing Sydney back in the day.
2. (I think) the reason Flynn is present in the mines is the same as in Flynn's route, he got there because of his histeria hallucinations that led to safe otter from death.
3. 99% Chase, however as I mentioned before I doubt Chase killed otter without exterior influence (the most probably the mirror ghost made him to do it)
4. There is a lot of ghosts in Echo, Flynn is the one that can travel through timeliness, the "socketface", the very same that Jenna, TJ etc. saw through their life
5. (I think) it is the main reason of the mass histeria beginning. Chase didn't want anyone to know what he did so fatal forces had to make histeria again to reveal truth. I do believe it is the reason, because in TJ route there is no histeria, the most likely reason is because TJ made a game that lead to reveal Chase's murder and histeria wasn't necessary. It wasn't otter's bad energy, it was his sin from the past that lead to this tragedy.
6. I don't understand? The whole plot was that the people trapped in "inception" had to reveal the Jack's? James'? rape on kids? whatever xd. This one that possessed Carl though
If someone see that I made a mistake or has other theory feel free to write it down, there is no plain answer for most of the questions :)
Spoilers alert!
I apologize for the long post in advance.
I recently finished all the routes in the game + Route 65 and agree with most of what you said. I haven't played The Smoke Room yet, but have seen Build 2 for Arches, so I may be missing something talked about in TSR.
1. Chase does appear to be possessed, however, I'm not sure that Sam is actually good. In Flynn's route he pushes Chase and Flynn to condemn each other and guides Flynn into the mines to become the Red Socket Monster. Maybe I misunderstand Sam's reasoning, but between that, his constant insults towards Chase, and how Mr. Bronson and Sydney reacted to being possessed by Sam, I'm led to believe that he is probably not a good spirit either.
2. I think you are right on this one. Flynn never really explains why he knew in Leo's route and its not explained in other routes. I assume it was either the Hysteria giving him that info (Similar to how he was led to the mines on his route) or that the Moore family knows more about the source of the Hysteria and Flynn's aunt tipped him off.
3. I 100% agree with you that it is likely that Chase was possessed when killing Sydney (if that is what happened). Chase is repeatedly described as being a good simmer for his friend group but bad by Otter standards. Sydney (also an Otter) is more athletic that Chase but somehow could not hold his own against Chase. While Chase did get a surprise attack on Sydney, the speed and power needed to hold down another person long enough to drown them is beyond a 10 year old in my opinion, especially when they should be able to hold their breath as long as you. I think Chase was given extra strength to kill Sydney by the Mirror Ghost (Likely a spirit that wants the Hysteria to occur) to kill Sydney. This would be similar to when Chase gains strength to beat up Flynn in TJ's route.
I do want to mention though it is strange to me that the only route that attempts to confirm Chase killed Sydney is TJ's. It is touched on with people accusing Chase in Leo, Flynn and Jenna's routes (And I assume Duke was accusing Chase in Carl's route, but it never fully came up), however, none of those routes fully confirm it. Chase when not possessed (by the Mirror Ghost) doesn't seem to really remember it, but in TJ's route he gets either fully or near fully possessed and seems to realize what happened. Only in TJ's route does he seem to admit to killing Sydney. I have some theories regarding the Timeline and how Route 65 works as a prequel but this is already a long post.
4. I think you got this dead right, so I have nothing to add.
5. So the Hysteria seems to be a cyclical aspect of Echo, caused either by the Quartz in the mines or just some cursed aspect of the land itself. The area absorbs the negative energy of the people who are in the area over time. Every so often the negative energy is released back onto the town's inhabitants and you get a Hysteria Event. The trigger of an event appears to be whenever a murder occurs and the killer gets away without being caught, but I think that is not quite on the money. For example Mr. Bronson and Janice killed Sam and hid the body, but there was no Hysteria in the 70s (The most recent event at that time was the 60s if I recall correctly), Sydney's accident with his father could also have been a trigger but nothing beyond the possession seems to have happened for either of them. There is also the issue with Brian killing 19 people and none of their deaths appear to act as a trigger for the Hysteria, but somehow Chase returning to town is the trigger. It's also mentioned that the Hysteria would have happened eventually even if Chase never returned, so Chase's return was just the tipping point. This leads me to believe that the true Trigger is Chase having relationship issues with the rest of the friend group.
