Ready At Dawn’s arena multiplayer has been available for almost three years now, building up a dedicated community of esports players in the process. Next week will see the start of the Echo Arena VR Master League Season 1 and there’s still time to register. There’s even a Boot Camp taking place on this Saturday for new players or those who want to brush up on their skills.
The VR Master League is based around a ladder system so as not to discourage inexperienced players from participating by coming up against pro teams. This ensures equally matched teams are pitted against one another for a fun, competitive game. A flexible structure is in place enabling team captains to arrange matches at suitable times during each week. A minimum of two are required each week although more can be played.
For this Echo Arena tournament, the matches are set up as 4v4, consisting of three ten-minute rounds. Even if the scores sit at 2-0 the third is still played due to the scoring system.
When it comes to taking part new players can participate as either a substitute, by creating a team or joining an existing team on the Echo Arena VR Master League website. Teams are still recruiting across various regions for those interested. If you are taking part for the first time then you’ll probably want to take part in the boot camp tomorrow.
Beginning at 12pm PT / 3:00 pm EST (8pm GMT) the camp will be taught by C-Jason and IS0LAT3, while special guest instructors VTSxKING and Cruisen will be on hand to teach goalie skills. Sign up to the Echo Arena VRML Boot Camp here and head on over to the Echo Games Discord server to connect with the community.
They’ll be going through the following gameplay basics:
Shooting practice
Block drill
Boop / Kungg shots
Offensive setups
Defensive setups
Goalie skills
Midfield coverage
If you can’t attend the boot camp coaches are available for individual players or for team mentoring. Just message either Kungg, SingleShot12349, AndyW_ or MoJolly via Discord.
VRFocus will continue its coverage of VR esports, reporting back with the latest updates.
There might only be a couple of weeks to Christmas so looking for a new job is probably the last thing on most people’s minds. But if starting another career path would be your ideal present this year and you happen to love virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) gaming then take a look at the festive selection box below.
Don’t forget, if there wasn’t anything that took your fancy this week there’s always last week’s listings on The VR Job Hubto check as well.
If you are an employer looking for someone to fill an immersive technology related role – regardless of the industry – don’t forget you can send us the lowdown on the position and we’ll be sure to feature it in that following week’s feature. Details should be sent to Peter Graham (pgraham@vrfocus.com).
We’ll see you next week on VRFocus at the usual time of 3PM (UK) for another selection of jobs from around the world.
You’ll have to wait just a little longer to jump into zero gravity on Oculus Quest.
Ready at Dawn this week announced that its upcoming port of Echo Arena to the standalone VR headset has been delayed. It’s now coming some time in 2020, though there’s no specific timing beyond that. We weren’t entirely sure the game would be arriving this year so it doesn’t come as a huge surprise, but it’s a little disappointing all the same.
“To release the highest quality game possible, we’ve decided to delay Echo Arena’s launch on Quest until 2020,” the company said in a blog post. “We’re excited to bring Echo Arena, and all of its zero-g glory, to Quest soon!”
We announced Echo Arena for Quest during our E3 VR Showcase in June. Not only that, but we actually got to see it running back at OC6. David’s impressions were pretty much what he expected; the game is all present and accounted for, but it takes a slight visual hit on the mobile hardware.
“I would definitely play this version and would personally recommend it to Quest owners from what I’ve played,” he said. “Not having to worry about wires is reason enough to make Echo Arena on Quest one worth keeping on your radar because it feels great to spin around without issues. That being said, it just isn’t as good as on PC VR, but that should have been expected anyway.”
We’re still looking forward to this one, then.
Fear not; there’s still plenty of Quest goodness set to arrive in 2019. In fact, Pistol Whip launches on the headset today and we still have The Curious Tale Of The Stolen Pets, Doctor Who and more to look forward to. A bit more patience on the Echo front won’t hurt.
To release the highest quality game possible, we’ve decided to delay Echo Arena’s launch on Quest until 2020. We’re excited to bring Echo Arena, and all of its zero-g glory, to Quest soon! Thank you all for your patience and continued support.
The original article continues below, updated with the delayed release date.
Original Article (October 4th, 2019):The latest version of Echo VR, patch 25.0, launched this week and brought with it a number of enhancements ahead of the game’s Quest release. Perhaps the biggest is that ‘Echo Arena’, the zero-G ultimate frisbee game, is getting AI opponents so that for the first time players can play against (or with) computer-controlled players. Users will be able to queue up AI matches at the matchmaking podium. You’ll be able to join with friends to play against AI too, and choose between three levels of difficulty. Players will earn the usual experience and rewards from AI matches though at a slightly reduced rate.
