Title: Echo Weaver (demo)
Developer: Moonlight Kids
Publisher: Akupara Games
Release Date: TBD
Platforms: PC, Xbox
Reviewed On: Steam Deck

Synopsis

Enter the world of Provenance. You are the last of the Weavers, and the game opens with the character having no memory and little knowledge of the place, so you must unravel the mysteries and progress as far as you can before each “loop” ends. You meet a digitalized cat named INTERMIND that lives in your mind, and time is a valuable resource. In fact, when time runs out, the loop ends, and you must start a new cycle. A metroidvania at heart, Echo Weaver adds twists to gameplay like repeating cycles and progression through gained knowledge versus items or upgrades.

For the June 2026 Steam Next Fest, the developers released an updated demo for Echo Weaver. The new demo includes:

• Time trials
• Discord Speed Competition
• Updated story and levels
• Added polish

Analysis

As mentioned above, Echo Weaver‘s foundation is that of a metroidvania. You roam around Provenance a place that was meant to be a utopia, filling out a map, discovering different routes and shortcuts. However, instead of finding items that unlock new areas, you progress further based off things you learn along the way via Echo Rifts. These rifts are scattered throughout the game that unlocks the lore as well as invaluable knowledge.

For example, an Echo Rift teaches you how to use The Glaive, a mysterious weapon that can be recalled anytime. It can be used not only to defeat enemies but also break locks. In addition to this knowledge, you are provided a trail of breadcrumbs that will help you discover what happened: researchers were committed to unlocking the glaive’s potential through various “subjects” –other Weavers, but the higher ups ended up shutting the project down. What happened to the researchers? To the other Weavers?

Each cycle is time dependent. With each loop, you can collect pickups that extend your time on each run; however, taking damage–or healing yourself–also consumes the limited time you’re given. Once time runs out, the screens slows to black, and you must start over again. While not a roguelite per say, there were times where it felt like it had the essence of one, basing off the fact you are meant to go through several cycles. With each cycle, you take advantage of previous knowledge gained and familiarity of the map to move faster and further than before.

Gameplay can be challenging for those unfamiliar with this genre, but it also isn’t so punishing as to push away any that are curious to give the game a spin!

Art Style and Music

The graphics are very polished, and the dash of turquoise that emanates from the glaive gives Echo Weaver that extra pop to stand out. The design and detail make the Provenance a breathing, living world, one that holds many secrets that I was enticed to discover. The character and monster designs were lovely, and I do feel that its style is unique as its twist in a metroidvania. The music also compliments the vibe of the game, and I hope to see a soundtrack to Echo Weaver some day!

Final Score

Echo Weaver is a solid metroidvania with the added time challenge in the form of cycles. You aren’t meant to discover the map in a singular run. In fact, the fun lies in discovering as many rifts as you can, memorize the environmental hazards, them breezing further with each attempt. I appreciate the slow burn of discovering what happened to Provenance, and the world was designed so beautifully, I can easily recall it in my memory.

If you like a challenge, a detailed world filled with mystery, and can handle the anxiety of time as a resource, then Echo Weaver may be the game for you! While a release date is still unknown, you can try the demo now! Also, don’t forget to wish list it on Steam!

Featured Image Source: Moonlight Kids via Steam