Each friend has some reason they care deeply about Chase and want him to spend time with them, so when Chase focuses on someone else their issues seem to intensify. Examples include: Leo's Chase Tulpa, Carl's route being about a haunted house which was why Chase spent the entire summer in 5th grade with him as well as Carl having an imaginary Chase he spoke to when crashing his car, TJ always wants Chase to join him on a hike and Jenna mentions that TJ was most excited to see Chase, Flynn has a strong attraction to Chase but believes that it wouldn't work due to a variety of circumstances, and last but not least is Jenna mentioning she gets jealous of what she can't have and when Chase spends time with her she flaunts it in front of Leo. I think that due to everyone wanting Chase to spend time with them, stresses the group and also may be the reason why Chase appears to be the center of focus for the Hysteria. Throw in that Chase probably killed Sydney on top of that and you've got a huge storm coming, honey.
6. Carl's route is a bit off, but that may be due to it being written first. James and John are possessing their descendants (Carl and Jenna) in a fight to either hide what really happened or reveal the truth of who was the pedophilic serial killer (The worst combo). Chase gets wrapped up in this due to the town using him as the witness that has to figure out which spirit is telling the truth and which one lies, while Raven kinda got stuck by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Carl's route feels the most disconnected with what is going on in Echo, but that is due to it really being focused on what happened around the time of The Smoke Room. Since it takes place around that time it makes sense for TSR to have a few references to Carl's route.
As stated before I just finished the game and haven't check out TSR so I could be missing somethings and this is all just my two cents. If there is something wrong or you have a different theory, I would love to hear it.
Thanks for reading my TED talk.
dude, you apologize for such a long and factual com? I love when people are REALY trying to explain something, the longer com the better :)
Thanks! I've been thinking over Echo a ton recently and have a few theories about some things within the plot.
The weirdest theory I have involves the various timelines and how Route 65 not only affects which route you are on in Echo, but might also affect what happened during the groups childhood.
I would love to see what other theories people have though cause it would be nice to see other perspectives on what happened in Echo.
I love your explanations on events so far. I'd be really curious to hear your thoughts on the route 65 changes to the group dynamic as I havent placed those pieces together yet myself.
The one thing I think I have a slightly differing opinion on is what happened at the end of Flynns route.
Spoilers!
I dont believe that Flynn is going through time. He is experiencing the events that happened in echo from the "almagamations" perspective as he's being assimilated in to it. I believe this is because he left everything (Carl and Dax who were representations of a good past friend and friends he could make) behind to learn the truth about what happened to Sydney. The spirit then takes the truth from him as he loses his eyesight.
does anyone know the name of the song that plays during the credits of leo's """good""" ending?
The name of the song is Blurry by Bug Boy. You can also find the music used in the game in the music menu after hearing it once in game.
Thank You~!
The ending to carl route is so heart warming. It's make you feel like things are real but also not, gives me sometimes to think about my live, that's how deep it touched me. It such a rollercoaster of emotion, from the music of horror to the romantic music when chase and carl are together. I'm just really disappointed that they didn't get together after all that happens, if they did my heart wouldn't be so broken. The series is so good with everything linking to the smoke room i love it. I would like to have a future of echo tho more into the characters lives, mostly about Carl tho just bc he's such a bf material. I don't recommend reading if you can't takes emotional attacks from every route, you'll be scars but you'll learn some valuable lesson, except for leo he's just that crazy ex.
You can get more of Carl in Echo Interactive Short Stories: Benefits. I wouldn't call Carl "bf material" considering his "bad" habits - his frequent laziness and drug use that enables his laziness (and craziness in Jenna's route). I understand there are times to unwind and destress, but if someone lacks motivation, lives in constant fear (TJ), and/or make excuses to justify their ineptitude, regardless if they are wealthy and can provide, they are not relationship material for me ESPECIALLY if they can't strike deep, meaningful dialogue. Carl is cute and can be hot but reasons above. Flynn is sexy but too toxic. Jenna is my intellectual soul mate, but she is female and I ain't hetero; therefore, besties. Leo, at least, is committed, understanding, passionate, idealogical, and determined (CUPID) who is willing to compromise and work towards the future together ad astra (bf material).
