Chained Echoes

 PC
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 156 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 131 out of 156
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 156
  3. Negative: 15 out of 156

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  1. Fate49
    Sep 10, 2023
    10
    Chained Echoes est un chef d'oeuvre du RPG indé et un jeu que je pourrais mettre au même niveau que certains jeux de l'âge d'or de Square. Ca me dépasse qu'un jeu de cette qualité aie pu être fait essentiellement par un seul développeur.

    Là où Chained Echoes réussit là où beaucoup ont échoué, c'est que malgré toutes les références dont il s'inspire, le jeu se crée une identité propre et    Chained Echoes est un chef d'oeuvre du RPG indé et un jeu que je pourrais mettre au même niveau que certains jeux de l'âge d'or de Square. Ca me dépasse qu'un jeu de cette qualité aie pu être fait essentiellement par un seul développeur.

    Là où Chained Echoes réussit là où beaucoup ont échoué, c'est que malgré toutes les références dont il s'inspire, le jeu se crée une identité propre et amène parmi ces références old school, des mécaniques modernes.

    Le jeu est une masterclass de gamedesign.

    Le scénar est très bon avec de très bonnes surprises, les personnages sont attachants et certains ont une grosse évolution au fur et à mesure de l'histoire.
    Toute la partie annexe est exemplaire, avec de l'exploration récompensée et des quêtes scénarisées intéressantes
    Les combats sont bien foutus avec de la stratégie, de la difficulté, et un sentiment de progression au fur et à mesure du jeu
    Visuellement le jeu est très propre, pas aussi beau qu'un Sea of Stars mais tout de même très agréable à l'oeil

    Les seuls points noirs du jeu sont je dirais le système de craft qui est mal fichu et l'écriture générale assez bancale qui est le seul point qui te rappelle qu'un seul mec a construit tout ça.

    Qu'il soit passé sous les radars est criminel, Chained Echoes est le meilleur RPG que j'ai fait depuis Persona 5. C'est un chef d'oeuvre.    … Expand
  2. Ours_Oisif
    Sep 3, 2023
    10
    Ce jeu est absolument génial. à faire absolument pour tout fan de J-RPG. Même si c'est un Allemand qui l'à fait. Et tout seul en plus.
  3. zexred
    Aug 12, 2023
    8
    A fine JRPG with interesting gameplay .. story and pacing was a bit meh but good overall
  4. pabloAsp17
    Aug 7, 2023
    10
    É incrível o que uma pessoa com "coração" pode realizar. Chaine Echoes é uma aula para grandes empresas de como se fazer um gênero clássico, com inovação. História incrível, lore e cenário bem construídos e excelentes personagens. A escrita do jogo também é um destaque.
    Ressalto que a exploração do jogo é sempre recompensadora, com o sistema de recompensas que encoraja a busca e o    É incrível o que uma pessoa com "coração" pode realizar. Chaine Echoes é uma aula para grandes empresas de como se fazer um gênero clássico, com inovação. História incrível, lore e cenário bem construídos e excelentes personagens. A escrita do jogo também é um destaque.
    Ressalto que a exploração do jogo é sempre recompensadora, com o sistema de recompensas que encoraja a busca e o desafio. O combate é desafiador, e estratégico, com o sistema de "overdrive" muito dinâmico.
    Um jogo que deveria ser conhecido e jogado por todos que gosta de videogame e um bom RPG.    … Expand
  5. mdk567
    Jun 11, 2023
    9
    재미있고 빠른 템포의 전투. 육성방향에 따라 플레이 스타일을 바꿀 수 있는 동료들
    곳곳에 숨겨진 아이템들과 탐험요소

    스토리 전개가 아쉽다. 진행하는 내내 전형적이라는 인상을 받았음. 결말의 반전은 좋았다.
    세련된 도트 jrpg
  6. belloeaitante
    May 18, 2023
    9
    Each character of Chained Echoes has an interesting back story and I found myself wanting to play more just to find out how their adventure was going to end!

