**Delving into the Essence of Humanity and AI in *Synduality Echo of Ada***

The gaming community is buzzing with excitement for *Synduality Echo of Ada*, Bandai Namco’s forthcoming PvPvE mech extraction shooter. With its distinctive fusion of gameplay elements, a meticulously crafted world, and a compelling narrative, the game is poised to become a remarkable entry in 2025. CGMagazine had the honor of previewing a near-final version of the game, exploring its Sortie and Amasia Investigation modes, and engaging with the game’s producer, Yosuke Futami. Renowned for his contributions to the *Sword Art Online* series, Futami brings a vast reservoir of experience and insight to this ambitious endeavor.

### A World of Contrasts: The Environment of *Synduality Echo of Ada*

Central to *Synduality Echo of Ada* is Amasia, a dystopian future where humanity has taken refuge underground while the surface remains devastated. Players navigate this hazardous overworld, operating Cradle Coffins—mech-like devices engineered for both combat and exploration. The environmental design takes cues from European landscapes, merging an atmosphere of desolation with splendor.

Futami stated that the game’s artistic direction embodies this dichotomy. The team partnered with illustrator Neco-san to develop an array of art concepts, resulting in a world that appears both unified and varied. The Cradle Coffins exemplify this design ethos, sporting reverse-jointed legs and tank-like treads to traverse the rugged terrain.

### Humanity vs. AI: The Central Theme

A particularly captivating element of *Synduality Echo of Ada* is its examination of the dynamics between humans and AI. As Futami points out, the game acts as a prologue to a broader narrative that extends across various media, including an anime series titled *Synduality: Noir*. While the game highlights early interactions between humans and AI, the anime, set two decades later, delves into the evolution of these relationships.

“The foundational idea behind *Synduality* was to observe how the dynamics between humans and AI could unfold differently,” Futami shared. This theme is intricately woven into the gameplay, where players depend on their AI ally, known as a Magus, for direction and assistance. The Magus offers vital information regarding the environment, fellow players, and potential dangers, nurturing a distinctive partnership between player and AI.

### A Fresh Perspective on the Extraction Shooter Genre

Though *Synduality Echo of Ada* falls into the extraction shooter category, its design is heavily influenced by roguelike titles like *Shiren the Wanderer*. Futami described the game as a reinterpretation of the traditional roguelike model, where players explore perilous areas to gather resources and confront challenges. However, unlike classic roguelikes, *Synduality* integrates other players into the equation, fostering dynamic interactions that vary from collaborative to competitive.

“Envision you and another player both in pursuit of the same item,” Futami illustrated. “Will you cooperate, or engage in combat for it? These scenarios create a layer of human interaction that enriches the gameplay.”

Notably, the game shuns conventional communication methods like voice or text chat, opting instead for emotes and the Magus to transmit information. This choice underscores the player’s connection with their AI companion while infusing unpredictability into encounters with other players.

### Audio and Music: Crafting the Atmosphere

The sound design and musical score of the game are pivotal in immersing players in its universe. The garage, a sanctuary for players, features melodies that evoke feelings of comfort and confinement, mirroring the underground environment. In contrast, the soundtrack of the overworld conveys the excitement and peril of exploration.

Futami disclosed that players will have the ability to personalize their garage’s music through upgrades, adding a unique touch to their gaming experience. This meticulous attention to detail underscores the team’s dedication to building a world that feels both inhabited and dynamic.

### Vast Maps and Player Interactions

The game presents extensive maps, with the northern and southern regions each encompassing 12.5 square miles. Initially, these areas will function separately, but a post-launch update will merge them into a single, sprawling map. Each region accommodates up to 12 players, with the combined map allowing for 24 players total.

Despite the expansive map sizes, player encounters are designed to be rare yet significant. “On average, you might encounter one or two players in a 12-player server,” Futami remarked. These interactions, coupled with the gameplay’s dependence on the Magus for information, foster a sense of tension and uncertainty.

### A Social Experiment in Trust

At its essence, *Synduality Echo of