Hey friends! Here today with my cozy take on Echo Point Nova, the new open-world FPS from Greylock Studio (you might remember their slick action shooter Severed Steel). I’ve been zipping around its neon-lit canyons, and I’m excited to share my warm-and-fuzzy feelings about this speedy shooter. Ready? Let’s dive in!
Overall Impressions
Echo Point Nova surprised me in all the right ways. It’s an open-world first-person shooter that leans into thrill and speed, kind of like mid-2000s shooters I loved, but with a fresh modern twist. You drop onto a massive map, free to explore on foot or with fast vehicles, and the whole thing feels like a big playground for action fans.
Blending throwback freedom and lighthearted charm, Gravity Circuit lets you carve your own path instead of following a set route. You’ll feel that carefree “mid-2000s” vibe so many players love—simple, fun, and perfectly nostalgic. On top of that, the surprisingly catchy soundtrack kept me nodding along from the first stage to the last.
However, the world sometimes feels a little empty, and you’ll notice fewer enemy types than you might expect. It’s also on the short side—my main run wrapped up in just a couple of hours—so those craving a longer adventure may find it over all too soon.
Compared to other open-world shooters (think Far Cry or Shadow of the Colossus in scale, with a dash of Ultrakill’s fluid combat), Echo Point Nova is leaner and more focused. If you want a huge RPG-like world with tons of side quests, this isn’t it. But if you’re craving a zippy, shoot-and-sprint good time, this one’s right up your alley.
Gameplay Mechanics
Let’s talk mechanics—because this is where Echo Point Nova really sings. Movement is smooth and fast. I loved wall-running across canyon walls and sliding under obstacles, especially when the soundtrack kicked in. Shooting feels tight, with a handful of weapons that each pack a punch. Here’s the scoop:
Gravity Circuit shines with its fast, fluid traversal that keeps every run exciting. Whether you’re wall‑running, sliding, or zipping across gaps, each move feels smooth and keeps you in control. The gunplay also lands just right, with realistic recoil and impact that make every shot feel powerful. Plus, co‑op mode adds a whole new layer of fun—playing alongside a friend not only doubles the excitement but also lets you tackle challenges together in creative ways.
On the flip side, the game’s world can start to feel repetitive after a while. You’ll face the same small roster of enemies again and again, and more variety would help keep things fresh. Likewise, missions often end almost as soon as they begin, leaving you hungry for “one more run” only to find it’s already over. Adding deeper objectives and a wider range of foes would extend the thrill and boost replay value.
Story and Characters
Echo Point Nova isn’t a story-heavy game, and that’s okay by me. You’re a Freelancer tasked with stopping a shadowy corporation from harvesting ancient energy. The plot unfolds in bite-size snippets via radio chatter and minimalist cutscenes.
The dry wit of Zara, the main NPC, really stood out—her sarcastic jabs at my reckless moves kept me smiling during every mission. Plus, the dialogue is short but sweet, so you never feel bogged down by long conversations that break the game’s pace.
Yet, the game misses deeper character arcs—you don’t truly get to know your allies or villains beyond surface-level quips. And although the world hints at bigger stakes, there’s no strong emotional hook to pull you in, leaving those story threads feeling a bit undercooked.
All in all, the story is serviceable—it keeps you moving without slowing down the pace. If you love big, sprawling tales, you might feel a bit hungry. But if you just want enough plot to justify your flashy maneuvers, Echo Point Nova delivers.
Visuals and Graphics
Here’s where opinions really split. The art style mixes realistic weapon models with low-poly, colorful environments—it’s a bit odd at first, but quickly grows on you.
The poly-like landscapes give the world a cool, retro‑futuristic charm that feels both familiar and fresh. On top of that, the realistic lighting and particle effects make every explosion and spark really pop, drawing you deeper into the action. And even on a mid‑range PC with high settings, the frame rates stay solid, so your adventure stays smooth and seamless from start to finish.
Some players called the visuals “weird,” but I think that’s part of the game’s personality. It’s not photorealism, but it’s a stylish playground that feels cozy in its own way.
Sound and Music
Big thumbs up here. The soundtrack leans electronic with pounding beats that sync perfectly with your heart-pounding runs. Sound effects are crisp—gunshots ring out, metal clangs on impact, and the whoosh of a zipline gives you mini-thrill rushes.
Gravity Circuit’s soundtrack truly stands out, with a couple of tracks feeling like instant classics. One in particular stopped me mid-run—I just had to pause and soak in its catchy melody. These tunes not only set the pace for each level but also stick in your head long after you put the controller down, making every stage feel even more memorable.
The voice work in Gravity Circuit is solid, too. Zara’s dry humor and the occasional radio chatter add personality without slowing down the action. Though sparse, these vocal moments break up the gameplay in just the right spots, keeping you engaged and invested in the world.
I didn’t catch any jarring audio bugs. The sound team from Severed Steel clearly knows their stuff.
Difficulty and Replayability
Difficulty is on the easy-to-medium side. I breezed through most encounters, though a few surprise ambushes had me scrambling for cover. The game auto-adjusts a bit based on your style, so you won’t get stuck in a grueling gunfight.
Gravity Circuit’s replay value shines through its speed‑run potential and co‑op shenanigans. Chasing faster times keeps you glued to the clock as you refine every wall run and gravity flip, always hunting that next personal best. Meanwhile, teaming up with friends and mixing loadouts brings fresh challenges—each run feels new when you and a buddy tackle stages together.
Looking ahead, there’s even more to get excited about. Greylock Studio has teased an upcoming expansion packed with city maps, new enemy types, and deeper customization options. With extra levels on the horizon, you’ll have plenty of reasons to dive back into Gravity Circuit and keep the fun going.
If you’re like me and love replaying levels for faster runs or just hanging out in co-op, you’ll get some mileage out of the game. But if you only care about ticking every box once, it might feel short-lived.
Trivia and Behind the Scenes
Greylock Studio powers Echo Point Nova with a custom engine that was first built for Severed Steel. This engine delivers slick, physics‑driven movement that feels both responsive and weighty. The developers are indie veterans who crowdfunded Severed Steel before self‑funding this project. They’ve already begun rolling out community‑driven updates. After players asked for more enemy types and new map areas, the team expanded the roster of foes and added fresh environments to keep the adventure alive.
Final Thoughts
Echo Point Nova is a lean, love letter to fast-paced shooters of the past, wrapped up in a bright, slightly quirky modern package. It’s short, yes, but those few hours are packed with good times and slick mechanics. If you’re craving an airy, exciting FPS that won’t overstay its welcome, give this one a whirl.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Hope you found this cozy review helpful! Until next time, stay chill and game on.