    I'm giving a 9/10 and I don't even like JRPGs...
  7. Niarama
    May 17, 2023
    10
    Excellent classic JRPGs à l'ancienne :)
    Peut faire rappeler un peu FF6 ou Chrono Trigger pour les anciens
    J'ai lancer le jeu juste pour test pour le fun et je decroche pas^^ Excellent gestion des partenaires et des gears.
    Vraiment je recommande pour les fans de JRPGs
  8. LudicSavant
    May 15, 2023
    10
    Unlike many modern 2D JRPGs, this is not merely a game that seeks to cash in on nostalgia for the golden age of JRPGs (Chrono Trigger, FF6, etc). It feels instead like it could have *been* one of those genre-defining games, not merely capturing their spirit but building upon it with impeccable taste.
  9. Nywax
    May 10, 2023
    10
    It's very rare for me to stop and write a review about a game but Chained Echoes it's just a box full of surprises, the game never stops to try to add to the experience and it always does so completely respecting players time which is one of the major caveats I've always had for turn based rpgs.
    This is a gem that you can't miss.
  10. GSquaredDad
    May 10, 2023
    10
    Chained Echoes is an amazing, nostalgic adventure that really harkens back to the old SNES JRPG days. You cannot go wrong with trying this game!! I tried it and cleared it in about 70h, and that's truly my only complaint about the game - when you have hit that 100% marker, you feel like you want MORE. Yes, it has a unique combat system that could use some polishing and adjusting, but itChained Echoes is an amazing, nostalgic adventure that really harkens back to the old SNES JRPG days. You cannot go wrong with trying this game!! I tried it and cleared it in about 70h, and that's truly my only complaint about the game - when you have hit that 100% marker, you feel like you want MORE. Yes, it has a unique combat system that could use some polishing and adjusting, but it isn't that bad when you figure out how to use it properly. The story is fun, it has some cool twists you didn't expect, and it takes you on a journey. The music is enveloping, the sound effects work, and most of the characters feel like they have some depth to them.

    As with any indie developer, there are a few things that could be tweaked, but I refuse to rate it down because one person made a few mistakes in grammar or didn't quite code something properly, and since this game was made by one person, it gets a 10. Honestly, I really enjoyed the game and would probably give it a 10 even if it was from a team of developers, because I really had a great time with Chained Echoes and didn't know the game was made by one person until I'd already beaten it.    … Expand
  11. TrueFeyQueen888
    May 10, 2023
    10
    THE indie JRPG-inspired game to play this year.

    Chained Echoes is an awesome JRPG inspired game and reignited my love for both pixelart games, JRPGs, and indie games. The story and characters are really good and intriguinging, the combat is fun and interesting, the dialogue is great and there is a lot humor and easter eggs found within, and there are fun mini games as well. Oh and tbere    THE indie JRPG-inspired game to play this year.

    Chained Echoes is an awesome JRPG inspired game and reignited my love for both pixelart games, JRPGs, and indie games.

    The story and characters are really good and intriguinging, the combat is fun and interesting, the dialogue is great and there is a lot humor and easter eggs found within, and there are fun mini games as well. Oh and tbere are mechs. You dont get your own mechs until later but there are mechs which is always a plus. To clarify there is both normal out of mech combat and situations and mech versions.

    It's a really cool game that made me feel a sort of nostalgia, not for this game itself but for playing pixelart JRPGs on my gameboy, or later my DS. If you grew up playing pixelarr JRPGs on your nintendo or sony game consoles/handhelds while watching Saturday Morning cartoons on Jetix, Toonami, 4kids, etc. and eating sugary cereal, then llay this game. If you like quality indie games, pixelart games, JRPGs, or all 3, then olay this game.

    I should clarify this isnt technically a JRPG but is heavily JRPG inspired, so much so if you didnt know it wasnt from Japan, I doubt you'd suspect otherwise. It's great.

