Alter Echo (PlayStation 2)

Alter Echo is a third-person action game with a focus on close quarters combat. It is set in the 29th century where a substance named Multiplast replaces all known construction materials because it can be formed into anything. But something is wrong on the planet Proteus, the only known source of Multiplast. Now the simple worker Nevio has to investigate and stop the megalomaniac shape shifter Paavo who controls an even more powerful substance.

Luckily soon after the beginning of the game Nevo gets his hands on a special suit, which allows him to morph into three forms. The sword form is for melee combat, in which combos can be triggered by using the correct button combinations. The cannon form is a big robot which is more suited for gunplay and the stealth form is a futuristic lizard with a long tongue. During combat the player can instantly switch between the forms, which allows for many combinations depending on the former action or movement. This gets rewarded with plasma points which are used to upgrade Nevio’s life energy, new moves or better weapons.

Besides combat, the game features basic switch puzzles and rhythm-based mini games. Most notable is the Time Dilation Mode, which can be activated near enemies – then the mini game begins and, if successful ended, launches an especially powerful attack.