Echoes of the End officially launched today, August 12, 2025, bringing players an epic fantasy adventure inspired by Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes. The cinematic third-person action-adventure game is now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, marking debut developer Myrkur Games’ first major release under Deep Silver publishing.
Players step into the shoes of Ryn, a vestige wielding volatile yet powerful magic, as she battles to save her brother from a ruthless totalitarian empire. The game combines deeply personal storytelling with magic-based combat and thought-provoking puzzles set in the fantasy world of Aema.
Early Reviews Paint Mixed Reception
Early reviews suggest that Echoes of the End has notable strengths but also several weaknesses, with some critics noting obvious inspiration from games like Hellblade and God of War. Gaming Trend described it as “An Icelandic fantasy adventure you won’t want to miss,” while other reviewers have offered more cautious assessments.
Critics acknowledge that while nothing about the game feels entirely original, it offers appeal for fans of flashy action and environmental puzzles. The game’s visual presentation, drawing from Iceland’s dramatic natural beauty, appears to be a consistent highlight among reviewers.
Key Points Summary
🎮 Launch Details:
- Released August 12, 2025
- Available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC Steam
- Developed by Myrkur Games, published by Deep Silver
📖 Story Focus:
- Play as Ryn, a magic-wielding protagonist
- Mission to rescue brother from totalitarian empire
- Partner with scholar Abram Finlay
- Uncover conspiracy in fantasy world of Aema
🎨 Game Features:
- Iceland-inspired fantasy landscapes
- Third-person action-adventure gameplay
- Magic and sword-based combat system
- Environmental puzzles and exploration
Gameplay Showcases Magical Combat System
Recent promotional materials included a 17-minute gameplay trailer showcasing Ryn’s powerful magic abilities and a narrative focused on betrayal and redemption. The extended footage demonstrates the game’s combat mechanics, which blend traditional sword fighting with magical abilities.
Players can expect to “harness the power of devastating magical abilities to conquer enemies, traverse treacherous landscapes, and unveil the hidden history of Aema” according to the official description. The game promises both action-packed encounters and cerebral puzzle-solving elements.
Developer’s Ambitious Debut Project
For Myrkur Games, Echoes of the End represents years of development work bringing their vision of an Iceland-inspired fantasy world to life. The studio chose to draw inspiration from one of the world’s most visually striking countries, translating Iceland’s geological drama into a fantastical setting.
The game aims to deliver “a mature, rich and immersive experience in a breathtaking and original fantasy world” while tackling themes of family, sacrifice, and resistance against oppression. Early player reception will likely determine whether Myrkur Games has succeeded in creating a memorable debut.
Whether Echoes of the End will carve out its own identity in the crowded action-adventure space remains to be seen, but its unique Icelandic inspiration and focus on magical combat offer something different for fantasy game enthusiasts. What aspects of this new fantasy adventure are you most excited to explore?