    My one gripe is I do wish character advancement happened a little quicker, at least early on, but that may be my bias as a gamer who likes adding new skills, abilities, features, and bonuses to my character and I'm also from the generation who loves instant gratification, so...     … Expand
  12. alissonvisa
    May 10, 2023
    10
    [PT-BR] Um dos melhores jogos RPG de turno, que joguei nos ultimos anos, nao fico contente com jRPGs renomados se tornando algo mais proximo de Action RGP ao estilo Devil May Cry, e Chained Echoes mostrou que pra fazer um excelente jogo com uma historia que te prende, nao precisa de nada mais do que talento, esforco e carinho. Jogo muito divertido, mapas bem diversificados, boa dose de[PT-BR] Um dos melhores jogos RPG de turno, que joguei nos ultimos anos, nao fico contente com jRPGs renomados se tornando algo mais proximo de Action RGP ao estilo Devil May Cry, e Chained Echoes mostrou que pra fazer um excelente jogo com uma historia que te prende, nao precisa de nada mais do que talento, esforco e carinho. Jogo muito divertido, mapas bem diversificados, boa dose de segredos a serem desvendados pelo mapa. Tudo que um JRPG precisa, graficos pixelados muito bonitos, mecanica de batalha inovadora. Recomendo muito!!… Expand
  13. Cragnous
    May 9, 2023
    9
    Excellent game, I haven't been able to play a turn based jrpg in a while but this game had enough of that nostalgic feeling with new QoL and advancement to make it feel Nostalgic, generic and new all at once.

    Totally impressed, hopes he makes another one.
  14. Cosines117
    May 9, 2023
    10
    Lovely homage to old RPGs while introducing new generation mechanics. Smart and meaningful all the way through.

    My real score is a 8.5 but I'm giving it a 10 because this game is being review bombed for no reason.
  15. LuckyMeybFan
    Apr 22, 2023
    10
    This game is the culmination of the things RPGs done right in the past decades. It reminds me of a lot of things: Chrono Trigger, Xenoblade, Xenogears, Final Fantasy, and heck, even a little bit of FMA. It draws out inspiration from past titles but keeps its own flavor. The music, characters, atmosphere, and story are all enthralling. The sarcastic, intelligent, and sometimes funnyThis game is the culmination of the things RPGs done right in the past decades. It reminds me of a lot of things: Chrono Trigger, Xenoblade, Xenogears, Final Fantasy, and heck, even a little bit of FMA. It draws out inspiration from past titles but keeps its own flavor. The music, characters, atmosphere, and story are all enthralling. The sarcastic, intelligent, and sometimes funny dialogue makes the experience interesting. The combat is different and challenging; I love it! I can't stop playing! This is simply an RPG done right, and it's all that need be said.

    At first I was a bit disappointed because the game lacks mouse support but after a while I discovered that you could change the control keys. After experimenting with what works for me, I now play with only one hand. It's so convenient; I'm glad that I could customize the controls.

    This game is much better than most triple A games I've played in the past months.    … Expand
  16. Augusto
    Apr 22, 2023
    9
    I had old PS1 JRPG feelings playing this game. Every mechanis have layrs of strategy for you to manage which strong contributes for the flow of your fun.

    If you like JRPGs you HAVE to play Chained Echoes, if you don't, there is a good chance you will also like this one.
  17. gabriot
    Feb 26, 2023
    9
    I would describe the game as simultaneously very rough around the edges while also being quite polished. Allow me to explain what I mean by that:

    Rough around the edges: As I understand it's largely developed and designed by one person, so all the dialogue and story falls on his shoulders. It's a bit of a task for a game of this size, and it does unfortunately show in quite a few    I would describe the game as simultaneously very rough around the edges while also being quite polished. Allow me to explain what I mean by that:

    Rough around the edges: As I understand it's largely developed and designed by one person, so all the dialogue and story falls on his shoulders. It's a bit of a task for a game of this size, and it does unfortunately show in quite a few areas
    -spelling/grammar mistakes which are forgivable but can hurt immersion
    -a few overused tropes (everyone in this game loves to suddenly kill themselves a bit too much)
    -A very rushed ending, with quite a lot of anticlimactic moments that could have been handled a bit better in my opinion
    -some odd moments where you kind of see your sprite jolt around in between cut scenes that could have been cleaned up a bit better

    The polish:
    -the pixel graphics are quite well done, very beautiful and it always impresses me when a small team (one I believe?) can accomplish something of this scale
    -the world building in this game is FANTASTIC! Unique spin on a few races and in general I would love to see more games in this world, he laid the groundfloor for an amazing series.
    -The music is incredible and I find a lot of the tracks playing through my head throughout the day, especially some of the quaint town themes. It also can invoke emotion which is hard to do from me.
    -he did a good job of making me invested in the story of quite a few of the characters, and made me have characters I both loved and hated
    -the battle system is a unique spin on things and I felt it was quite well done, gives a way to char about more than your typical limit of 4 characters, and somewhat forces you to use a larger variety of moves than just spamming the same ones over and over (though once you over-level that does unfortunately not become the case anymore).

