In space, only crewmembers can hear you moan. While Echoes of 2099 may overall feel somewhat like a silly game, what's underneath is a nicely packed and pretty sci-fi world that's begging to be explored. Just like your crewmembers. Suit up, sir.




STORY
On Earth's Azores Rift in the year 2099, a young man trains to be part of a space exploration program aboard the Prometheus. One company accident with your shitty boss Mr. Grimbald turns the MC into a prime candidate for their 'Dawnbringer project', eventually acquiring special 'future sight' powers which allow him to foreshadow certain events. It's a silly premise, but works well due to the game taking itself very seriously when it comes to pacing the story.




As part of the spare crew, you'll start out exploring the ship and its crewmembers, acquiring affection and/or lust points as you go forward. The conversations are fleshed out properly and extra background information can be learned about the crew through dialog, sometimes optional. As part of the crew, you'll have the option to approach things laid back or show a little dominance with everyone.




While the game is still at its first chapter, it showcases good understanding of dialog with the different characters. The game even goes as far to give each character a background sheet, including a zodiac sign complimenting their behavior. Aries are stubborn, Aquarius are playful and Gemini… Well, let's just say they keep things interesting.

It's rare for a game to start out this strong in its start. The first chapter definitely gives you a feel for what kind of sexy space adventure Echoes of 2099 will be, and we have yet to leave Earth for the actual space adventure. We can only hope the developer keeps the story interesting as our crew passes through the cosmos, handling their mission.




PRESENTATION
Echoes of 2099 looks gorgeous. The developer AADev opted for high quality graphics with cinematic styling. Depth of field, closeup shots and establishing shots, it's all here. The game is reminiscent of quality titles like 'Tales From The Unending Void' and 'City of Broken Dreamers'. Many different female characters that play out their characters in different ways, although all of them seem to behave a bit cheeky. It's fun to see the different crewmembers interact with each other straight out the gate, which is refreshing in a visual novel.




The cyberpunk sci-fi aesthetic can get dull quite easily, but a mix of outside and inside scenes make up for a refreshing combination of visual elements. Sometimes you'll be in a hull somewhere and other times, you'll be outside during a thunderstorm. With the galaxy still at the developer's fingertips, it's exciting to see how unique planets and locations will be explored.

Aside from the characters and locations, the game also features a minimalistic menu design that focuses on efficiency and it works. Combine it with some nice music here and there, including a theme song that incorporates some hopeful energy รก al Clair Obscure, and we have a great game on our hands. The first chapter definitely holds a few steamy scenes for you to unlock, which might seem super fast since we've barely left Earth's surface. Then again, there is probably a lot in store for this space crew.




GAMEPLAY
Aside for a driving story with strong characters, the game features a couple interesting gameplay elements. First off, there's important choices. The game will tell you 'This action will have consequences' when you've made a significant choice that will change things in the game. Small choices impact how characters respond to you, but the bigger choices might actually change the way the story happens.




In addition to that, there's a whole codex menu showing detailed background information on characters you meet, including 3D models and alternate looks. You will receive 'database' and 'visual' updates, signaling things have been added to your codex for you to explore. That way, you can remember significant details about the characters and look back on memories you've unlocked.

There's a small minigame that trains your response time as well, which can throw you off guard, but is easily repeated so you can score points. It's small engagement projects like those that keep you on your toes as a player, possibly earning affection from the crew along the way.




OVERALL
Echoes of 2099 looks and feel promising. We haven't seen much of the overall story yet, but the crew of around eight characters is solid enough to build a space drama of their own. Pair it with the pretty visuals and the prospect of exploring different planets, and this might just be a hit game in the making. At the very least, it's an enticing and fun start of space exploration. And it's rare for games to start out this strong.

Rating: 8.5/10
Developer: AADev Itch.io | Patreon