Alter Echo - PS2

This latest fantastical adventure from THQ certainly has as bizarre and original a concept as its obscure title suggests. Whereas most similar games feature some evil madman wreaking havoc on a fictional alien world, Alter Echo actually introduces us to the idea of a planet that has gone mad. More specifically, the entire surface of the planet, known as Proteus, is covered in a substance called Multiplast, which is alive and using its biomechanical properties to spawn evil.

Players take the role of Nevin - a Shaper who works for one of the corporations that mine Multiplast - sent to Proteus to put a stop to the impending evil, which turns out to have been caused by a new variation of Multiplast called Xenoplast. Created by another Shaper named Paavo, Xenoplast has become self-aware and is retaliating to humanity's plans to exploit it.

Shapers have the unique ability to physically shape Multiplast into all sorts of different bio machines and, as such, Nevin is able to morph between three different modes throughout, via the use of his PolySuit. Melee Mode is the default mode, used for rapid movement and to cut down foes with vicious sword combos. Gun Mode transforms our hero into a walking tank and can be used best to take out enemies with cannons and grenade launchers. And finally, Stealth Mode (where would we be without it?) allows Nevin to become invisible, climb special 'stealth paths' and assassinate solitary foes.

Another unique ability that has been bestowed upon the protagonist is Time Dilation, which allows the on-screen action to be frozen. Once this has been triggered, the game transmogrifies into a special Time Dilation display that Nevin can then use to cue up 'chains' of icons representing special moves and attacks. When time snaps back, these moves are then unleashed, laying waste to the enemy.

The whole concept of Alter Echo makes for a refreshingly unique playing experience. This particular genre of game has long been over-populated with clones and 'also rans' so it's always nice when a game arrives that offers something new.
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