{{Short description|2008 video game}} {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}} {{Infobox video game | title = echochrome | image = Echochrome art.png | caption = Promotional artwork | developer = Will<br />Japan Studio | publisher = Sony Computer Entertainment | director = Tatsuya Suzuki | producer = Masami Yamamoto | designer = Satoru Immamura<br />Kashin Hodotsuka<br />Ken-ichirou Hatada<br />Tomokazu Ohki | programmer = Takashi Noshiro<br />Takanori Kikuchi<br />Kenichiro Obara<br />Hironori Tsuruya | composer = Hideki Sakamoto | series = | engine = | platforms = PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4 | released = '''PlayStation Portable'''<br />{{vgrelease|JP|March 19, 2008<ref name="JP-date" />|NA|May 1, 2008<ref name="NA-date" />|AUS|July 17, 2008<ref name="AU-date" />|EU|July 4, 2008<ref name="EU-date" />}} '''PlayStation 3'''<br />{{vgrelease|NA|May 1, 2008<ref name="NA-date" />|EU|July 10, 2008<ref name="PS3-EU-date" />}} '''PlayStation 4'''<br />{{vgrelease|JP|June 1, 2022<ref>[https://www.playstation.com/ja-jp/games/echochrome/ echochrome on the Playstation Store (JP)]</ref>|NA|June 13, 2022<ref>[https://store.playstation.com/en-us/product/UP9000-CUSA32644_00-NPUG801350000000 echochrome on the PlayStation Store (US)]</ref>}} | genre = Puzzle | modes = Single-player }}
{{nihongo foot|'''''Echochrome'''''|無限回廊|Mugen Kairō|Infinite Corridor|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} (stylized as '''''echochrome''''') is a 2008 puzzle video game developed by Will and Japan Studio and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation Portable (PSP). A PlayStation 3 version was released the same year in North America and Europe. The gameplay involves a mannequin figure traversing a rotatable world where physics and reality depend on perspective. The world is occupied by Oscar Reutersvärd's impossible constructions. This concept is inspired by M. C. Escher's artwork, such as "Relativity".<ref name="NA-date" /> The game is based on the Object Locative Environment Coordinate System developed by Jun Fujiki—an engine that determines what is occurring based on the camera's perspective.
''Echochrome'' received a spin-off in 2009 titled ''Echoshift'' and a sequel, ''Echochrome II'' for the PlayStation 3 utilizing the PlayStation Move in December 2010.<ref name="Echo2" />
==Gameplay== ''Echochrome'' requires the player to control a moving character—which resembles an articulated wooden artist's mannequin—to visit, in any order, particular locations on the surfaces of collections of three-dimensional shapes. The objectives are marked by shadows ("echoes") of the moving character. When the last marked position has been visited, one last echo appears, which the player must reach to finish the level: scoring is simply a matter of timing completion of each level (or a course containing several levels).
However, the character cannot be directly controlled by the player: it moves autonomously, following a path along the surface of each shape in a manner that keeps the path's boundary on the character's left (that is, in order of preference, turning left, proceeding straight ahead, turning right, or turning back on itself).
The unique aspect of the game is that the path can be altered merely by rotating the shapes and viewing them from a different perspective: for instance, if a gap or obstacle is obscured, the character will behave as if the path continues behind the object which currently, obscures the gap or obstacle from view. Similarly, if discontinuous shapes or parts of the same shape appear, from the chosen camera angle, to form a continuous path, the character will traverse from one to the other.
Although the character cannot step off the surface of a shape, there are certain points where it may hop off or fall. It then falls downwards to whatever appears to be below it, or off the bottom of the screen to be rematerialized at a previous position. This behavior forms one of the most compelling aspects of the game because the player must deliberately interpret the three-dimensional world as if it were two-dimensional to determine where the character will land.
