Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising

As a prequel to the upcoming Eiyuden Chronicle – Hundred Heroes, Rising does a really good job at introducing players to the universe. Its simple, tight combat mechanics and smart level design elevate it from other side-scrolling action-adventure games. Although exploration is quite limited and combat is very basic (at least in the beginning), Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising stands on its own despite the fact that it was released as a prequel to one of the most anticipated JRPGs of 2023. I strongly recommend playing this if you’re into side-scrolling action-adventure games, even if you don’t plan to pick up Rabbit & Bear Studios’ Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes next year.

The beginning of Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is boring and tiring. However, as the adventure progresses, you will find the fun you wish you had at the beginning. Although it has its flaws, it can be a good option for fans of the genre who want to prepare for Hundred Heroes.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is an enjoyable 2D Metroidvania RPG with a fun town upgrade system. Combining the abilities of CJ, Garoo, and Isha to explore the corners of various dungeons is a treat and I'm now even more excited for the release of Hundred Heroes.

With its to-ing and fro-ing and overly basic combat for its first hour or two, Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. Those that stick with it though, will find a game that develops into something very enjoyable indeed. This is a charming adventure, with combat and platforming that grows ever richer with each new upgrade and ability you obtain. But it’s the world that’s the real star here. The story of Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising might not be all that grand, but it’s full of characters that we’ve already grown to love. And so, as a taster for Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, it does its job admirably.

A great start to what I'm hoping will be a great franchise. Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising doesn't do anything to move the side scroller action RPG genre forward, but it does everything to make it fun. Rising reminded me a lot of old school 2D action platformers but with an entire town-building mechanic. It's also one of the most visually impressive indy titles I've seen in a while. Overall, Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is a great starting point for what's set to be an epic JRPG, with Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes releasing in 2023.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is a game that will grow on certain types of people, if it doesn't charm you out of the gate.

I went into Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising cynically expecting a title that would serve as nothing more than an appetizer for its bigger JRPG sibling that we can expect next year. I couldn’t have been more wrong as Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is much, much more than that. With its gorgeous art direction, stylish combat, and substantial content offering, it’s a game that arguably offers more than it needed to. If you can make it past the slowish opening act, you’ll find that Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is a title that is more than capable of standing on its own, to the extent where I can’t help but recommend it, irrespective of whether you are excited for Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes or not.

The spiritual successor to Suikoden feels like a prologue that is full of good ideas that don't quite make the cut.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is a good game that introduces you to a bright and colorful cast of characters and the world they inhabit. It’s short and sweet, with the main story missions costing me 10 hours, but it leaves just enough of an impression without overstaying its welcome. I do worry that it’s releasing a bit too early compared to the main entry and with a game focused around questing, it’s so disappointing how badly the questing system and UI is setup. There is also a lot of needless backtracking that could have been avoided. All that being said, it’s a good start and for those Suikoden fans out there, it brings out a lot of nostalgia and moments that feel like Suikoden. Great start from Rabbit & Bear, we can’t wait to see what’s next.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is a grind fest that only a select few will enjoy. Those that overlook that will enjoy its well-written characters; for everybody else it's an easy pass.

This is an enjoyable adventure that doesn’t do anything particularly remarkable, but will entertain those who like action, RPG and platforming and want to know more about its universe.

A short game that doesn’t outstay its welcome, Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising was an enjoyable, if slightly repetitive, experience that serves as an ample teaser for something bigger.

Eiyuden Chronicle Rising show great ambitions and keeps most of these promises even if it gets lost at times. A good introduction to the new universe by the creators of Suikoden, Rabbit & Bear.

You know what you’re getting into with Rising. There’s treasure to be found, a town to be restored, and new friends to make. To that end, my recommendation is based on your reaction to that premise. Are you thrilled by the prospect of elevating a town to its full potential? Do you relish the thought of digging up treasure with a growing cast of companions? If so, Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is just what you’ve been looking for. Otherwise, I suggest you proceed with caution.

Nice retro-modern visuals can’t prevent this bitesize action RPG from the bloat of tedious filler, making Rising a weak appetiser for the forthcoming Hundred Heroes. [Issue#16, p.152]

If you can stomach its disappointingly dull quests, Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is a solid enough action RPG. Some pretty visuals and a cosy JRPG vibe do a lot to mask its flaws.