Did you seriously type out that Carl and Flynn are too toxic to be bf material but Leo isn't lmao
Nowhere did I say Leo isn't toxic.
Nowhere did I say Carl is toxic.
Somewhere did I say Flynn IS toxic.
To dumb it wayyyyy down for you, I said Leo has the qualities that make him more bf material to me than Carl and/or Flynn. After all, Leo DOES have bf experience on his dating resume whereas the other two do not. I choose Leo>Carl>Flynn>TJ; Jenna, if I was straight/bi. READ carefully.
Don't worry I read what you said properly I was just dumbing it down as you say so as to not repeat your whole paragraph, if it really bother you that much you can replace the word toxic with flawed in my first post.
My point was that you singled out the flaws in Carl and Flynn while ignoring the very obvious ones in Leo which I found very funny, especially considering how prevalent they are in the story. But hey more power to you my dude, I just thought that was an interesting takeaway from the game.
Leo has flaws?
Bout to play Jenna's route after Leo and TJ's. The story keeps pulling me in even though its almost paralyzing, like I have a heavy feeling in my chest similar to drowning. wish my sanity luck on my next route lol
Good Luck~
I hate TJ.
you're moving in circles
I could not have been more impressed, absolute bravo to the team behind this. So far I've only made 1 play through. And it was the TJ route. (I honestly didn't even realize I had chosen his route when I made the decision but I came to grow really attached to the character). I cant remember a time I felt so emotionally invested in a story and its characters, absolutely amazing!
bro im traumatized after tjs route
It's worse on other routes.
i know i finished everyones route except jenna and i say flynns is the most deadly
Deadly like the gila monster, venomous (not speciest).
Agreed. I felt so bad for flynn at the end of his route
Is Leo a Yandere? Discuss
Leo is a leo.
He becomes one the crazier he gets
With the way Flynn talks about their relationship, I wonder if he sees Chase and Leo like Casey and Ryan sometimes
Chase coming out to Leo:
Spoilers :
Can we all agree that Brian is a big pile of garbage and that he deserves whatever horrible thing happens to him?
Yes, in Leo's, Jenna's and Flynn's route, a horrible thing happens to Brian.
As the previous user already wrote, this game really broke me, and I will not be able to move away from this state for a long time ...
I'm only interested in one question ... Will the third part with these characters? I mean, with Chase, Leo, TJ, Сarl, Flynn, and Jenna ...
What is your question?
I kind of wrote ...
...a question that doesn't make sense, yes.
Again, what is your question?
Will there be a new part with THESE characters? Here is my question ...
According to the Development Log:
"The Full Visual Novel Available Now" Apr 02, 2021
Therefore, no additional updates planned for Echo.
This game fucked me up but its soo heccin good <3
Leo is good but i think imma pass - _- i always imagined a guy being like that to me but too much is too much so no thanks, also the thing he did with someone
i feel betrayed after knowing that i thought he loves the mc but mehh fuck leo
spoilers
Love the game tho thanks for giving me the nightmares <3 (jk)
Shadow Chase walking animation gives me the chillls its still on my brain ffs
Hey, Echo team! Any plans for a CD soundtrack with custom print? Better yet, vinyl record!? Ea$y$! Also, Echo plushies; I'll order 6 please.
what i wouldn't do for a vinyl set and a leo plush...
"You were kinda thin, which was cute, but you should eat more..."
"Make sure Chase gets a real big chunk. He's getting waaay too skinny."
WHAT DO YOU WANT, LEO???
TELL ME A SHAPE TO BE AND I'LL BE ITI really like Chase's physique in this gallery pic, toned (average with a bit of chunk, which is kinda hot~). Leo too here all tall and broad, oomph~!
yes, but the question is, what does Leo actually want? the earlier implies thinner than chase currently is would be most attractive to him, the latter the opposite
Nooooo.....?
