Windborn – Echoes of the Night review

Losing myself in an immersive world is half the fun of gaming. Furthermore, if the action is mindless, simple, and oddly captivating, it gets a thumbs up from me. Although Windborn – Echoes of the Night doesn’t quite hit every box, it does a great job of entertaining you in short bursts.

EpiXR Games has pigeonholed itself with its atmospheric adventure titles. Whether it is a bird or a paper aeroplane, the concept is familiar and, unfortunately, a little repetitive. This latest title in their extensive roster of games follows a tried-and-tested approach. Eleven chapters of captivating visuals and rudimentary gameplay await. Additionally, the weird settings and eclectic blend of audio sucks you into the action.

Windborn – Echoes of the Night asks you to fly together as one.

Windborn – Echoes of the Night doesn’t have a strong plot. Instead, it relies on its environment and alluring audio to do all of the work. You control a bird who is part of a flock. This flock of birds are racing from location to location while staying together as a team. If you fall behind, they will not slow down and wait for you. Subsequently, you must use your skills to keep up.

Although it sounds pretty hectic, the mechanics are wonderfully refined. You select which chapter you wish to tackle, and you get to work. As you explore each location, you must follow the path of your flock. En route, there are speed rings to help you keep up. If you veer off course or you miss a boost ring, you’ll almost certainly get left behind.

No violence!

Violence, gore, and crude language are the new norm. However, Windborn – Echoes of the Night doesn’t go down this path. The game flows without a curse word in sight. Moreover, there are no battles, no blood, and nothing to cause distress. Instead, your imagination takes over as you relax into each captivating chapter.

Unlike other games from this developer, there is no underlying story. This was a shame as I enjoy the Aery series and the wonderful snippets of lore. Had this title followed that path, I believe the game would have been vastly improved. Though I enjoyed the relaxed and mindless action, a reason to be in each scenario would have been appreciated.

Windborn – Echoes of the Night is repetitive but great to look at.

Windborn – Echoes of the Night doesn’t go crazy with its stage design or visual elements. Instead, it uses different colours and lighting across an array of similar locations. This should have been tiresome, but you spend your time focusing on the speed rings and little else. As you race around each stage, you’ll adore the varied soundtrack. The music has chilled, lower BPM songs playing alongside harder-hitting tunes to appeal to a larger audience.

If you want a mindless title that will not test your skills and reactions, then grab this. Moving between the rings is easy, and there are no obstacles to avoid. Furthermore, you have no special moves to master or complicated button layouts to understand. This refined approach reduces replay value and longevity. Additionally, once you finish each chapter, you’ll have little reason to return.

Windborn – Echoes of the Night is a nice, casual game.

If you want a break from gory and hellish games, then this should be on your radar. Its soundscape, visuals, and rudimentary design ensure that it is a casual affair. I don’t think it’ll appeal to everyone, but I enjoyed it and suggest you grab a copy from the Xbox store!