Echoes of the End offers a compelling story in an immersive Iceland-inspired setting with a cast of unforgettable characters brought to life by talented actors – the kind of action-packed, emotionally charged adventure that feels like one in a million.
Developed by Icelandic studio Myrkur Games and published by Deep Silver, Echoes of the End impresses not only with its breathtaking Unreal Engine 5-powered visuals but also with its emotionally rich narrative and moving cast. Players take on the role of protagonist Ryn as she journeys through Aema, a fantastical yet unforgiving world, in search of her brother. It won't be an easy adventure, however – he's held by a ruthless empire on the brink of war.
Voiced by Aldís Amah Hamilton, whose experience includes acting in other action-adventure gems like Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, Ryn is described as a "vestige" who wields powerful yet volatile magic – an imperfect yet kick-ass heroine who Hamilton was immediately a fan of, saying that there "wasn't anything I didn't love about her," finding comfort in Ryn's chaos: "There were aspects of her personality that I related to. I could kind of tell that there were similarities between us."
As capable as she might be, Ryn thankfully isn't entirely alone on the road to rescue her brother in Echoes of the End, as she's joined by a man known as Abram Finlay. A scholar haunted by his past, Abram partners up with Ryn as she uncovers the long-buried conspiracy threatening to reignite an ancient conflict and destroy her homeland – and much like Ryn, he boasts a skilled actor with a background in everything from directing to translating: Karl Ágúst Úlfsson.
Úlfsson's part as Abram – a confidant performance director Daði Einars himself explains "plays a crucial role in shaping Ryn as a character" – is core to Ryn's journey. Introduced as a "mentor type" of character, the older scholar acts as a sort of supportive "parental figure" to the protagonist. The two are almost reminiscent of The Last of Us' own Ellie and Joel, their relationship standing in contrast to the one between Ryn and her actual father, now deceased, who, as Hamilton states, she was "emotionally neglected" by.
Ryn's complicated childhood is also, as her actor puts it, "one of the biggest thorns in her side" when it comes to her younger brother Kor. A far more bold and carefree character with a wildly easier upbringing behind him, Kor adores Ryn – but still, their bond remains strained by their differences. This rings especially true after the death of their father, as it leaves Ryn in charge of overseeing her little brother – a responsibility she wasn't prepared to take on.
The family ties between the siblings shine through all the more as Kor happens to be played by Davíð Thór Katrínarson, who is Hamilton's cousin in real life. Not all Ryn's relationships in Echoes of the End are exactly "positive," though – Zara, a vestige with the ability to wreak havoc much like Ryn, serves as an antagonist who mirrors Ryn, albeit with a dangerous streak. As Einars calls her, Zara is "everything Ryn was taught to fear she might become."
She's the sort of disorderly villain who "swings from gleeful madness to raw fury in the blink of an eye" – and is convincingly terrifying while doing so. Think bloodthirsty, powerful, and unpredictable… that's Zara. She's voiced by Sólveig Eva, who initially auditioned for a smaller part in the game. That's why, according to Einars, "the role was practically created around her." Together, Ryn, Abram, Kor, Zara, and the intricate relationships tying them together are what make Echoes of the End so compelling.
There's not much longer left until players can experience it all firsthand. Echoes of the End releases this year on August 12 and is available on Steam, the PlayStation Store for PS5, and Xbox. Interested readers can follow developer Myrkur Games on social media platforms like X and Instagram to keep track of the studio's progress, or via apps like TikTok and YouTube for more sneak peeks at Echoes of the End and video-based deep dives.
Here's a roundup of the most exciting new games coming this year and beyond to keep handy.
