Echoes of the End: Enhanced Edition was re-released on 30th October 2025, following the original launch back in August. Developed by Myrkur Games and published by Deep Silver, this updated version builds on everything fans already loved, while also taking player feedback on board. With promised free updates and continued support, the devs are clearly in this for the long haul.
Taking inspiration from games like Horizon, The Witcher, and other fantasy epics, Echoes mixes a solid sword-and-magic combat system with stunning visuals, all wrapped up in a linear adventure filled with puzzles and secrets.
It’s Not Always About the Open World
Right from the start, you’re treated to some seriously impressive cutscenes that set the tone: magic, armies, and the breathtaking landscape of Aema, a world dotted with giant crystals that give off strong Final Fantasy vibes. But, like any good RPG, there’s a looming threat. A powerful group known as the Visage-magic-wielding individuals capable of absorbing and transferring energy between crystals-are putting the balance of the world at risk.
You step into the shoes of Ryn, one of these Visage, alongside her brother Cor. Since the death of their father, the responsibility of protecting the world has fallen to them. Ryn is the calm and composed older sister, while Cor is the cocky younger brother, still getting to grips with his newly awakened fire powers.
Your journey begins on a standard patrol through a beautifully designed, though linear, landscape. Think Icelandic cliffs, frozen lakes, and snow-covered mountains. It’s all jaw-droppingly gorgeous. While you can’t explore freely like in a typical open-world RPG, I actually appreciated the change of pace. Sometimes I get too distracted in open worlds and miss the core story, so the more guided structure here felt like a refreshing change.
Puzzles and Secrets Around Every Corner
Combat in Echoes is smooth and satisfying, with an in-depth skill tree that lets you customise both yourself and your companions. You can specialise in swordplay or have fun lobbing objects around with magic-there’s something deeply satisfying about hurling a giant troll into a group of smaller enemies. No two battles feel the same, thanks to the variety of enemy types and abilities you’ll come across.
Despite the linear path, there’s plenty of hidden areas to discover. Many of these lead to chests filled with useful loot-currency, permanent stat boosts, gear-enhancing runes, lore notes, and, my personal favourite, new outfits to craft. The runes offer passive bonuses that make a real difference as things ramp up, so it’s well worth hunting them down.
Then there are the puzzles. These are found in every new area and range from shifting platforms to manipulating crystals that rewind time, opening up new paths. Some of them are properly tricky, especially if you’re not used to this kind of environmental puzzling, but they add a nice layer of challenge and keep things interesting between fights.
Stunning Environments and Visuals
The world of Aema is simply gorgeous. For such a small team, the attention to detail is mind-blowing. Snowy peaks, dark caves, and sweeping vistas-every area feels handcrafted and memorable. Visually, this could stand alongside some AAA releases, but the devs aren’t trying to compete on that level. This is an indie game with heart, and it shows.
That said, the soundtrack felt a bit flat to me. It fits the mood in places, but I was hoping for something more memorable. Maybe it’s something the devs can expand on in future updates, but right now it just doesn’t quite hit the emotional highs the story aims for.
Who Said Single-Player Games Are Dead?
Despite a few minor criticisms-like the overall length and the underwhelming music-I really enjoyed my time with Echoes of the End: Enhanced Edition. It’s a solid pick for anyone who loves RPGs packed with exploration, puzzles, combat, and a bit of magic.
It’s available now on Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam for £32.99, or as a free upgrade if you already own the original version. Either way, it’s a bargain.