==Development and release== The game was developed primarily by Will, a company located in Saitama.<ref>{{Cite web |title=会社情報 - 会社沿革 {{!}} 株式会社 ウィル |url=http://www.will-net.co.jp/company/history/index.html |access-date=2024-10-11 |website=株式会社 ウィル {{!}} アミューズメント/家庭用ゲームソフト・教育用のコンピューターソフトウェア制作 |language=ja}}</ref> It was produced under Sony's Game Yaroze program, which had previously launched ''Devil Dice'' and the ''Doko Demo Issyo'' series.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sheffield |first=Brandon |date=October 26, 2005 |title=Sony Japan Announces Game Yarouze Design Competition |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/sony-japan-announces-game-yarouze-design-competition |access-date=2024-10-11 |website=www.gamedeveloper.com |language=en}}</ref> The game was first announced at E3 2007.<ref name="Echo-announcement" /> It was released in Japan on March 19, 2008,<ref name="JP-date" /> on UMD and for download on the PlayStation Store, with a demo released on the Japanese PlayStation Network on March 6, 2008. The North American release of ''Echochrome'' is only available on the PlayStation Network.<ref name="PSN-release" /> A demo was released in North America on April 24, 2008. It was followed by the full version on May 1, 2008.<ref name="PS3Fanboy" /> Updates that rotate the set of user-created levels occur periodically.<ref name="PS3Fanboy" /><ref name="Kotaku-bonus" />
The game was released as a UMD in Europe on July 4, 2008, with a PlayStation Network version following on July 10. There was an ''Echochrome'' inspired arcade mini-game in the ''Bowling Alley/Game Space'' of PlayStation Home.
The PlayStation 3 version of the game was released in Japan, North America, and Europe, through the PlayStation Network. All regions feature the basic gameplay with 56 levels. A later update added 1000 user-created levels. PlayStation 3 Trophies were made available for the console version in North America via a patch on December 11, 2008, which features 10 trophies. It includes two gold trophies, one silver trophy, and seven bronze trophies. Europe and Japan have now received the trophy patch.
The PlayStation Portable versions feature different levels from the PlayStation 3 version, with some regions having additional gameplay modes or levels: * In Japan, the game was released on UMD only. There are 96 levels and three gameplay modes: "solo" (same as the PlayStation three gameplay), "pair", and "others". * In Europe, a version with identical levels and gameplay was released both on UMD and via the PlayStation Network. * A different European version called ''Echochrome Micro'' was also released on the PlayStation Network. It has the same 96 levels as the full Echochrome game, but only "solo" mode is available. * In North America, a downloadable PlayStation Network title was released, with no UMD version. This version has only the first 56 levels of Echochrome Micro, with "solo" as the only gameplay mode. * A DLC pack was released for the North American version, which includes the remaining 40 levels, making it effectively identical to Echochrome Micro.
===Audio=== The music of ''Echochrome'' was composed by Hideki Sakamoto at the Tokyo-based sound design company Noisycroak. Most songs on the game score consist of a string quartet, including two violins, a viola, and a cello. However, three tracks include operatic vocals by singer Rumiko Kitazono. These are the opening themes to the PlayStation Portable and PlayStation 3 versions of the game, plus an additional theme that is unique to the soundtrack album.<ref name="echochrome-score" />
Team Entertainment published the original soundtrack to {{nihongo foot|''Echochrome''|無限回廊 オリジナルサウンドトラック|Mugen Kairō Orijinaru Saundotorakku |group=lower-alpha}} on May 21, 2008. The performers included Hitoshi Konno (1st violin), Nagisa Kiriyama (2nd violin), Kazuo Watanabe (viola), and Ayano Kasahara (cello).<ref name="echochrome-ost" /> The composer had originally considered naming the game's tracks after philosophical terminology to match the title's abstract qualities, but later decided to use prime numbers so as not to color the songs with subjective interpretations.<ref name="echochrome-interview" />
==Reception== {{Expand section|date=March 2014}} {{Video game reviews | PSP = true | PS3 = true | na = yes | MC_PSP = 79/100<ref name="MC-PSP" /> | MC_PS3 = 81/100<ref name="MC-PS3" />
| AVC_PSP = B+<ref name="AVClub-rev" /> | AVC_PS3 = B+<ref name="AVClub-rev" />
| GD_PSP = 8/10<ref name="GDaily-PSP-rev" /> | GD_PS3 = 8/10<ref name="GDaily-PS3-rev" />
|GamePro_PS3 = 4.75<ref name="GPro-PS3-rev" />
|GSpot_PSP = 7.5/10<ref name="GSpot-PSP-rev" /> |GSpot_PS3 = 8/10<ref name="GSpot-PS3-rev" />
|GameZone_PSP = 8.9/10<ref name="GZone-PSP-rev" /> |GameZone_PS3 = 8/10<ref name="GZone-PS3-rev" />
|IGN_PS3 = 8.6/10<ref name="IGN-PS3-rev" />
