Echelon
Published: February 1, 2009 - Last update: January 6, 2011 - 532 downloads
- Year
- 1988
- Genre
- Action, Simulation
- Theme
- Flight, Puzzle-Solving, Sci-Fi / Futuristic
- Publisher
- Access Software, Inc.
- Developer
- Access Software, Inc.
- Perspective
- 1st-Person
4 votes
556 KiB
Description of Echelon
To shortly resume Echelon, it's about action, simulation and flight, puzzle-solving, sci-fi / futuristic. It was done by Access Software, Inc. in 1988. Feel free to download and try it!
One of the best 3D spaceflight simulations ever made, Echelon goes beyond the typical shoot-everything-in-sight concept by integrating neat puzzles into gameplay. Your task as member of the Space Federation is patrol the solar system's tenth planet, Isis, and find the location of pirates' base. Puzzles are in the form of "clues": flashing dots on the surface used to fill in the six paper maps which show how to get to the base, and codes you can break to decipher the pirates' transmission. Echelon also includes a lot of nifty gadgets you can use, including a teleporter for transporting stuff you collect back to your base, and RPV for exploring the planet's surface by remote control, and even a hyperdrive to hop around the planet. Space pilots who despise puzzles can opt out of the "Scientific mode" for the "Patrol mode", which allows unlimited exploration and spacefights without puzzles. Lastly, action purists can chose Military mode for non-stop action. A wonderful game that has something for everyone, Echelon is worth a try for every space sim enthusiast. Be warned, however, that it is *not* an easy game to get into, as there are many key combinations you must memorize to succeed, as well as steep learning curve. Fortunately, Echelon offers many training courses to improve your skills, and the graphics are very good for its time (you can clearly distinguish trees, rivers, and other landmarks).The game was also notable for being the first and only Access game to feature the innovative "LipStik," a headphone/microphone combo (included free with the game) that lets player shout command in English. It doesn't work very well, but as a 1987 invention it was definitely far ahead of its time.
Review by HOTUD
Captures and Snapshots
Screenshots used with permission from MobyGames.com
Comments and reviews
HuntingTarg added this comment :
Echelon is set on a fictional 'tenth planet', which is under research in the setting of this game because it is home to relics of a long-dead alien civilization. Your mission is to investigate the disappearance of a scientist. You arrive, set out to examine the evidence, then the plot thickens.
This game is not for the casual. It is involved, thinky, tricky, and has several sub-plots and puzzles. It is also very hard to get a feel for and work through without the original manual, and I do not know offhand if there is a pdf or other way to reprint it. If you've played it before and like nostalgia, go ahead. If not, be warned.
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Ralph23456 added this comment :
I believe this original came with a "voice" activated fire control stick which was basically a "mic" which you could yell fire in it and your guns would fire.