Cococucumber returns to the world of Echo Generation with a sequel that is actually a prequel, shifting the focus away from the suburban mystery adventure structure of the original and embracing a turn-based deckbuilding RPG framework instead. Set before the events of the first game, Echo Generation 2 follows Jack, a former scientist whose family outing is interrupted by a catastrophic laboratory accident that tears open a portal to another reality. From there, the story expands into a surprisingly ambitious science fiction narrative told through multiple protagonists, each experiencing different corners of a universe filled with strange experiments, dimensional anomalies, and memorable characters. The fragmented structure creates plenty of intrigue and encourages players to piece together the bigger picture themselves, although the constant perspective shifts can occasionally make the narrative feel disjointed and the final act struggles to fully capitalize on the mysteries that precede it.
One of the game’s biggest strengths is the variety found within its cast. Rather than following a single hero throughout the entire adventure, players jump between different characters whose stories range from paranormal horror to spacefaring bounty hunting and dystopian science fiction. Each chapter brings its own tone, setting, and perspective, which helps keep the campaign fresh throughout its roughly ten-hour runtime. Several of these storylines are compelling enough to stand on their own, and the gradual convergence of the various narrative threads gives the game a welcome sense of momentum. At the same time, some chapters are more successful than others, and the relatively short amount of time spent with certain protagonists means a few interesting ideas and locations feel underdeveloped before the game moves on.
The most significant change from the original game comes in the combat system. Battles now revolve around deckbuilding mechanics, with each playable character bringing a unique set of cards, abilities, and strategic options. The result is a combat loop that feels considerably deeper than before. Drawing a limited hand of cards each turn forces players to adapt on the fly, while status effects, buffs, debuffs, and character synergies create meaningful tactical decisions. Building teams and experimenting with different combinations is consistently rewarding, and the stance-breaking mechanic adds another layer of strategy by encouraging players to match symbols and exploit enemy weaknesses. While this system is engaging for most of the adventure, it occasionally becomes a little too rigid, and some encounters can feel overly dependent on specific card draws or mechanics.
Combat also benefits from interactive elements that prevent battles from becoming entirely passive. Timed defensive inputs reduce incoming damage, while certain attacks incorporate simple reaction-based mechanics that reward good timing. These additions help maintain player engagement and give encounters a more dynamic feel than a traditional menu-driven RPG. However, some of these systems could have been developed further. Defensive interactions become repetitive over time, attack patterns can grow predictable, and the game does not always explain its more advanced mechanics clearly enough. Certain powerful abilities have usage restrictions that are easy to misunderstand, which can lead to unnecessary frustration during longer encounters.
Difficulty balance is another area where Echo Generation 2 occasionally stumbles. Much of the campaign offers a satisfying tactical challenge, encouraging players to carefully manage resources and think several turns ahead. However, some late-game encounters feel noticeably harsher than the rest of the experience, particularly when multiple waves of enemies are chained together. A few battles demand near-perfect execution and can result in repeated retries, which contrasts with the otherwise approachable nature of the adventure. Character progression systems, skill trees, badges, and deck customization provide useful tools for overcoming these obstacles, but the overall balance sometimes feels uneven.
Visually, however, Cococucumber continues to impress. The studio’s distinctive voxel-based presentation remains one of the most recognizable art styles in the indie space, and Echo Generation 2 makes excellent use of it. Environments are packed with detail, ranging from eerie industrial wastelands to neon-drenched futuristic districts, while creature and boss designs successfully blend science fiction, horror, and nostalgia. Clever camera work and dramatic lighting further enhance the presentation, creating scenes that frequently look far more expensive than the game’s indie origins would suggest. Exploration itself is relatively straightforward and more linear than some players might expect, but the world remains consistently enjoyable to inhabit and uncover.
The audio design complements the visuals perfectly. Pusher’s synth-heavy soundtrack leans heavily into retro science fiction influences without feeling derivative, helping establish a strong atmosphere throughout every chapter. Combined with excellent environmental design and smooth technical performance, the audiovisual package often carries the game through some of its weaker moments. Load times remain fast, performance is stable, and the overall presentation demonstrates a level of polish that is increasingly expected from Cococucumber’s productions.
Echo Generation 2 may not surpass its predecessor in every respect, particularly for players who preferred the original game’s stronger adventure-game influences and more open sense of discovery. Yet its willingness to reinvent itself deserves credit. The combination of multi-perspective storytelling, strategic deckbuilding, stylish voxel visuals, and memorable sci-fi atmosphere results in an experience that feels distinct within the RPG landscape. Not every narrative thread reaches a satisfying conclusion and some balancing issues hold it back from greatness, but Cococucumber has nevertheless delivered an imaginative and engaging adventure that successfully expands the universe of Echo Generation while charting a new path for the series.
Score: 7.7/10