In addition to AI opponents, the update also adds an enhanced ‘New Player Experience’ which tutorializes the game (especially useful for upcoming Quest players who won’t have the benefit of learning how everything works from Echo VR’s sibling single player title Lone Echo). The new player experience will show players the basics like how to use the arm-computer and how to queue up for a match. It’ll also run them through a practice ‘Echo Arena’ match that must be completed before they can dive into public matches.
The update also brings a host of optimizations to the game. Developer Ready at Dawn says that while these optimizations were intended to help the game run on Quest, some have also carried into the Rift version for improved performance.
Echo VR Cross-platform Multiplayer Confirmed
This was expected, but now it has been explicitly confirmed: Quest and Rift players of Echo VR will share the same lobby space and be able to queue for ‘Echo Arena’ matches together. Unfortunately it seems like ‘Echo Combat’ will remain Rift-only.
It’s great to know that players will share the same lobby no matter if they are on Quest or Rift because floating around and playing with the various toys and activities in the lobby is half the fun.
Echo VR Quest Release Date and Price
The Echo VR release date for Quest is delayed to 2020, but a specific release date hasn’t been specified. However, Oculus has confirmed the game will be free on Quest just like on Rift.
Back at E3 2019 earlier this year we learned that Ready at Dawn was working on an Oculus Quest port of its zero-gravity VR disc sport, Echo Arena, and would be bringing it over to the standalone VR headset in “all its glory.”
Yesterday, at Oculus Connect 6 (OC6), I got the chance to try it out for myself on Quest for the first time and I can confirm that it’s certainly a capable port of the popular game, but certainly not a perfect translation.
Generally speaking, the game runs great on Quest. The developers describe it as still being in “alpha” but for all intents and purposes it seems far more feature complete than most alphas I’ve tried. Everything works already. All the controls are the same allowing me to reach out with my hands and use wrist thrusters to glide around the arena, I can push off of objects, boost with the left stick, brake with the right, use the grip buttons to grab the disc or environment, and use the triggers to punch and block.
Like I said, this is definitely Echo Arena. It’s all here. But it’s just not quite as good, which shouldn’t be a big surprise.
This screenshot is captured from the PC version.
For starters, you can tell it’s downgraded visually pretty clearly. I haven’t played Echo Arena in months but I could still spot some differences. The lightning system seemed less remarkable specifically and I am pretty sure I could spot a tad of fixed foveated rendering around the edges of my display. Character models were lower quality as well, even in terms of the differences between my avatar and the avatars of other players. For example, my hands were articulated with individually animated fingers, but other players appeared to have a smudged glove for hands, basically.
Those are pretty minor differences when you’re in the heat of a match though and don’t actually matter. But since the Quest only has four front-facing inside-out cameras in the corners of the headset face plate, the tracking volume is much smaller than the original Rift and smaller than the Rift S. Specifically, when reaching above my head, down around the back of my waist, or behind my back.
In most VR games you usually keep your hands out in front of you, but in Echo Arena that isn’t really the case. You’ll often grab a piece of the environment without looking at it directly or hold onto the wall, then turn to look towards the disc before pushing off and launching yourself. That action was sort of hit or miss on Quest. The same goes for reaching behind my hand to wind up a throw/pass or flicking it backwards to toss. The action usually worked okay, but it often forced my arms and hands to get all distorted, which was a bit jarring.
This screenshot is captured from the PC version.
To be clear though: Echo Arena on Quest, from what I’ve seen so far, is absolutely capable, playable, and quite good. I would definitely play this version and would personally recommend it to Quest owners from what I’ve played. Not having to worry about wires is reason enough to make Echo Arena on Quest one worth keeping on your radar because it feels great to spin around without issues. That being said, it just isn’t as good as on PC VR, but that should have been expected anyway.
There is still no release date for Echo Arena on Quest, so stay tuned for more once we know!
It’s summertime and what better way to celebrate than a trip to the beach. Or, if you’re nowhere near the sea then how about playing some Echo VR on Oculus Rift/Rift S instead, because Ready At Dawn has just released the Summer Splash Event with a limited time aquatic theme as well as additional features.
First up you’ll notice a little change to Echo VR’s lobby as you’re now underwater. Swimming about this aquatic wonderland, you’ll be able to explore hidden treasures, relax on the beach or find fun props and sea creatures. You can also unlock new summer customisations by completing either one match of Echo Arena or Echo Combat during the event.
Ready At Dawn will be running a couple of seasonal events where you can earn special rewards. Summer events are 4v4 Echo Arena public matches without parties. You can find additional information the morning of the event via posters in the Main Lobby Area. Here are the basics:
Event #1
On 25th July from 10:00AM — 10:00PM PST / 17:00–5:00 UTC complete 1 Event Match to earn a special Summer decal.
Event #2
On 1st August from 10:00AM — 10:00PM PST / 17:00–5:00 UTC complete 1 Event Match to earn a special Summer decal.
