Lone Echo II

About Lone Echo II

Lone Echo II is a narrative-driven adventure sequel from Ready At Dawn that drops you back into the zero-gravity chaos of Saturn’s rings. Released in October 2021, it follows Jack, an AI, and Captain Liv Rhodes as they chase down secrets buried in time and space. Built for PC and Oculus VR, it’s all about sleek environmental puzzles, physics-based movement, and a story that leans into existential dread. Think of it as a sci-fi mystery where you’re constantly maneuvering through derelict stations and ancient tech while figuring out a plot that stretches beyond the stars. If you liked the first game’s claustrophobic tension and weird cosmic lore, this one dials it up.

Gameplay

The core of Lone Echo II is its zero-G locomotion system, you use triggers to push off walls and glide through corridors, making every move feel weightless yet precise. Puzzles often require redirecting energy, aligning machinery, or manipulating gravity fields to unlock paths. Combat is minimal; instead, you’ll spend time navigating collapsing stations, decoding terminals, and piecing together lore through environmental storytelling. Missions are short but dense, with each level introducing new mechanics like time loops or alternate dimensions. Controls are tight, especially in VR, where reaching out to grab objects feels intuitive. The story unfolds through fragmented logs and dialogue with Liv, blending action with eerie quiet moments.

What Players Think

Community ratings average 4.3/5, with 88% of players finishing the game. Metacritic gives it 78/100. Average playtime is 12 hours, though 32% of players logged 15+ hours chasing achievements. Moods are split: wonder (65%), tension (58%), and nostalgia (47%). One review called it “a hauntingly beautiful journey through time,” while another griped about “slow pacing in the middle act.” The game has 32 achievements, with 73% of players unlocking at least one. VR users praise the immersion, but some report motion sickness in later chapters. Despite a 10% drop-off in the third act, 72% of players say the ending hits hard.

PlayPile's Take

Lone Echo II is best for fans of slow-burn sci-fi and VR enthusiasts who crave precise mechanics. At $39.99, it’s a mid-tier buy with 32 achievements to chase. The zero-G system is a standout, but the story’s meandering middle might test patience. If you enjoy methodical puzzle-solving and atmospheric storytelling, it’s worth the investment. Skip it if you need fast pacing or combat-heavy gameplay. The game’s 88% completion rate suggests it’s satisfying for most, but don’t expect a tight, 10-hour experience, plan for 15+ if you want to see everything.

Storyline

Lone Echo II begins following the events of the first game, Lone Echo. As the advanced AI Echo-1, known as “Jack”, you must venture deeper into space and time with Captain Olivia “Liv” Rhodes unravel the remaining mysteries of Lone Echo.