|PALGN_PSP = 8/10<ref name="PALGN-PSP-rev" />
|PG_PSP = 9/10<ref name="PocketG-PSP-rev" /> }}
''Echochrome'' received "generally favorable" reviews according to review aggregator platform Metacritic.<ref name="MC-PSP" /><ref name="MC-PS3" /> The game's minimalistic presentation, originality, and level design were cited as its strongest aspects. In 2008, ''IGN'' awarded the game for Best Innovative Design,<ref name="IGN-best-innovative" /> and nominated it for Best Artistic Design,<ref name="IGN-best-art" /> Best New IP,<ref name="IGN-best-IP" /> Best Puzzle.<ref name="IGN-best-puzzle" />''GameSpot'' nominated the game for Best Original Game Mechanic in their Best of 2008.<ref name="Best2008-GameSpot"/>
{{-}}
==See also== *''Monument Valley'' *''The Bridge''
==References== ===Notes=== {{notelist}}
===Citation=== <references>
<!-- RELEASE --> <ref name="JP-date">{{cite web |title= 無限回廊 |language=ja |website=4Gamer.net |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/065/G006591/index_news.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010075532/https://www.4gamer.net/games/065/G006591/index_news.html |archive-date=2022-10-10 |access-date=2022-10-08 |url-status=live }}</ref>
<ref name="AU-date">{{cite web|url=http://nz.playstation.com/games_media/games/psp/e/echochrome.jhtml|title=Echochrome PSP |access-date=2008-05-09|archive-date=2008-12-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219205909/http://nz.playstation.com/games_media/games/psp/e/echochrome.jhtml |website=Sony Computer Entertainment New Zealand |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="EU-date">{{Cite web |title=Echochrome PSP |website=Sony Computer Entertainment Europe |url=http://uk.playstation.com/games-media/games/detail/item99986/echochrome/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100228064548/http://uk.playstation.com/games-media/games/detail/item99986/echochrome/ |archive-date=2010-02-28 |access-date=2008-07-03 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
<ref name="NA-date">{{cite web |title= Echochrome arrives tomorrow! |website=PlayStation Blog |date=2008-04-30 |url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/04/30/echochrome-arrives-tomorrow/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501072244/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/04/30/echochrome-arrives-tomorrow/ |archive-date=2008-05-01 |access-date=2008-04-30}}</ref>
<ref name="PS3-EU-date">{{Cite web |title=Echochrome PS3 |website=Sony Computer Entertainment Europe |access-date=2008-06-26 |url=http://uk.playstation.com/games-media/games/detail/item99912/echochrome/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100228063051/http://uk.playstation.com/games-media/games/detail/item99912/echochrome/ |archive-date=2010-02-28 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
<!-- DEVELOPMENT --> <ref name="PS3Fanboy">{{Cite web | url=http://www.ps3fanboy.com/2008/05/08/this-weeks-echochrome-user-levels/ | title=This Weeks Echochrome user levels | publisher=Weblogs Inc. | last=Yoon | first=Andrew | date=2008-05-08 | access-date=2008-05-09}}</ref>
<ref name="Kotaku-bonus">{{Cite web | url=http://kotaku.com/387504/bonus-echocrome-levels-up-for-a-limited-time-only | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513162449/http://kotaku.com/387504/bonus-echocrome-levels-up-for-a-limited-time-only | url-status=dead | archive-date=May 13, 2008 | title=Bonus Echocrome Levels Up For A Limited Time Only | date=6 May 2008 |website=Kotaku | publisher=Gawker Media | access-date=2008-05-09}}</ref>
<ref name="Echo2">{{cite web | title=Game Profile: Echochrome II PlayStation 3 |website=IGN | url=http://uk.ps3.ign.com/objects/142/14274027.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101013220227/http://uk.ps3.ign.com/objects/142/14274027.html |archive-date=2010-10-13|accessdate=2022-09-29}}</ref>
<ref name="Echo-announcement">{{Cite web | first=Zack | last=Stern| title=Sony announces Echochrome | website=Joystiq | date=2007-07-11 | url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/sony-announces-echochrome/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070716060719/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/engadget-and-joystiq-live-from-sonys-e3-2007-keynote/ |archive-date=2007-07-16 | access-date=2007-08-13}}</ref>
