Castlevania Meets Groundhog Day In a Must-Play New Game Pass Hit
Echo Weaver is a new Metroidvania developed by Moonlight Kids and published by Akupara Games, now available on Xbox Game Pass. The game takes inspiration from the time loop concept popularized by films like Groundhog Day but embraces a more aggressive science-fiction approach to the premise.
The gameplay centers around a protagonist who repeatedly falls from a great height into a shallow pool of brackish water, only to restart each 13-hour in-game cycle in the same location. Players must explore and progress during each loop, attempting to advance further and uncover more of the game’s narrative and world with each iteration.
The protagonist is revealed to be a “weaver,” an exceedingly rare being and apparently the last of their kind. The world has been devastated by a catastrophic event, leaving few humans alive. The narrative centers on the weaver’s attempts to use their unique abilities to alter the course of events and give humanity a chance at survival and rebuilding civilization—a task that cannot be accomplished within a single 13-hour cycle.
Echo Weaver combines the exploration and combat systems characteristic of Metroidvania games with the narrative structure of a time loop story, creating a distinct experience that merges mechanical progression with temporal mechanics. The game has already proven popular with Game Pass subscribers, establishing itself as a standout release on the subscription service. The combination of compelling sci-fi worldbuilding, engaging Metroidvania gameplay, and the innovative integration of time loop mechanics has resonated with players seeking narrative-driven action experiences.