I was apprehensive going in to Echoes of the Eye. Would it disrupt the delicate balance of Outer Wilds? What if it can't capture the magic a second time? What if it makes my favorite game less good?
I'm happy to report that my fears were unfounded and that Echoes of the Eye succeeds on almost all counts. In fact, I'd even say it ultimately enhances the base game.
It's amazing to me how good this DLC is considering that it largely does not play to Outer Wilds' strengths. It's much more linear, and includes some pretty frustrating sections that the game just does not feel well-suited for. The puzzle solving is mostly great as expected, although a few solutions can feel pretty obtuse in the moment before you get the full picture. One important puzzle solution in particular stood out to me as being very poorly telegraphed, and it was unsatisfying once I finally came upon the solution. Still, it's a blast to play and builds on Outer Wilds in some unique ways.
There's a lot of good stuff in the narrative here, and I mean really good stuff. Unfortunately I think the most interesting hooks come way too late, several times during the first two thirds I wondered what I was even trying to do. The payoff totally makes up for it in the end however, underscored by some of Andrew Prahlow's best music to date.
Echoes of the Eye stretches Outer Wilds in unexpected and mostly satisfying new ways, and has a tale worthy of the base game's to tell. I'm glad it exists, and just like before, I'm going to be thinking about it for a long time.
I'm happy to report that my fears were unfounded and that Echoes of the Eye succeeds on almost all counts. In fact, I'd even say it ultimately enhances the base game.
It's amazing to me how good this DLC is considering that it largely does not play to Outer Wilds' strengths. It's much more linear, and includes some pretty frustrating sections that the game just does not feel well-suited for. The puzzle solving is mostly great as expected, although a few solutions can feel pretty obtuse in the moment before you get the full picture. One important puzzle solution in particular stood out to me as being very poorly telegraphed, and it was unsatisfying once I finally came upon the solution. Still, it's a blast to play and builds on Outer Wilds in some unique ways.
There's a lot of good stuff in the narrative here, and I mean really good stuff. Unfortunately I think the most interesting hooks come way too late, several times during the first two thirds I wondered what I was even trying to do. The payoff totally makes up for it in the end however, underscored by some of Andrew Prahlow's best music to date.
Echoes of the Eye stretches Outer Wilds in unexpected and mostly satisfying new ways, and has a tale worthy of the base game's to tell. I'm glad it exists, and just like before, I'm going to be thinking about it for a long time.