<ref name="PSN-release">{{cite web|url=http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/levelup/archive/2008/04/03/where-will-echochrome-fit-in-your-gaming-menu.aspx|title=Could You Use Some Echochrome in Your Diet? Level Up Examines Where This Clever Puzzle Meets Platform Title Might Fit in Your Gaming Menu.|access-date=2008-04-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080405091351/http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/levelup/archive/2008/04/03/where-will-echochrome-fit-in-your-gaming-menu.aspx|archive-date=2008-04-05|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="echochrome-score">{{cite web | author=Jeriaska | date=2008-05-31 | title=Sound Current: Echochrome | publisher=Siliconera | url=http://www.siliconera.com/2008/05/31/sound-current-echochrome/ | access-date=2008-07-20 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080708184838/http://www.siliconera.com/2008/05/31/sound-current-echochrome/ | archive-date=2008-07-08 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
<ref name="echochrome-ost">{{cite web |language=ja | date=2013-04-02 | title=錯覚をモチーフにしたPZG『無限回廊』のサントラが5月21日発売 | website=Dengeki Online |publisher=ASCII Media Works | url=https://dengekionline.com/data/news/2008/4/24/7d7b025291ae2d38f98cc4db7685389f.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929220129/https://dengekionline.com/data/news/2008/4/24/7d7b025291ae2d38f98cc4db7685389f.html |archive-date=2022-09-29 | access-date=2022-09-29}}</ref>
<ref name="echochrome-interview">{{cite web | author=Jeriaska | date=2008-06-11 | title=Sound of Echochrome: Hideki Sakamoto Interview | publisher=Siliconera | url=http://www.siliconera.com/2008/06/11/sound-of-echochrome-hideki-sakamoto-interview/ | access-date=2008-07-20 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719173326/http://www.siliconera.com/2008/06/11/sound-of-echochrome-hideki-sakamoto-interview/ | archive-date=2008-07-19 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
<!-- AWARDS and NOMINATIONS --> <ref name="IGN-best-innovative">{{Cite web | title= Best of 2008: PSP Most Innovative Design| website= IGN | url= http://bestof.ign.com/2008/psp/16.html | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081219042751/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/psp/16.html | archive-date=2008-12-19 | access-date=2022-09-29 | url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="IGN-best-puzzle">{{Cite web | title= Best of 2008: PSP Best Puzzle| website= IGN | url= http://bestof.ign.com/2008/psp/3.html | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081219041732/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/psp/9.html | archive-date=2008-12-19 | access-date=2022-09-29 | url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="IGN-best-art">{{Cite web | title= Best of 2008: PSP Best Artistic Design| website= IGN | url= http://bestof.ign.com/2008/psp/9.html | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081219041732/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/psp/9.html | archive-date=2008-12-19 | access-date=2022-09-29 | url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="IGN-best-IP">{{Cite web | title= Best of 2008: PSP Best New IP | website= IGN | url= http://bestof.ign.com/2008/psp/15.html | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081219042746/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/psp/15.html | archive-date=2008-12-19 | access-date=2022-09-29 | url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="Best2008-GameSpot">{{cite AV media |title=Best of 2008 Special Achievements |website=GameSpot | time=29:58 |time-caption=17:40 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/videos/best-of-2008-special-achievements/2300-6202626/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328170536/http://www.gamespot.com/videos/best-of-2008-special-achievements/2300-6202626/ |archive-date=2014-03-28 |access-date=2022-09-29 |url-status= live}}</ref>
<!-- RECEPTION -->
<ref name="MC-PSP">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/echochrome/critic-reviews/?platform=psp |title=echochrome for PSP Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=2022-05-18}}</ref> <ref name="MC-PS3">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/echochrome/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=echochrome for PlayStation 3 Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=2022-05-18}}</ref>
<ref name="GPro-PS3-rev">{{cite magazine |first= Terry |last= Terrones |title= Review: Echochrome |url=http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps3/games/reviews/182228.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080505034908/http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps3/games/reviews/182228.shtml |date=2008-05-02 |archive-date=2008-05-05 |magazine=GamePro |access-date=2022-09-29 |url-status= dead}}</ref>
<ref name="GSpot-PSP-rev">{{cite web |first= Brian |last= Fishman |title=Echochrome Review |url=http://www.gamespot.com/echochrome/reviews/echochrome-review-6191271 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225113541/http://www.gamespot.com:80/echochrome/reviews/echochrome-review-6191271 |date=2008-05-22 |archive-date=2013-02-25 |website=GameSpot |access-date=2022-09-29 |url-status= live}}</ref> <ref name="GSpot-PS3-rev">{{cite web |first= Brian |last= Fishman |title=Echochrome Review |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/puzzle/echochrome/review.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202192433/http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/puzzle/echochrome/review.html |date=2008-05-08 |archive-date=2009-02-02 |website=GameSpot |access-date=2022-09-29 |url-status= dead}}</ref>
