SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada is an extraction shooter where players mine AO Crystals, face hostile enemies, and navigate high-stakes PvP battles. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.

SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada Review Overview

What is SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada?

SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada is an extraction shooter set in a world devastated by mysterious toxic rain, where humans and their AI companions, known as Magus, struggle for survival. Players take on the role of a Drifter, a scavenger who must venture into hazardous zones to gather valuable resources, such as AO Crystals, and extract before time runs out or they are killed by hostile forces. The game combines PvPvE mechanics with a dynamic weather system and a progression system that focuses on upgrading mechs and customizing your Magus companion.

SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada features:
　⚫︎　Engaging PvPvE Gameplay
　⚫︎　Deep Mech and Magus Customization
　⚫︎　Dynamic Weather & Hazards
　⚫︎　Expansive Maps
　⚫︎　Strategic Combat and Extraction
　⚫︎　Requests for Progression
　⚫︎　Upgradable Garage

For more gameplay details, read everything we know about SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada's gameplay and story.

Digital Storefront
Steam		Playstation		Xbox
Price		$39.99

SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Customizable Magus & Mechs Dynamic Environments Well-designed Combat Mechanics	Overbearing Magus Dialogue No Safe Zones Limited Story Engagement

SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada Overall Score - 70/100

SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada is an extraction shooter where players mine AO Crystals, engage in battles, and try to survive in a hostile environment. The core gameplay loop is engaging, offering strong customization options for both mechs and Magus companions, as well as a world full of environmental hazards that add tactical depth. The game’s replayability is bolstered by the progression system, encouraging players to return for more sorties. However, the narrative is lackluster, with no compelling plot to drive the player forward, and the PvP aspect suffers from unbalanced gameplay where new players are often thrown into the same map as fully equipped veterans, leading to frustration.

SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada Story - 6/10

SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada doesn’t rely heavily on an overarching narrative. The premise, which sees humans forced to adapt to a post-apocalyptic world, is established early on, but the story takes a backseat to the game’s mechanics. The setting is intriguing, with a world shaped by toxic rain and crumbling civilization, but it’s hard to fully immerse yourself in it. The game tells you about the world, but you don’t often feel like you’re truly part of it. While the map does have distinct areas, the background feels similar across different zones, making it harder to appreciate the scale and depth of the world. For the characters, There’s potential in exploring the trust and relationship dynamics between Drifters and their Magus companions, but the game doesn't delve deeply into this aspect. In future updates, a stronger storyline focused on character development and environmental immersion could elevate the experience.

SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada Gameplay - 8/10

The gameplay in SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada is the game’s strongest aspect. The central loop of gathering resources during high-stakes missions, upgrading your mech, and customizing your Magus creates a fun and addictive cycle. The combat feels solid, and the game’s progression is rewarding, with players constantly improving their mechs and gearing up for tougher challenges. The variety in sortie missions keeps things fresh, and the tension of evading other players and hostile creatures keeps players on their toes. Overall, the gameplay offers plenty of replayability and engaging mechanics.

SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada Visuals - 8/10

The visuals in SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada are generally impressive, particularly during cutscenes, which have a cartoonish style that adds a distinct flair to the presentation. On the Xbox, the game runs smoothly with no visual glitches, which is a big plus. However, while the world is visually vibrant, something about it feels a bit flat—perhaps due to lack of depth in the environmental rendering. There’s potential here for further refinement to make the world feel more alive, but overall, the visuals still add to the atmosphere without feeling out of place.

SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada Audio - 7/10

The audio design in SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada is solid but not groundbreaking. The voice acting is well-executed, with characters displaying a range of emotions that help convey the atmosphere. The ambient sounds, especially the rain, are immersive and help reinforce the game’s tense, survival-oriented gameplay. However, while the audio is competent, nothing really stands out as memorable. A stronger, more dynamic soundtrack or sound design in critical moments could elevate the experience even further.

SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada Value for Money - 6/10

For SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada, the core gameplay loop offers significant replay value, especially for fans of the extraction shooter genre. However, the additional cost of needing an Xbox Game Pass subscription for online play, on top of purchasing the game, is a significant drawback when playing on Xbox. While the $50 price tag ($39.99 for the game + $9.99 for core subscription) might be fair for those who enjoy the gameplay and want a solid extraction shooter experience, it feels like an unnecessary burden for Xbox players. On Steam, this subscription fee is waived, which is a better deal for PC users, but on console, it feels more like a punishment to pay an extra fee for online access after already buying the game.

SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada Review: Addictive But Shallow

There’s a certain pull to extraction shooters—an electrifying blend of high risk and even higher reward. Picture this: You’re surrounded by hostile Enders, your mech groaning under the weight of freshly-mined AO Crystals. The clock is ticking, the toxic rain starts falling, and rogue players lurk in the shadows, waiting to ambush you at the worst possible moment. Every run is a desperate gamble, a nerve-wracking dance between greed and survival. This relentless tension is what makes games like SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada so captivating, pulling you into its chaotic, high-stakes world and refusing to let go. But as much as the genre draws you in, it can also wear you down over time. Luckily, SYNDUALITY manages to hold its ground with a gameplay loop that’s both engaging and challenging.

Let’s start with the game’s greatest strength—its gameplay. As a PvPvE extraction shooter, SYNDUALITY offers a well-rounded experience. The core loop revolves around mining AO Crystals, surviving enemy encounters, and extracting safely. Each sortie, or run, lasts about 20 to 22 minutes, depending on whether you want to push your mech’s battery to its limits. The stakes are high; if you die, you lose everything except items in your safe pocket or covered by insurance. It’s a nerve-wracking yet exhilarating cycle that keeps you on your toes.

Beyond the core loop, the game provides a progression system tied to requests—essentially quests—that serve as a guide for what to do next. These requests keep things fresh, giving players clear objectives while subtly moving the narrative forward. Pair this with the constant need to upgrade your garage, and you’ve got a gameplay formula that remains compelling even after several hours of play.

Mechs, Magus, and Mayhem

The game’s mech customization system is a highlight. You’re always in your mech, which can be fully tailored to suit your playstyle. From body parts to weapons, the options are diverse. I found myself favoring energy weapons due to their lack of recoil, making combat smoother and more precise. Each mech component affects your performance, encouraging experimentation to find the perfect loadout.

Requests add further depth by giving players clear goals to chase. Whether you’re tasked with gathering specific resources, defeating certain enemies, or exploring dangerous zones, these quests offer a structured way to experience the game’s world. They also provide a sense of accomplishment, especially when a tough mission rewards you with upgrades.

Then there’s your Magus, your ever-present AI companion. At the start of the game, I was able to customize my Magus to fit my needs. I could assign specific "system" to him—whether it’s giving him the ability to shield me from the rain or enhancing his ability to gather enemy intel. These systems can be crucial in the heat of battle, making each Magus feel unique based on your playstyle. Initially, I wasn’t sure whether to view my Magus as an assistant, a mentor, or an overly chatty roommate. He just wouldn’t shut up—offering constant commentary, warnings, and hints that made me want to rip my headphones off. But as time went on, his relentless chatter grew on me. That nagging voice became a quirky companion, and I found myself relying on his insights more than I’d like to admit.

Despite the lack of a grand narrative, the gameplay loop and Magus interactions build a satisfying sense of progression. There’s enough here to keep you invested, even without the deeper story hinted at in the trailers.

A World That Fights Back

Where SYNDUALITY truly sets itself apart is its dynamic world. The toxic rain isn’t just a visual flourish, it’s a legitimate threat that deteriorates your mech’s armor and forces you to find shelter. On one particularly harrowing run, I found myself stranded mid-extraction, caught in a sudden downpour with my mech’s integrity rapidly deteriorating. The rain demands quick thinking: do you push ahead to complete your mission, or take cover to avoid catastrophic damage? The game’s weather system constantly keeps you on edge, adding layers of tactical depth to every sortie.

The environment seems out to get you, with green-hued skies signaling incoming storms that can drastically alter the flow of your sortie. Combine this with randomized spawn points and sprawling, vibrant maps, and no two runs feel the same. These elements make the world feel alive and unyielding, amplifying the thrill of every extraction attempt.

