Before the Echo

Didn't really work last time I tried it. For some reason there was input delay/recognition issues even when setting things up correctly.

Arrows don't always line up with either song rhythm or visuals consistently. Additionally would simultaneously press combo keys and it would only register one keypress some times.

Hidden gem of a game for fans of quick time oriented rpgs. Combat system is like if Dance Dance Revolution was an rpg, but it also has some serious depth as well. Story is surprisingly captivating. 100% worth the cost.

I purchased Before the Echo (formally Sequence) way back in 2011, and just now, 15 years later, have I finally completed and perfected the game. It sat for many years in my Steam library, and I had just recently decided to get this one done, and I'm proud that I was able to do so. So what do I think of the game? This is one of those times, as we've heard so many say over the years, that I wish Valve would implement a middle ground option between recommended and not recommended, because that's what I'd go with for this game. It's a [i]good[/i] game, and I stress that word. It's not great, but it's good, and that's why I've decided to give it a positive. Mental dexterity music game + RPG-lite mechanics + Bizarre and hard to understand story = A good little linear adventure that one can complete over the course of a week, week and a half. Before the Echo tells the tale of Ky, an average dude with snark and a good head on his shoulders who gets abducted by a mysterious organization that forces him to ascend a seven floor tower to conquer monsters and floor guardians via musical combat so that he might earn his freedom, being led by the nose by an equally snarky girl named Naia who appears to be on his side. But as is usual in these types of stories...there's more than meets the eye. Before the Echo is essentially a unique love story that has several bizarre twists. The art style, voice acting, music, and gameplay get thumbs up from me, but it's the chance-based item acquisition that makes me frown. I'm not a fan of having to battle an enemy twenty times because the one item that I need only has a 14% chance to drop, know what I mean? It's not my cup of tea. But honestly, my greatest praise has to go to the comedy in the game and the wonderful music. The developer clearly believes in comedy in his creations, and the game made me chuckle more than once. The music is superb and a joy to listen to, even without the game to be honest. Again...it's a good game. Buy it if you want a musical challenge mixed with a strange love story.

Before the echo is a fantastic Rhythm, game with music by the incredible Ronald Jenkees. With very unique mechanics regarding three different beats, and an interesting progression system, this game definitely is worth trying out.

The game's delivery (and how it introduces concepts to you) is too clunky. or maybe the spell system is clunky. Just let me get into the rhythm, guys. Don't make the experience feel stagnant with so much exposition and pausing between the action.

A nice way to add a plot and difficulty progression to a classic-style rhythm game. I come back to this one every so often for a comfy (intense) sesh.