Chained Echoes

 PC
Chained Echoes Image
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 156 Ratings

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  • Summary: Take up your sword, channel your magic or board your Mech. Chained Echoes is a 16-bit SNES style RPG set in a fantasy world where dragons are as common as piloted mechanical suits. Follow a group of heroes as they explore a land filled to the brim with charming characters, fantasticTake up your sword, channel your magic or board your Mech. Chained Echoes is a 16-bit SNES style RPG set in a fantasy world where dragons are as common as piloted mechanical suits. Follow a group of heroes as they explore a land filled to the brim with charming characters, fantastic landscapes and vicious foes.

    Can you bring peace to a continent where war has been waged for generations and betrayal lurks around every corner?

    Chained Echoes is a story-driven game where a group of heroes travel around the vast continent of Valandis to bring an end to the war between its three kingdoms. In the course of their journey, they will travel through a wide array of diverse landscapes spanning from wind-tanned plateaus and exotic archipelagos to sunken cities and forgotten dungeons.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Screen Rant
    Dec 19, 2022
    100
    Chained Echoes is a fresh, smart adventure that celebrates classic JRPGs while not being afraid to push into new directions. It's sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking - and always fun. It's a must-play.
  2. God is a Geek
    Dec 7, 2022
    100
    Chained Echoes is without a doubt the best RPG I've played all year, and should be pushed to the top of your backlog immediately.
  3. Noisy Pixel
    Dec 7, 2022
    95
    Chained Echoes is a wildly ambitious and impressive turn-based RPG that, aside from minor faults, sticks the landing on all fronts. From its terrific and constantly thought-provoking battle system with well-implemented challenge, to its strongly written cast and masterclass worldbuilding, this is an essential must-play for any fan of the genre that I sincerely hope doesn’t pass anyone’s radar.
  4. 4P.de
    Dec 15, 2022
    90
    An end-of-year Japan RPG highlight: Chained Echoes from solo developer Matthias Linda is epic, emotional, challenging and gripping. Mechanically to the point and narratively mature - a real JRPG gem.
  5. RPG Fan
    Jan 3, 2023
    90
    I’ve played many impressive games over the years, but I don’t think I’ve ever been quite as impressed by a game as I have with Chained Echoes. The sheer quality and quantity of content is honestly kind of insane for a solo developer, and while there are some bugs here and there, it all runs pretty damn smoothly too! Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic adventure or just want to play a fresh, new indie RPG, Chained Echoes is a gem that should not be missed.
  6. Siliconera
    Dec 19, 2022
    90
    Chained Echoes looks, sounds, and feels good. The 16-bit art looks great and lends itself to a game of this style, the soundtrack is absolutely beautiful, and the game’s exploration and combat systems flow very smoothly. I had a hard time putting it down, and when I wasn’t playing it, I kept wanting to go back. Naturally, Chained Echoes is not without its flaws—there’s no way to review tutorial screens or lore and battles feel more reliant on luck than skill—but I had a great experience. It wears its SNES-era JRPG influences like badges of honor, while also forging an identity all its own.
  7. Softpedia
    Dec 13, 2022
    85
    Chained Echoes is a deep JRPG that will satisfy fans of the genre but is easy enough to understand to attract novices. The combat system, centered Overdrive balancing, is interesting and pretty fast for the genre. The universe, with its mix of influences and retro presentation, offers plenty of secrets and details. I would have appreciated fewer battles but with bigger consequences and, maybe, increased difficulty. But for anyone who wants a solid party-driven role-playing experience, Chained Echoes is a good choice, made with a lot of love, able to keep players engaged for its 30 hours long story.

See all 14 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 48 out of 59
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 59
  3. Negative: 5 out of 59
  1. seojoon98
    Dec 11, 2022
    10
    It's a great game. It is a game with a pretty good fighting method, map design, and above all, high completeness. I think this game could beIt's a great game. It is a game with a pretty good fighting method, map design, and above all, high completeness. I think this game could be nominated for the 2023 TGA Indie Game of the Year.… Expand
  2. Meon0007
    Feb 6, 2023
    10
    Thank you all for this great adventure!!! Crying at the ending))) (boy 30 years old)
  4. 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    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.    … Expand
  5. papermario88
    Dec 13, 2022
    10
    Ich habe noch nie einen dermaßen guten RETRO JRPG Titel wie diesen gespielt. Und ich habe so einiges gesehen.

    Dieser Titel bedient sich an    Ich habe noch nie einen dermaßen guten RETRO JRPG Titel wie diesen gespielt. Und ich habe so einiges gesehen.

    Dieser Titel bedient sich an dem BESTEN was Klassiker wie Xenogears, Chrono Trigger, FF Tactics und co zu bieten haben und bringt es auf ein neues Level.

    Extrem guter Soundtrack, tolle Charaktere, innovatives und packendes Skillsystem und eine interessante Story mit einer wunderschönen und qualitativ hochwertigen 16-Bit Grafik.

    Und das auch noch von einer einzigen Person entwickelt aus Deutschland.

    Diese Person lebt meinen Traum und teilt ihn mit uns allen.
    Wie oft habe ich mir gewünscht, dass jemand kommt und uns das beste aus den Klassikern vereinte Spiel präsentiert. Wo andere riesen Spielekonzerne gescheitert sind, hat dieser Entwickler genau ins Schwarze getroffen.    … Expand
  6. 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 theJRPG’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
  7. kirkender
    Dec 20, 2022
    9
    I'm so happy. Chained Echoes is fantastic and super fun. Great story and characters, Great mechanics. It's a JRPG from the 90s but made todayI'm so happy. Chained Echoes is fantastic and super fun. Great story and characters, Great mechanics. It's a JRPG from the 90s but made today with plenty of quality of life changes. SO GOOD.… Expand
  8. Marston12345
    May 16, 2023
    0
    Not spanish subtitles, gameplay boring, los graficos son malos, no merece la pena ni jugarlo, de los peores juegos del año

See all 59 User Reviews

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