Another new feature is The Skirmish Zone found in the Lobby. Located within the Echo Combat Training Area, this new addition will allow you to kill some time, practice skills outside of a match, or teach friends tips and tricks.
There have also been several balance changes add in this update.
Echo Arena
Players will no longer be able grab the opposing team’s holo cubes near their goal.
The opposing team’s holo cubes will disappear as the player gets close to them.
Echo Combat
Players can no longer grab the arms of other players (same as Echo Arena).
The Echo VR seasonal summer splash event has now begun, finishing on 2nd August at 12:00 AM PST/ 7:00 UTC. Head to the Echo Games blog post to see the full changelog. VRFocus will continue its coverage of Ready At Dawn, reporting back with further updates to Echo VR or new info on Lone Echo II.
It’s safe to say that here at VRFocus we’re big fans of Ready At Dawn’s ambitious sci-fi experience Lone Echo. It was one of the best reasons to own an Oculus Rift back in 2017, and when news broke at Oculus Connect 5 (OC5) last year that a sequel was in the works (it was a sure thing anyway); 2019 was shaping up to be a good year. Alas the schedule for Lone Echo II has been pushed back to 2020, but at least the videogame made an appearance during the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) last month.
It was nice to see another decently sized demo at the event, much like After the Fall and Battlewake. If you’ve played and finished Lone Echo then you’ll know the story arc and main mechanics which continue into the sequel, with the demo focusing on a showcase of new mechanics rather than detailing what happens in the narrative.
You’re still the ever dependable (and robust) robot Jack, helping Captain Olivia Rhodes survive the perils of space. The demo had three main features to showcase, new puzzle elements, a new menu system on Jack’s hand and interactions between the two characters.
The puzzle scenarios were the main feature included in the demo, where you have to deploy clever use of energy outlets and modules to clear the way of nasty bio threats lovingly called ‘Ticks’. These essentially latch onto any nearby energy source to feed, and as a robot, you’re good eating.
While a Tick can latch onto you quite quickly it doesn’t mean instant death, if you’re quick enough they can be grabbed and thrown away. But speed is of the essence – especially with two or more – and a rubbish throw will simply mean them chowing down once again. So the best course of action is to use the environment to remove, contain or incapacitate these nasty little beasties.
Lone Echo II provides a number of ways to do this, from switching wall panels on to attaching them to more elaborate systems which involve cranes located on runners on the ceiling. It’s these latter designs which really help immerse you in this virtual world, and a great amalgamation of the movement and gameplay mechanics. Everything is still in zero-g, so you need to cleverly use the wrist boosters alongside grabbing and flinging yourself from object to object working your way through the levels. Yet at the same time not to put yourself in danger by floating haphazardly into a group of Ticks.
When it comes to the new menu system on Jack’s hand (either one) there were four symbols which appeared, but only one was selectable. This was the cutting torch, a useful tool from the first videogame allowing you to cut through certain highlighted objects. Ready At Dawn hasn’t given a clue to what the other three do although one looks like remote activating switches while another could provide energy. We’ll just have to wait and see.
As for the new interaction techniques with Liv, these have been designed to make the duo more personable, helping players warm to the characters and their situation. So actions such as waving or giving a thumbs up will now elicit a response from Liv. This was only a very small part of the demo but it helped make the dialogue between them feel more two way, rather than Liv purely talking all the time.
As for everything else, Lone Echo II still looks as detailed and stunning to look at as the first instalment, having that broody looking horror sci-fi feel as if you’re in a scene from Alien. Sounds are subtle and light, with the loudest tending to be Liv’s voice, giving the experience a nice eerie quality. Expectations are high and VRFocus is hoping for bigger and better things from Lone Echo II. At the moment Lone Echo II looks like it’ll be a crowd pleaser.
Here on the Sunday VR Job Hub at VRFocus we like to include the very latest and most up to date selection of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) jobs from around the world. If a developer is working on an awesome new project and need to up the staff or simply looking to expand their core team, we’ll have those vacancies.
Don’t forget, if there wasn’t anything that took your fancy this week there’s always last week’s listings on The VR Job Hubto check as well.
If you are an employer looking for someone to fill an immersive technology related role – regardless of the industry – don’t forget you can send us the lowdown on the position and we’ll be sure to feature it in that following week’s feature. Details should be sent to Peter Graham (pgraham@vrfocus.com).
We’ll see you next week on VRFocus at the usual time of 3PM (UK) for another selection of jobs from around the world.
There are some exciting titles coming to Oculus Rift in 2019 through to 2020, the likes of Stormland and Defector are coming this year, while newly revealed videogames during the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2019 such as After the Fallare due to arrive next year. One of the biggest exclusives the platform is awaiting is Ready at Dawn’s sci-fi sequel Lone Echo II, and VRFocus caught up with the team during E3 to find out more.
