Eco

Developer: Strange Loop Games
Release: Feb 6th 2018
Platforms:
Indie
Simulation
Early Access
Collaborative
Educational
Deep
Buggy
Niche
Eco Poster

Eco Review

Eco is a unique multiplayer game centered on environmental simulation, collaboration, and community building. Players appreciate its depth, including intricate crafting, trading, and political systems that mimic real-life ecological and economic dynamics. The game encourages teamwork to prevent a meteor strike, requiring players to manage resources and develop sustainable societies. Many users praise its educational value and the immersive experience of working together in a shared world.

However, the game suffers from technical issues like frequent crashes and connectivity problems, especially when joining friends. The player base is relatively small and servers often become inactive after initial progress, which diminishes long-term engagement. Some players find the grind tedious without a committed group, and the game's pricing and monetization model could be improved to attract more players. Despite these flaws, the community-driven gameplay and complex systems offer a rewarding experience for those who invest time and find the right group.

Highlights

Players highly praise Eco's deep gameplay mechanics involving crafting, trading, and political collaboration that simulate real-world ecology and economics. The game's educational aspect and unique multiplayer experience stand out, especially the need for teamwork to sustain the environment and defeat the meteor.

The variety of professions, government tools, and the ability to engage in community building are also appreciated. Many enjoy the challenge of managing resources and the immersive, realistic systems such as caloric intake and economic transactions. The game's visual style and integration of machines and vehicles add to the engaging gameplay.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include frequent technical issues like crashing and difficulties connecting to friends' games. The small player base leads to many servers becoming inactive, reducing the game's longevity and fun. Players note the grind can be tedious without a strong community, and the current land claim system complicates farming and resource gathering.

Some feel the game’s pricing is too high given its niche appeal and suggest adding cosmetic monetization to attract more players. Others mention the need for better incentives to encourage collaboration and community sustainability. Compatibility issues with certain internet providers also limit accessibility.

Pros

  • Deep, realistic ecological and economic simulation with complex crafting and trading systems.
  • Unique multiplayer focus on collaboration to prevent environmental disaster.
  • Educational value teaching sustainability and resource management.
  • Variety of professions and government tools enrich gameplay.
  • Engaging community-driven political and social mechanics.
  • Immersive systems like calorie management add realism.
  • Players find the teamwork and social interaction rewarding.

Cons

  • Frequent crashes and connectivity issues frustrate players.
  • Small player base causes many servers to die out early.
  • Grinding can be tedious without a committed group.
  • Land claim mechanics complicate farming and resource gathering.
  • High price may deter potential new players.
  • Lack of incentives for sustained community collaboration.
  • Compatibility issues with some internet providers limit access.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Build a civilization of real people, working together to advance society and stop a meteor, all without destroying the ecosystem in the process.

Release Date Feb 6th 2018
Publisher Strange Loop Games
Developer Strange Loop Games
Platforms

User Reviews

Mostly Positive (6,314)
79% Positive 21% Negative