Former statement implies Leo thinks Chase was cute when he was skinny. The conjunction "but" implies he wants something more from him in the present/future as opposed to the past; hence, Leo tells Chase he "should eat more" as a nudging suggestion in hopes to appeal to his newfound appetite. Leo expresses his sexual taste for THICC otters when he states he desires "real big chunk" and dislikes "way too skinny"; the phrase "too [insert adjective here]" sets a negative connotation in just about any language and describes someone of having a trait that seems excessive and unhealthy. I fail to understand how you didn't understand even your own post...
yeah but he says the thinness is cute, and shadow chase is supposed to be Perfect for him, isn't he?
You originally failed to mention tulpa Chase....
Regardless, if perfect, then why did Leo make his statement? Tulpa Chase represents the past that Leo clings onto; hence, the physical thinness and missing goatee. Despite the fact, the tulpa is also present because sometimes Leo desparately feels he wants Chase around. You can call someone cute (a subtle attraction), but then you also want them to be hot by [insert activity here] (a profound attraction).
PRAISE: This game's story is absolutely fantastic, I sadly chose the TJ route as my first (I thought he was cute) and the feeling I was left with was one of [sadness, loss, happiness, a little bit scared and traumatised]. Never in my life have I felt in such a way after watching/reading any book, series, movie or game. I'm kinda scared of playing the other routes for now, but I will. 9.99/10
FEEDBACK:
- A true ending would be amazing for clearing things out, straightening them
- Another ending for TJ. At least an option for not (SPOILERS AHEAD:
killing Flynn) or fighting off whatever the hell that thing in Chase's head was at the hotel and in his mind(I just want my boy TJ and Chase to be happy together qwq)
as someone who's really really keen on communication, it's interesting to think about how different things could be if chase just talked. talk to jenna in the car ride over, talk to leo when he gets to the motel, talk to flynn on a walk along the lake, talk to tj on a hike, talk to carl over a smoke and a game. things could be so much better if they just talked.
I agree, and actually I'm going to try and do something like that in my future fanfiction, Echo true path.
consider me hyped~!
I hope I can do it really well
Heck let me know when this happens too
Yeah sure, I'm almost done with my "crazy" Echo fanfic and then will start the serious one thats my own route.
The voice in his head controlled him not to talk and manipulated his mind.
Spoiler Jenna Ending
I just want Leo and Chase to have another chance or just an open ending about them. Not Micha and Leo interesting in each other because I can see how their relationship is changing. Whyyyyyyy Echo Project
BIG AGREE. if i were chase i'd say something along the lines of, "listen, leo. i have felt terrible about how my hanging out with jenna this past week made you feel, and it, along with the threat posed by micha, has made me realize just how much i can't live without you. if we could speak as openly about all our problems as the van made us with this, i think we could get through anything. could i ever convince you to take my dumb ass back?
ikr,The writers could make a good ending for Jenna and Chase, everyone else still be friends and could be a couple in the future, but not a chance for Leo and Chase to get back together( WHAT??), I literally don't know why and Leo's ''good'' ending is not it. Because there are still problems to solve, but they decided to make Chase run away from all the problems to live with Kudzu, Leo is traumatized, alone and don't need anybody helps for the rest of his life
i think any problem in a relationship can be worked through with open, honest discussion, and it hurts to never get the chance to do that. i get why as a character Chase wouldn't, but it still hurts
Yeah, I just wish there was a second chance for them or at least Leo told Chase about his secret to clear things up a bit
who is chula? who is it that leo really loves?
"chula" is "hot / handsome" and also "bottom" in Spain (Chase was kinda mad at him when he discovered this meaning ^w^)
not really what i was asking
No, but you can infer by definition. Draco even answered you in parantheses as to "who[m]" Leo may have called chula. A little bewildered you didn't catch who chula is on first reference in the VN...
im talking about micha. he called micha chula before chase. does leo love chase? did he love micha? were we just a stand in for him?
spoiler alert!!
Chula is not refer to anyone, it is not name, its like you would call your beloved "babe"
Remember that Leo had sex with Micha, he probably had some feelings toward bat, wolf could call him that because he wanted to sound flirty? idk man.
However, to answer your questions point blank: Leo call Chase "chula"
:) peace
You failed to mention Micha in your original post...
How was there ever a thing between Leo and Micha apart from the prequel...? What is "love" to you? Because I don't sense any "love" (perhaps sympathy) between the two.
