Chaos Rings

 iOS
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. 148Apps
    Feb 1, 2011
    100
    I do not hesitate to claim that Chaos Rings has the potential to change iDevice gaming as we know it, and for the better.
  2. AppSpy
    Feb 1, 2011
    100
    For a game that would otherwise cost three times or more on another console, 'Chaos Rings' isn't just value for money - it's an amazing JRPG experience with a solid, intriguing story that's worthy of its developer's pedigree.
  3. No DPad
    Feb 1, 2011
    100
    With the care and consideration that this game obviously had during development, it is for sure a must buy that shows off the capabilities of the platform.
  5. Slide to Play
    Feb 1, 2011
    100
    We had always hoped Square Enix would deliver an original, Final Fantasy-caliber series to the iPhone, and they've finally delivered.
  6. TouchArcade
    Feb 1, 2011
    100
    In the end, it's not really about how Chaos Rings does anything especially new, but rather how it takes all the pieces of a traditional role-playing game and packages it together in a way that feels natural to the platform.
  7. Destructoid
    Feb 1, 2011
    95
    Chaos Rings isn't just a superb iPhone RPG, it's a truly terrific RPG in its own right. Better than Square Enix's recent console output, this title outclasses many recent JRPG experiences and easily takes pride of place among the very best iTunes offerings.
  8. Multiplayer.it
    Feb 1, 2011
    92
    A perfect example of how a GDR should be made. Square Enix has managed to develop a deep and involving story with a great combat system and a lot of things to do through the game. Must buy.
  9. GamingTrend
    Feb 1, 2011
    91
    Minor issues aside, Chaos Rings is a fantastic new IP for Squeenix, and easily the best RPG available on the iPhone.
  10. IGN
    Feb 1, 2011
    90
    Chaos Rings is not an amazing adventure game for the iPhone. It is an amazing adventure game – period.
  11. Pocket Gamer UK
    Feb 1, 2011
    90
    A marriage of great graphics and solid role-playing, Chaos Rings works through minor hitches to provide enjoyable gameplay.
  12. TouchGen
    Feb 1, 2011
    90
    The first premium title for the iPhone is an awesome game reinventing the action RPG genre fully. With marvellous visuals, great controls, deep gene magic system and four intriguing story lines there is no better way to spend your first days of spring.
  13. GameZone
    Feb 1, 2011
    85
    The controls are one of the best I have ever seen on an iPhone game; it is so simple and comfortable to use with having a control stick appear anywhere on the screen wherever you place your finger.
  14. NZGamer
    Dec 16, 2025
    80
    So when it all comes down to it, what you have here is a classic Square Enix RPG that you can play wherever you are, without having to make any major compromises in your expectations. Sure, it costs more than the other icons on your iPad and, yes, its control scheme is weirdly out of place.
  15. Thunderbolt
    Mar 4, 2011
    80
    It's beautifully made with attention paid to every aspect of its visual and musical presentation.
  16. Edge Magazine
    Feb 1, 2011
    80
    A rewarding stopgap for anyone after something old on something new. [July 2010, p.102]
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  17. GamePro
    Feb 1, 2011
    80
    The best thing that I can say about Chaos Rings is that, unlike other ports of RPGs that have been brought to the iPhone, (like the original Final Fantasy remakes or Korean cell phone games like Zenonia and Across Age) this is a game that was made for the platform, and it shows.
  18. Modojo
    Feb 1, 2011
    80
    Expect to see a delightful mix of 3-D characters and hand-drawn and beautiful 2-D backgrounds (the bosses, in particular, are the most impressive), complimented by a quality soundtrack. In all, everything reminds us of an old PSOne RPG.

Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best iOS Game of 2010
55
#55 Most Discussed iOS Game of 2010
6
#6 Most Shared iOS Game of 2010

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 34 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 34
  3. Negative: 1 out of 34
  1. moonman1994
    Jul 17, 2012
    10
    Yes it is expensive for an Iphone game but it is worth it. It is a long game with a unique story and it has lots of cool characters to play asYes it is expensive for an Iphone game but it is worth it. It is a long game with a unique story and it has lots of cool characters to play as as well. The entire time I played the game all I could think is I can't believe this is an Iphone game. Chaos Rings is good in pretty much every way. It looks amazing for being on the Iphone, the combat is like Final Fantasy but with a twist and the music is really good too. It's a great game with lots to do and it's pretty long too which is another bonus.… Full Review »
  2. GentlemanGamer
    May 30, 2011
    10
    Anyone who has purchased Square Enix apps knows that, though they are always top notch, they are a little pricy compared to the rest of theAnyone who has purchased Square Enix apps knows that, though they are always top notch, they are a little pricy compared to the rest of the App Store content. It is for that exact reason that for the longest time, I was aversed to purchasing this game. However, eventually a discount day arose where I purchased this title for 4.99 because the price had finally become, in my eyes, reasonable and fair. However, now having played through this title, I can say with the utmost certainty that this game would've been worth the purchase if I had bought it full price. Story: 10/10 I would go into detail, but doing so would ruin it :( sorry! All I will say is that it is complex, engrossing, and part of the finest Square Enix has to offer.

    Gameplay: 9/10

    In all honesty, there's nothing new. Everything from roaming the overworld to the constant battles and grinding that you'll do feels VERY Final-Fantasy esque. Why the 10 then? Because the formula works, and it's been MUCH improved on. All actions are fluid; battles are engrossing with plenty of new features; random encounters aren't as bothersome now that you have the ability to turn encounters on and off and a richly detailed overworld makes it engrossign to explore. The only negative part of the game is the slow-paced 'Puzzle' sections that you are forced to endure, but these are never long and you get rewarded with currency, so it isn't a big deal.

    Sound 9/10

    In my opinion, this game has THE best gane soundtrack on the Ipod, and one of the BEST game soundtracks of ALL TIME! Period. The sound effects, while nothing impressive, work well, so no complaints. In fact, all this would make me rate this a 10 if it wasn't for the lack of voice acting. OMG! This game is one of those games that NEEDS skilled English voice acting because the dialogue is so engrossing and well-written. Yet, we get NOTHING! Nothing at all! True, we'll be getting an update soon that will give us some Japanese voice acting for the characters, but I would PREFER English! If Square Enix fixes this, I'll be happy to change this to a 10. Design: 10/10

    Holy crap, I didn't even know that iPod games could be so detailed! Everything from the character models to the backgrounds to the cutscenes is so detailed that it almost matches that of systems like PSP! Look at a picture or video of this game- then you'll know what I'm talking about.

    Replayability factor: 10/10

    This is one of those games that NEEDS to be replayed! Firstly; you have 4 groups of characters with 4 different methods of combat and unique stories. That's good enough to make you want to go through each one individually, and you put in about 5 hours per story. THEN there's the fact if you REPLAY the game with a character, you unlock the TRUE ENDING along with even more difficult and unique boss fights. Then if you do them ALL, there's one MORE true ending where you defeat the ultimate enemy, and.... wow... completionists will put it a LOT of time to unlock everything

    Overall: 10/10

    While it may seem expensive for an iPod game, it's worth buying for sure. As was said by IGN I believe, this is not just a great iPod RPG, but an epic RPG for ANY system- period, and is much cheaper then RPGS for other systems. If you want a fun RPG, look no further then Chaos Rings. P.S: If you're a Square Enix fan, PLEASE check out Hills and Rivers Remain- the $5 game also on IOS! It's not as epic as this game, but it is quite fun and worth checking out!    … Full Review »
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