Echo Combat, Ready at Dawn’s team-based zero-g shooter is coming sooner than you might think; the studio is launching the high-flying competitive shooter today on Oculus Rift.
Update (November 15th, 2018): Echo Combat will be live starting today , November 15th, at 12pm PST (local time here). It’s a $10 in-app purchase available through Echo VR. We’ll have review coverage coming, so check back soon.
Original article (November 12th, 2018): If you already own Echo VR, you can purchase the Echo Combat DLC on the Echo VR Oculus Store page. What’s more, you’ll be able to buy it from the Main Menu and even in the Echo VR lobby at any of the in-game matchmaking terminals or customization terminals.
Ready at Dawn says players can expect on-going support of Echo VR through 2019.
Here’s a rundown of what’s new in Echo Combat:
New Map, Bigger Teams
Control Point mode debuted with the ‘Combustion’ map back at Oculus Connect 5, and has been available in a few open beta weekends since. Now Echo Combat adds another Control Point map to the mix. Called ‘Dyson’, the map is a massive open-space area that the developers say will “treat players to new strategic opportunities including a variety of entry points to the map to help teams divide and conquer.”
Notably, the default game size has also been bumped up from 3v3 to 4v4.
New Weapon, Repair Tool & TAC-MOD
All shooters need some sort of OP rocket launcher, and Echo Combat is getting what it calls ‘the Meteor’, something the studio calls “the perfect tool when you’re staring down enemies and you’re running out of options.”
A grenade-like device called ‘Instant Repair’ is also coming that heals targets on impact, including yourself.
A new TAC-MOD, the game’s secondary weapon, is coming too. Called ‘Phase Shift’, it lets players phase out of reality for short periods so you can sneak behind enemy lines or make a hasty retreat without being seen.
Progression System
Original beta testers will be happy to know that there won’t be any more zeroes hanging above their heads, as Echo Combat is adding a progression system that will track your rank when you compete in public matches, of course arriving with a suite of new customization options like decals, emotes, and avatar patterns.
All customization options unlocked in Echo Combat can be used in the game’s more sporty half, Echo Arena. You’ll be able to review combat stats for both games at once, using your arm-based terminal.
Want to know more about Echo Combat? Check out our hands-on with the beta.
We have a review of Echo Combat coming around the corner, so check back soon to see our take.
