SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada Network Test
This weekend saw the latest iteration of the Bandai Namco’s SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada beta. Billed as a network test, it was a good opportunity to dive back into the game and see what has changed in the months since the last private beta.
As a quick refresher, SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada is a PvPvE extraction shooter, taking place in miniature open worlds. Players inhabit thunderous mechs called Cradlecoffins, roaming the world undertaking missions and competing for resources all the while trying to survive the dangerous creatures and hazardous weather of the area, as well as one-another.
So, what’s changed since the last time we took a look at the game back in April?
Several quality-of-life adjustments have been made, focusing on the controls, and grouping up with other players. Specifically, rewards have been tweaked to make teaming up more rewarding and generally easier to do.
One key adjustment has been the mitigation of lag and rubber-banding that plagued the private beta. It was one of only a few black marks on the game and seeing that it has been largely addressed is encouraging for the final release.
That being said, this was a network test, and I found that the servers were very unstable throughout the weekend. I frequently ran into ‘communication errors’ while mid-mission. Not only did this kick me back to the menu, but my entire inventory was also wiped out, including any expensive parts that had been purchased and equipped as well as any resources gathered during the mission.
Progress isn’t carrying over to the final game, so this isn’t an issue. However, the cause of this does need to be addressed before release.
There have been some welcome map adjustments for the release, too. A general increase in size along with an increased number of return points (small areas of the map that act as extraction zones).
One adjustment that I will be eternally thankful for, is a change to your companion’s audio. Each player has a follower called a Magus that floats around and gives mission-critical information throughout. Think of them as SYNDUALITY’s version of Cortana from Halo.
In the previous beta, these Magus (Magi?) would not shut up. They constantly vomited dialogue at the player, endlessly commenting on every little thing in the world. This was exacerbated by the audio being in Japanese and subtitles being off to one side of the screen. Thankfully, now audio has an English option and it’s been toned down drastically.
SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada is shaping up to be an interesting take on the extraction shooter. The vast majority of the changes that have been made are positive and a net improvement to the game. There’s still no release date as of yet, but it has been slated for a 2024 release, so hopefully should be with us soon!
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