Echoes of the End Review – A Mesmerising Fantasy Adventure That Shimmers
Alright, gamers—strap in. Echoes of the End is here, and it’s packing that wild blend of fantasy vibes, jaw-dropping visuals, and puzzle-solving brilliance. Coming straight from Iceland’s own Myrkur Games, this debut title doesn’t just whisper—it shouts. But does it echo through the ages or fade into the noise? Let’s break it down.
A Bold First Swing from Myrkur Games
Myrkur Games are the new kids on the block, but don’t let that fool you. With just around 40 devs, they’ve managed to create a world that feels huge. Released on the 12th of August 2025 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, Echoes of the End is ambitious, brave, and dripping with atmosphere. It might not be perfect, but for a debut? It’s swinging hard.
Storytime: Ryn and Abram’s Journey
The tale kicks off with Ryn, a magic-wielding warrior known as a Vestige, and her loyal sidekick Abram. Their mission? Rescue her brother, save the world, and face a destiny that’s bigger than them both.
The story’s not going to rewrite the fantasy rulebook—you’ll see a few beats coming—but the banter between Ryn and Abram? Pure gold. Their dynamic keeps the journey engaging, giving the game its heart. When the plot feels familiar, their chemistry keeps you locked in.
Visuals That Slap
Let’s be real—the graphics are the MVP here. From volcanic wastelands to burning villages, every scene feels alive. The art direction screams epic fantasy, and you can tell the devs poured love into every detail.
Lighting, textures, sweeping landscapes—it all comes together in a way that makes you stop mid-game just to take it in. Sure, the fire effects can look a little off at times, but overall, the presentation is chef’s kiss.
Puzzles > Combat (Yep, We Said It)
Here’s the twist—the puzzles steal the show. Forget mashing buttons; this game makes you think. You’ll be shifting platforms, bending time, and playing with illusions to crack clever challenges.
What’s great is the balance. They’re tough enough to give you that “aha!” moment, but never rage-quit material. Every puzzle feels like a small victory, and honestly, they outshine the combat by a mile.
Combat: Flashy But Flawed
Speaking of combat… it’s a mixed bag. Ryn’s arsenal of abilities looks amazing on paper—boomerang blades, vortex powers, slick sword combos. But in practice? The flow doesn’t always hit.
Enemies can feel repetitive. Fights sometimes drag. And while the combat wants to be God of War-level epic, it doesn’t quite reach those heights. It’s not terrible—it’s fun enough—but compared to the puzzles and exploration? It’s the weak link.
Performance: Gorgeous, But Temperamental
Here’s the deal—this game wants to melt your eyeballs with its beauty, but that ambition comes at a cost. On PC and Steam Deck, performance can dip. We’re talking frame drops, stutters, and the occasional glitch.
On console, it’s smoother, but even there you’ll notice resolution dips and some input lag. It’s not game-breaking, but it does pull you out of the immersion now and then.
The Verdict: A Strong Start with Room to Grow
So, what’s the bottom line? Echoes of the End is stunning, imaginative, and filled with clever ideas. It nails world-building and puzzles, but fumbles a bit on combat and performance.
For a debut game? It’s a serious statement. Myrkur Games have shown they can craft worlds that feel alive, and that’s huge. Give them a sequel with tightened combat and smoother performance, and we could be looking at something legendary.
Pros
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Visuals that make you stop and stare.
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Puzzles that are actually fun and rewarding.
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Characters and dialogue with heart.
Cons
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Combat that doesn’t live up to its potential.
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Technical hiccups on PC and handhelds.
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Story beats that feel predictable.
Final Thoughts
If you’re here for world-building, puzzles, and vibes—Echoes of the End is absolutely worth your time. If you’re hunting for flawless combat, you might find yourself wishing for more.
Either way, it’s a debut that leaves a mark. Myrkur Games have arrived, and the echoes of their first big swing are loud enough that we’ll definitely be listening for what comes next.