The first Lone Echo launched back in 2017 for Oculus Rift, setting a new standard in visual quality and gameplay for virtual reality (VR). Zero-g environmental design always posed a challenge for VR developers as it could lead to nausea in some players. Ready at Dawn managed to crack it, producing an experience which VRFocus gave a full five-star rating to, saying: “Ready at Dawn has created an experience that every Oculus Touch owner needs in their library.”
During Oculus Connect 5 (OC5) in 2018, the studio officially announced Lone Echo II – one of the major reveals of the event behind Oculus Quest – continuing the epic storyline of your robot character Jack and Captain Olivia Rhodes who he’s there to protect against the dangers of space exploration.
For E3 2019 Ready at Dawn showcased a new build of Lone Echo II, featuring new gameplay mechanics, menus, UI and puzzles.
At the Oculus booth, VRFocus had a chat with Nathan Phail-Liff, the Game Director for Lone Echo II and Studio Art Director. Phail-Liff discusses some of the mechanics the studio has added to diversify the gameplay as well as adding more interaction with Liv.
One thing Lone Echo fans might not be pleased to hear is that the title has been delayed. Originally, Ready at Dawn had expected to launch the sequel later this year. Alas, that has now been pushed back to Q1 2020. Hopefully, it won’t slip any further.
Check out the full interview with Phail-Liff below, or take a look at VRFocus’ other interviews from E3 2019 with Oculus’ Jason Rubin or Vertigo Games. VRFocus will continue its coverage of Lone Echo II, reporting back with all the latest announcements.
Yesterday I got the chance to try the first ever playable demo of Lone Echo 2, the highly anticipated sequel to our 2017 Game of the Year winner, Lone Echo. In the series you play as Jack, a robotic ally to Liv, one of VR’s most emotive and well-developed NPC companions.
From what I saw during my demo, Lone Echo 2 is very much a bigger and better sequel. Rather than throwing out the entire design of the first game and starting from scratch, Ready at Dawn have taken a more iterative approach. Jack and Liv are still the center of the story, as is there constant struggle for survival in abandoned reaches of deep space, and you’ll still float around in zero gravity environments exploring, talking with Liv, and uncovering secrets. Taken at face value, it sounds awfully similar — but there’s more to it than that.
In the interview above you can see more details about the vision for this sequel, but specifically in my demo I spent about 20 minutes absolutely immersed and thrilled to be back in one of VR’s most beloved worlds.
Things started out simple enough: Liv tells me that we need to figure out how to get deeper into the ship we’re stranded on and figure out what’s going on more or less. After a bit of floating around and grappling on sections of the environment, we entered what looked like an atrium. Visually this area actually reminded me quite a bit of the main lobby area from recent sci-fi film Passengers or like some of the ships you see in BioWare’s Mass Effect games.
The first part of the demo was extremely familiar for anyone that’s played the original Lone Echo. Liv and I floated about rooms, she remarked on some objects in the world, I could ask her questions about things to get more insight, and eventually I triggered some dialog about another ship floating out in space. That’s when the Central Intelligence unit kicks on.
Having another character around really helps not only liven up moments of dialog, but it also brings out extra layers for both Liv and Jack as characters. Notably, Liv starts to sound more guarded and careful due to Central appearing as another artificial machine that’s far less warm and welcoming than Jack, whereas Jack seems less apprehensive towards Central and more open to hearing its ideas. Based on the dialog choices you have to make, you can lean into some of those new implications a bit.
Eventually I came across a room I needed to get into but the door is locked and the area is overran with biomass that’s pulsing and glowing, desperately trying to make contact with an energy source. At this point I’ve got to venture deeper into the ship to restore power to get into the room, but must be careful not to touch the biomass or else it could force Jack to reboot at a fabrication station, similar to the original game.
The first Lone Echo was notable for its slow pace and lack of physical enemies and combat and even though Lone Echo 2 mostly holds true to that same concept, it does have a bit more variety now. In particular, Ready at Dawn have done a good job of making enemies both parts of the puzzle solving and action scenes simultaneously.
Like most demos of this format, I just wanted to see more. I only got to just briefly interact with the biomass creatures before our demo time was over and I could honestly spend an entire day or more just hanging out with Liv, chatting. More than anything Lone Echo 2 is a world I want to spend more time in because despite the crippling loneliness of its setting, I can’t help but feel closer to Liv when she looks at me and smiles.
The fact that the Echo universe has expanded so dramatically to now include three total games (Lone Echo, Echo Arena, and Echo Combat) as well as the upcoming sequel is an excellent sign. Ready at Dawn have built a true universe with multi-franchise potential and Oculus appears to be all-in on supporting that vision.
Lone Echo 2 is slated for an early 2020 release on the Oculus Rift platform. Let us know what you think of what you’ve seen so far down in the comments below!