<ref name="GZone-PSP-rev">{{cite web |first= Louis |last= Bedigian |title=Echochrome Review |url=http://psp.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r33038.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080701060659/http://psp.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r33038.htm |date=2008-05-16 |archive-date=2008-07-01 |website=GameZone |access-date=2022-09-29 |url-status= dead}}</ref> <ref name="GZone-PS3-rev">{{cite web |first= Mike |last= David |title=Echochrome Review |url=http://ps3.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r33038.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080514192848/http://ps3.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r33038.htm |date=2008-05-12 |archive-date=2008-05-14 |website=GameZone |access-date=2022-09-29 |url-status= dead}}</ref>
<ref name="IGN-PS3-rev">{{cite web |first= Jeff |last= Haynes |title=echochrome Review: Change your perception and make your own reality.|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/05/03/echochrome-review |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928042543/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/05/03/echochrome-review |date=2008-05-02 |archive-date=2012-09-28 |website=IGN |access-date=2022-09-29 |url-status= live}}</ref>
<ref name="PALGN-PSP-rev">{{cite web |first= Luke |last= Mitchell |title=Echochrome Review: Change your perspective |url=http://palgn.com.au/sony-psp/11945/echochrome-review/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090828225659/http://palgn.com.au/sony-psp/11945/echochrome-review/ |date=2008-07-04 |archive-date=2009-08-28 |website=PALGN |access-date=2022-09-29 |url-status= dead}}</ref>
<ref name="PocketG-PSP-rev">{{cite web |first= Tracy |last= Erickson |title=echochrome: A must-buy-buy-buy... |url=http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/PSP/echochrome/review.asp?c=6931 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528191900/http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/PSP/echochrome/review.asp?c=6931 |date=2008-05-21 |archive-date=2008-05-28 |website=Pocket Gamer |access-date=2022-09-29 |url-status= dead}}</ref>
<ref name="GDaily-PSP-rev">{{cite web |first= Grant |last= Holzhauer |title=Echochrome Review (PSP) |url=http://www.gamedaily.com/games/echochrome/psp/game-reviews/review/6764/2026/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511203005/http://www.gamedaily.com/games/echochrome/psp/game-reviews/review/6764/2026/ |date=2008-05-08 |archive-date=2008-05-11 |website=GameDaily |access-date=2022-09-29 |url-status= dead}}</ref> <ref name="GDaily-PS3-rev">{{cite web |first= Grant |last= Holzhauer |title=Echochrome Review (PS3) |url=http://www.gamedaily.com/games/echochrome/playstation-3/game-reviews/review/7160/2025/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512123146/http://www.gamedaily.com/games/echochrome/playstation-3/game-reviews/review/7160/2025/ |date=2008-05-08 |archive-date=2008-05-12 |website=GameDaily |access-date=2022-09-29 |url-status= dead}}</ref>
<ref name="AVClub-rev">{{cite web |first= Gus |last= Musrtapa |title=Echochrome Review |url=https://www.avclub.com/echochrome-1798213914 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100522085639/http://www.avclub.com/articles/echochrome,7102/ |date=2008-05-12 |archive-date=2010-05-22 |website=The A.V. Club |access-date=2022-09-29 |url-status= live}}</ref>
</references>
==External links== * [https://web.archive.org/web/20110405115720/http://www.echochromegame.com/ Official website] * [http://www.jp.playstation.com/scej/title/mugen/ Official website (Japanese)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080121223239/http://www.jp.playstation.com/scej/title/mugen/ |date=2008-01-21 }} * {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430140117/http://tserve01.aid.design.kyushu-u.ac.jp/~fujiki/ole_coordinate_system/index.html |date=April 30, 2008 |title=OLE Coordinate System }}
Category:2008 video games Category:Japan Studio games Category:Monochrome video games Category:Perspective video games Category:PlayStation 3 games Category:PlayStation Network games Category:PlayStation Portable games Category:Puzzle video games Category:Single-player video games Category:Sony Interactive Entertainment franchises Category:Sony Interactive Entertainment games Category:Video games developed in Japan Category:Video games inspired by M. C. Escher Category:Video games scored by Hideki Sakamoto