Enter the Dreamscape and save lives
[ECHOSTASIS] Prologue is a free adventure video game wherein you face off against a dangerously mind-bending world. Developed by ENIGMA STUDIO, this first-person game is an atmospheric psychological horror story that features a cyberpunk narrative and a psychedelic world that will make you question your reality.
Similar to the premise of Psychonauts, [ECHOSTASIS] Prologue has you diving deep into the dreams of people to find whatever’s attacking them. Take note that this version only includes the start of the game—which is long enough and has enough content to keep you intrigued.
You’re not alone here
In [ECHOSTASIS] Prologue, you play as the lead engineer of ENIGMA HQ’s Research and Development Department. This megacorporation’s latest hit project is an experimental immersive simulation system that can generate personalized realities known as “Echoes.” Test subjects can escape into these algorithmically generated utopias and just relax. However, the project is suddenly hit with a mysterious cyberattack—and now you have to save a test subject by entering their Echo.
From the beginning, this game feels like a proper entry to the “Haunted PS1 Demo Disk 2021” compilation. Just like Still Ridge and Peeb Adventures, there’s something absolutely unsettling about the grainy graphics and the frequent glitching of the objects. This particular trait is what this game is centered around, as you go about entering Echoes when you’re technically not supposed to be there.
The gameplay is chock full of intense scenes and existential horror moments. It doesn’t help that you’ll often encounter messages that keep saying you don’t belong there. This growing uncertainty can be found in An Outcry, as well, which is another Haunted PS1 entry. The only real issue in this demo is that the dimness can be too much and the color contrast can give off flashing lights as you move.
Can strain the eyes
All in all, [ECHOSTASIS] Prologue is a creepy but gripping cyberpunk adventure that introduces you to the horror of glitchy virtual spaces. The brightness and color contrast could use some adjustments but the graphics are accurately reminiscent of PS1 games. If you’re a fan of creepy PS1-style games that delve into the horror of glitches and mind-bending stories, this is a recommended demo for you.