Tldr; Chase = chula...
is it bad that the things the game considers bad about leo and reasons he and chase dont work only attract me to him more? i want nothing more than a good ending with leo, even if i know why he doesn't have one. maybe in another game in the franchise i guess...
Eh, I feel kinda the same. Some of Leos "bad" traits are attractive to me!
I don't think Leo is going to be in any other games, but I have my Echo fanfiction where Leo's route ends differently.
https://archiveofourown.org/series/2191440
OH WOAH THAT'S YOU? I'VE BEEN READING IT ALREADY, I LOVE IT, I THINK WE ALREADY TALKED ABOUT THIS ON RESURGENCE LMAO
Lol, yep thats me
I see yeah. I just posted a new chapter last night too.
I didn't listen to the warning you'd think I'd learn my lesson about that after DDLC but I didn't
is there a good ending where we choose leo? am i just missing it or something?
No, there is not.
Its only in fanfiction.
that's really upsetting. i love leo so much. i know chase isn't a player insert type, so there's no reason to think things between me and (bi au) leo would go thusly, but, it still hurts. the "bad" ending is definitely my canon ending, i can't leave him.
Yeah its sad. I like Leo too, he's an interesting and cool character. Chase is cute but they have so many problems! Honestly though they should have given their relationship another chance.
On my way to Echo City !
I'll comment some help here if I got stuck in Echo...welp wish me luck!
🧢
quick question. When downloading it for linux is it normal for it to send you to another site and is it safe to download that way?
Replaced the mediafire download link with an itch.io one. Should fix your issue. - McSkinny
Oh man , I want to play this game but I was too scared . I Played adastra before and I took it so hard , I don't think playing this game is good for my emotions but I want to tryyy !!!
Lately, I've been enamored by zodiacs and horoscopes. Curiously, what are the sun signs of each character? Any objections, discuss.
Leo: Leo? (obviously)
Jenna: Virgo?
Carl: Pisces?
TJ: Libra?
Flynn: Scorpio?
Chase: "some gay otter idk" (Cancer?)
Maybe Spoilers?
Wait does Jenna have a bad ending?? cuz I'm not sure how to get it.
No.
Yes. Youtube.
Yes.
She have bad ending.
You need in mid of her route choose 'this town breaks people' and, this choice locks you in bad ending.
Im not gonna spoiler what will be, just go and see for yourself.
Guys try this song,its perfectly fits to Leo's obsession from chase called "super psycho love by simon curtis"
While listening to it try to imagine leo trying his best to make out with chase the song fits perfectly,i wish someone makes a music video of it...
I swear,if echoproject started making this VN in to a movie its going to make my dream come true and it will be the best of the best movie I've ever watched......if echoproject is planning it for the future I'll be sure to support you guys one day im finished my college and get a job I'll help you guys so my wish will be come true its gonna be so damn worth it,watching it is the only wish i had now in my life before i die ,I'll wait....
I do not agree with turning Echo into a movie. There are just wayyy too many routes and endings to solidify into an hour-and-a-half plot; then, there is the issue of determining what is canon by the developers and sharp criticism from the passionate fandom. If anything, I can see Echo as a Netflix adaptation making vol.1 have a mix of good and bad endings for half the characters and vol.2 another mix for the rest of the crew.
*Minor info (that some may consider as a major spoiler) about Carl's route down below
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You Know, at a point, Carl tells you that he has a job interview on Friday. But then why does it happen on Saturday? Is this something that is known and ignored by the writers or....? I don't know. Could someone please explain?
Before reading this VN i got happy,enjoy and inloved but.....after reading it....suddenly idk whats going on i just feel numb..like got a huge depression and anxiety or something i just dont understand what makes that VN change me or idk........and the part it makes me want to read it all again....the voice or sam was right....i will be back,he knew that I'd be back....
i feel you. Same thing happened to me. It will pass. Honestly some routes stuck to me more than others. Especially Leo’s route. There is so much symbolism and it just speaks to me. “Echo is a bad place, but Leo is a comfort. Do you let yourself sink like an anchor and stay in the place that makes you miserable? Or do you catch that last train ride out of this hell hole?” That is so my life. I hate where I am but I stayed because of the few comforts. It really really bugged me to change my situation (but for reasons I actually cant. So that train out of here is just a tease for me that I cant actually reach, sadly).