The hostile environment isn’t limited to weather. Certain areas are crawling with Enders, xenomorph-like creatures that can rip through your mech’s defenses if you’re not careful. Their presence turns routine crystal-mining into a high-stakes operation, where every decision could lead to disaster. The environmental hazards, coupled with enemy threats, create a constant sense of danger that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

High Stakes and Higher Frustrations

Despite its strengths, SYNDUALITY has its fair share of frustrations. First and foremost is the glaring absence of safe zones. The open map is a free-for-all, teeming not only with monstrous Enders but also with rogue players eager to ruin your day. I remember one particularly infuriating encounter: I had painstakingly collected a haul of high-value AO Crystals, only to be ambushed by a camper lying in wait near an extraction point.

While I get the appeal of this playstyle—it’s exhilarating to outwit others—it’s hard not to curse griefers when you’re their victim. Their presence injects unpredictability and tension, but it can sometimes push the fun right off the rails.

Another annoyance, though not strictly related to the game itself, is the subscription model on Xbox. While I had already purchased SYNDUALITY, I needed an Xbox Game Pass subscription on top of the game’s price. This feels like an unnecessary burden, especially when you’ve already paid for the game. It’s not a problem with SYNDUALITY itself, but it’s a frustration that feels tied to the console’s ecosystem. Many gamers might find it irritating to pay for online access when they’ve already spent money on the game. It feels like a cash grab, and it can be off-putting for those who just want to enjoy the game without the extra expense.

Extraction Tension and Replayable Loops

The extraction process in SYNDUALITY is where the stakes hit their peak. Reaching the evacuation zone within the 20-minute timer is only half the battle; holding off enemies (if they are present) during the 30-second countdown is what makes your heart race. It’s a nerve-wracking sequence that tests your resourcefulness and combat skills. Every second feels like an eternity as you fend off attackers and pray that your mech holds up long enough to secure your loot.

Progression in SYNDUALITY is equally satisfying. The game rewards careful planning and tactical execution. Earned resources can be used to upgrade your garage, fine-tune your mech, and stockpile essential gear for future runs. The ability to review gameplay recordings adds another layer of depth, allowing players to learn from their mistakes and refine their strategies.

Replayability is a core strength of the game. Each run feels distinct, thanks to the randomized spawn points, dynamic weather, and varied objectives. Whether you’re a newcomer to the genre or a seasoned veteran, SYNDUALITY offers enough variety to keep you coming back for more. The tension, the thrill of extraction, and the satisfaction of a successful run combine to create an experience that’s hard to put down.

Is SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada Worth It?

Its Addictive Gameplay and Engaging Combat Make It Worth It

SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada offers a thrilling and chaotic experience. Its addictive gameplay loop, vibrant visuals, and deep customization options—particularly the ability to personalize your Magus—make it a standout in the extraction shooter genre. While it has its flaws, particularly with the lack of safe zones and the sometimes overbearing Magus system, the overall package is undeniably compelling. For fans of high-stakes gameplay and mech-based combat, SYNDUALITY is worth the gamble.

Digital Storefront
Steam		Playstation		Xbox
Price		$39.99

SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada FAQ

Is SYNDUALITY’s PvP Balanced?

Not exactly. The map is shared by all players, meaning newcomers and highly-equipped veterans coexist in the same space. This can lead to frustrating encounters, where more experienced players have a clear advantage, creating an imbalance that may affect newer players’ experience.

What Is The Purpose Of The AO Crystals?

In terms of story, the AO Crystals are vital for powering the last remaining city of humans. From a gameplay perspective, players can trade these crystals for in-game currency, making them a key resource for buying ammo and materials, upgrading, and progression.

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SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada Product Information

Title	SYNDUALITY ECHO OF ADA
Release Date	January 23, 2024
Developer	Game Studio Inc.
Publisher	Bandai Namco Entertainment
Supported Platforms	Platforms here
Genre	genres here
Number of Players	1, PvPvE
ESRB Rating	T
Official Website	SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada Website

Allisandra Reyes

I find joy in the adrenaline rush of horror games, but my thrill-seeking doesn't stop there. Beyond the digital realm, I like to take on the role of designated GM in TTRPGs.