    Overall I loved the game and was sad when it ended. Pacing-wise I think you really want to push through act 1 because the game truly opens up and becomes something special starting in act 2 in my opinion, act 1 is all just setup for the rest of the game. I do wish a bit more effort was put into the final act as I did felt is was rushed, but to be fair I generally feel that way about most games, it's rare an ending can leave me feeling completely satisfied. That being said without getting into spoilers, it just felt like they built up a lot of characters to be faced at some point and a lot of them you never end up facing, felt a bit underwhelming.

    Still though this is such a solid rpg and I am glad I played it, for my play style it took around 50 hours to complete, so plenty of content to be had.    … Expand
  18. zerg24
    Feb 18, 2023
    10
    I check metacritic for my new games for about 13 years. This game is the first to make me go through the trouble of creating an account. Matthias Linda is just a genius, so much achieved by 1 person is incredible.
    If you liked chrono trigger, secret of mana, ... just buy it eyes closed
  19. Meon0007
    Feb 6, 2023
    10
    Thank you all for this great adventure!!! Crying at the ending))) (boy 30 years old)
  20. Padudu
    Feb 3, 2023
    8
    Good story, rich world with much to explore and fun characters that are all elevated with the addition of an outstanding soundtrack and fantastic art. There was definitely room for the game to approach a more unique style and to "get out of the comfort zone" but the classic experience also didn't disappoint. The combat really stood out with very fun and innovative mechanics that enabled aGood story, rich world with much to explore and fun characters that are all elevated with the addition of an outstanding soundtrack and fantastic art. There was definitely room for the game to approach a more unique style and to "get out of the comfort zone" but the classic experience also didn't disappoint. The combat really stood out with very fun and innovative mechanics that enabled a more strategic style rather than a "spam the strongest ability" style. Some playable characters are introduced very late into the game and it becomes harder to include them into your already defined play style. Great game to reminisce the experience brought by classic turn-based RPG's.… Expand
  21. JonnyNormus
    Feb 2, 2023
    10
    This is the best old-school style jrpg I've ever played. The story, characters, and combat are all in point.
  22. Orangefizz
    Jan 24, 2023
    10
    My 2022 GOTY. Hands down. A nod to a better age of gaming where combat and story actually mattered. Beautiful work.
  23. NoM3rcy
    Jan 22, 2023
    10
    This game is a masterpiece for beginning to the end. Soundtrack, progression system, puzzles, fights, skills. The Story is one of the best I've ever seen. The producer is a Chrono Trigger fan. Enjoy!
  24. essjaydubya
    Jan 17, 2023
    9
    JRPG’s from the SNES, Genesis, and PS1 era are better in our heads than they are in reality when you go back to play them now. We remember the stories, the timeless pixel art, the beautiful music, but we forget that random encounters, repetitive battles, and unintuitive AI. Chained Echoes takes the “Shovel Knight” approach to retro inspired design, by trying to recreate these games as weJRPG’s from the SNES, Genesis, and PS1 era are better in our heads than they are in reality when you go back to play them now. We remember the stories, the timeless pixel art, the beautiful music, but we forget that random encounters, repetitive battles, and unintuitive AI. Chained Echoes takes the “Shovel Knight” approach to retro inspired design, by trying to recreate these games as we remember them, not as they were. Obviously it nails the presentation. It looks and sounds incredible, but that’s to be expected. The story and world building, while maybe a bit too convoluted for my liking, are overall very well executed. But it’s the combat where this game really shines.

    Chained Echoes has one of the best turned based battle systems I’ve ever played. Each character plays uniquely and brings their own strengths. The Overdrive system keeps you on your toes, adding a fun risk and reward mechanic to every battle. There are fewer battles overall than your standard JRPG, but each one feels consequential. Even a few low level enemies can give your party a hard time if you’re not playing by the game’s rules.