Yes me too, i choose the bad ending cus i want him hes my comfort even tho we didn't escaped echo atleast hes there for me he helped my injury from the train at the moment he took care of me we feel comfortable each other we get to be together again he loves me so much and i love him so much either also i don't want to leave leo alone heartbroken became depressed for all his life i felt so bad leaving him like that being depressed before and........i dont care about echo......as long as leo is with me im fine,im happy im comfortable.he will protect me.....he will always be there for me....i wont let him be sad or depressed ever again.....hes love is warm.......theres is a happily ever after at the bad endings.....
hello! i just finished plaing adastra and wanted to play echo.
in wich order should i play the game? a few people said Carl>Leo>Jenna>TJ>Flynn but some people say that i should play it in TJ>Leo>Flynn>Jenna>Carl, in wich order should i play the game? :)
Someone said that Carl -> Leo -> Jenna -> TJ -> Flynn is the official orders from devs
How do i join the discord ;w;
(Spoiler warning)
damn,.......samuel.......i feel bad for him.....said that Samuel has a family contact or point contac outside state after chase reported his name to the system and i dont think Samuel has a family but maybe a people who knows him??....poor samuel just died alone on the roadside buried....this VN is full of tragedies that's how i love it
was Jenna species retconed?
her earlier sprites make her look like a fennec fox a she was refer to as such in earlier uptates, but her later designs make her like a kit fox which makes more sense since fennec foxes are native to north Africa while kit foxes are native to western north America including Utah, however the wiki just list her species as "desest fox ", can anyone explain what happened?
Fox.
hiya guys, can i ask which route after carl and leo should i pick next. I see some comments that said i should follow a certain pattern of routes because of how some mysteries from the past routes are revealed. Some say jenna>tj>flynn but others say tj>flynn>jenna, mainly because something about jenna's route being the better ending. I dont mind a having the worst ending, i just wanted to play echo how the author wants us to play. So im open to suggesions
Carl -> Leo -> Jenna -> TJ -> Flynn
Carl>Leo>TJ>Flynn>Jenna thats the order in which each route was finished
MAJOR SPOILERS:
So my take away from Flynns ending other than it being extremely sad is that Flynn doesn't become socket face that appears in other routes. It's more of a vague time traveling in the sense that he's experiencing events that the socket face was there for whether it's some state of limbo or Flynn is actually there is kept ambiguous and could most likely be both in some scenarios. What leads me to believe this is that you are given the choice to kill Salem, brain, or Keith. The thing is brain is still alive in echo so is Salem until the very end and dies in a different but similar way so it doesn't make sense for there to be an option for you to have a choice here. Along with how weirdly dream like that scenario was with the tv and salem acting funny but what we do know is that this has happened in before in some way, keith did die other wise Flynn wouldn't have any reason to be seeing this it has to be some kind of created dreamlike scenario that has some truth to it. I also notice how Flynns transformation was inconsistent, Tj describes the monster as "3 holes, 2 for the eyes, 1 for the mouth" (flynn also has control in this scene) but flynn's eyes pop when he tries to see what happend to Sydney which was after tj saw socket face and he's blinded but later is able to see a younger jenna. Speaking of TJ flynns route is only one where he mentions he saw socket face and recognizes it in the car scene "its real!?" but in Leos route he doesn't even recognize it "what was that!? what was that!?". The ending is really confusing and ambiguous for a reason so it's fine to come up with your own conclusions.
Killing Salem/Brian/Keith lead to different routes, for example if you will decide to kill Brian you will get Leo route IN Flynn route, etc. for others.
Flynn doesn't have to have any reason to kill any character, he is already a monster changed by histeria, don't expect from him being this gila we knew.
Socket monster is able to travel through time, he is and isn't everywhere and in everyone routes and lives (I confused myself writing this one, I dont speak english, leme explain more: at the very same time he is at the lake when Syd got killed, when Jenna was upset and sad etc.)
In Leo's route lynx is confused instead of shocked, because he went through breakdown, he is broken to the core and in Flynn's he is more stable (that's why he catch more from monster)
Hope it has sense and that I helped :)