Retromagine has announced False Echo, a 2D pixel-art cryptographic narrative adventure game. Set aboard a World War II submarine, the game tasks players with operating the Obscura communications machine to determine the truth or falsehood of incoming transmissions. Player decisions will impact the game's outcome, with multiple endings available.
The gameplay loop involves managing the Obscura machine by adjusting rotors, connecting cables, and aligning signals to decipher transmissions according to the Oppressian Empire's standards. A core mechanic is the ECHO system, used to classify messages as TRUE or FALSE, with daily changing rules and potentially contradictory orders requiring careful deduction. The game emphasizes the tension of a crew on high alert, where conversations may not align and trust is scarce. Players must process transmissions efficiently and accurately, as mistakes can draw unwanted attention.
False Echo is slated for release on PC via Steam. A release window has not yet been announced, but the game is available to wishlist on Steam.