    Just like with the story, there are a few too many mechanics to deal with in the core gameplay. For example, crystal fusing, shop deals, weapon and armor upgrades, the rewards board, keeping your whole team’s gear and Sky armor up to date. It can be a bit too much. But everything else is so great, its well worth it.    … Expand
  25. Zeag
    Jan 17, 2023
    10
    This is essentially what happens when somebody who grew up playing JRPGs in the 90s ends up making his dream game. This is filled to the brim with references to SNES and PS1 classics but at the same time eschews the time-consuming and tech-limited aspects of the era. If you like Chrono Trigger, Xenogears, Final Fantasy and Breath of Fire, you'll be supremely entertained with this little gem.
  26. sienc
    Jan 15, 2023
    10
    Rarely I type a review down to Metacritic but for Chained Echoes it is my pleasure to help other people and convice them to try Chained Echoes. It is really a true JRPG which no one should skip. Play this modern JRPG in 2023.
  27. TiamatBR
    Jan 15, 2023
    10
    Definitely the best RPG I played in 2022! The end result is a gameplay and pixelart lesson.
  28. Peetftw
    Jan 11, 2023
    10
    this game is outstanding in almost every way. Probably best jrpg since the 90s
  29. Sharp
    Jan 8, 2023
    10
    After 45hrs, the fantastical journey full of cultures, people, beasts & monsters, politics and mechs has come to a very moving end. I have not experienced anything like this since in the 90s, and let me just say that my bar is quite high on games. Xenogears, FFVI, FFVII, Suikoden games, Vagrant Story, Final Fantasy Tactics came to mind when I went through the world of Chained Echoes. TheAfter 45hrs, the fantastical journey full of cultures, people, beasts & monsters, politics and mechs has come to a very moving end. I have not experienced anything like this since in the 90s, and let me just say that my bar is quite high on games. Xenogears, FFVI, FFVII, Suikoden games, Vagrant Story, Final Fantasy Tactics came to mind when I went through the world of Chained Echoes. The game is very detailed, has a great way of telling it's lore and history of the countries. Music is incredibly familiar yet new and of high quality.

    The game is a solid 9/10 and a modern classic in my books. The gameplay is deep, and at the same time the quality of life improvements from the 90s classics are so well implemented that your time will go very fast.

    The only thing Matthias and the gang can improve on this is with slightly more distinguished and personable writing for each character, slightly sharper and less American English colloquial text, slightly more advanced Suikoden II type of sprites and more complex animations for them and higher fidelity 2D backgrounds, more variety of music, longer story, and overall more complexity in enemy design and the world.

    However, what he has achieved here is on par with the 90s classics and everyone knows that they could have been improved upon as well. The game is simply stunning, so play it and support Matthias as he is one of the top game designers in the world right now.

    9/10 score comes from a critically-minded gamer with 35+ years of experience across multiple genres. I'll give it a full 10 on Metacritic simply because of the stunning achievement of making this happen. What a fantastic, and surprisingly good RPG!    … Expand
  30. Nesslake
    Jan 8, 2023
    10
    Great soundtrack and combat system, awesome history, beautiful pixelart, nice exploration, and endearing characters! best JRPG game that i've played in years
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Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best PC Game of 2022
43
#43 Most Discussed PC Game of 2022

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. RPG Site
    May 12, 2023
    90
    Chained Echoes is an extremely impressive game, especially considering the bulk of the game's creation came from just a few people, led by Mattias. As trite as it might be to say, this isn't just a pale imitation of great RPGs, Chained Echoes is a great RPG in its own right. A few small quibbles won't stop me from recommending this game to anyone, especially those fond of the golden era of RPGs.
    Read full review
  2. INVEN
    Jan 27, 2023
    88
    Chained Echoes is a well-made turn based RPG with 16-bit nostalgia and classic JRPG identity. Although there are some elements that are not quite fitted to the story as it flows, it is a highly recommended title for those who love JRPGs.
    Read full review
  3. Game Rant
    Jan 17, 2023
    90
    Considering the hubris of Chained Echoes, it should not work, but it does, and beautifully. Matthias Linda has created a broad world that is ripe for further exploration. The only worry now is that the bar is set too high, but it's hard to imagine the team creating anything with less passion and polish. After playing through a creative, familiar, yet distinct game that engages players in nearly every way, one can only hope that there will be more from the brilliant team behind Chained Echoes.
    Read full review
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