Chained Echoes

 Switch
Chained Echoes Image
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 92 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 15
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Gaming Age
    Jan 10, 2023
    100
    If I had more time to play through Chained Echoes before the holidays hit, it most definitely would have made my top 10 list for the year of 2022. It’s every bit as stellar as you’ve likely heard so far, and something that is certainly worth checking out regardless of your platform preference. I’ve found it to be a perfect Switch experience, but I’d imagine that it runs extremely well on any console you might choose, and right now it’s freely available to play on Xbox via Game Pass. So definitely check out Chained Echoes, you will not be disappointed.
  2. Digitally Downloaded
    Dec 20, 2022
    100
    There are so many “retro homage” JRPGs these days that I tend to approach them with caution. Even when they’re made well, they rarely live up to the standards of the games that inspired them. Chained Echoes not only meets that standard but, were this released back on the SNES when Final Fantasy IV, V, and VI were flying high, people would have considered them comparable. It’s more than a homage. It’s a genuine and powerful contribution to the genre.
  3. TouchArcade
    Jan 4, 2023
    100
    Chained Echoes really surprised me with its quality. I feel like I have a good sense of what to expect from these indie JRPG-style games that throw back to the 1990s, both their lows and highs. Chained Echoes blew past the upper end of those expectations, and is among the very best RPGs I played in 2022. If you like the genre at all, give it a shot. Between its fascinating world, enjoyable characters, unique and entertaining mechanics, and excellent presentation, this one is a winner from top to bottom.
  4. Multiplayer.it
    Jan 9, 2023
    90
    Chained Echoes is one of the best RPGs we have played in a long time: charming, colorful and wisely designed, it's a love letter to fans of the genre.
  5. Impulsegamer
    Feb 7, 2023
    90
    Chained Echoes is a loving tribute to 90s JRPGs but also a thorough reinvigoration of the genres stalest aspects. Not just a great tribute, a great game.
  6. Hey Poor Player
    Jan 13, 2023
    90
    I’ve played a lot of retro-inspired games this year, and Chained Echoes easily stands out as one of the best – and it’s not even particularly close. With gorgeous artwork, addicting mechanics, and a world that blends steampunk with high fantasy seamlessly, Chained Echoes is a loving homage to old-school RPGs while still managing to proudly blaze its own path. If you’re looking for a challenging (but not punishing) RPG with an engaging story, enjoyable characters, and mechanics that will keep you coming back for hours at a time, Chained Echoes is an absolute must.
  7. GamingTrend
    Jan 13, 2023
    55
    Chained Echoes is an incredibly uneven RPG heavily inspired by the likes of Chrono Trigger and Xenogears. With bad writing, poorly thought out mechanics, and an overly complex… everything it can be hard to get through. Even so, there is a little fun to be found here, mostly near the beginning.

See all 15 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 24
  3. Negative: 2 out of 24
  1. TuffinUp
    Dec 9, 2022
    10
    Good combat, sprite and story. Giant robots, good characters and 10 hours in an engaging story, I am stoked on this game. Might be a bit oldGood combat, sprite and story. Giant robots, good characters and 10 hours in an engaging story, I am stoked on this game. Might be a bit old school for the kids, but classic jrpg fans will definitely enjoys… Expand
  2. RisingZeus
    Dec 11, 2022
    10
    Gorgeous pixel graphics, fun and thought-provoking turn-based battles, and amazing sound/music!
  4. cyphus6
    Jan 12, 2023
    10
    A phenomenal love letter to SNES JRPGs. Everything great about them, with modern convenience at every level; such as very little rng, fullA phenomenal love letter to SNES JRPGs. Everything great about them, with modern convenience at every level; such as very little rng, full heals for your team after every battle, free Flees and battle Retries. Perfect balance between story, battle, and strategy, and so much content that never drags. Beating the main game is easily 60 hours, and side quests + secret final boss add another 10 hrs for sure; Amazing value.
    A fresh battle system that is easily understood and a fun way to encourage flexibility in your attacks (instead of spam). You only 'level up' from bosses (although you could grind to slightly improve your moves but its never required); Its about learning, and retrying with a different team setup and strategy. Personally I don't like excessive dialogue (which this game does not have), but even I wished I payed more attention by the end. Nothing to really complain about. Best JRPG of 2022    … Expand
  5. Darueck
    Dec 25, 2022
    10
    Best surprise of 2022. Love it! Miss another languages, but every detail of this game is a love letter to the classic JRPGs that we loved inBest surprise of 2022. Love it! Miss another languages, but every detail of this game is a love letter to the classic JRPGs that we loved in our childhood ❤️… Expand
  6. PMG-Writer
    Dec 31, 2022
    9
    "Chained Echoes" does everything perfectly for fans of the genre and newcomers. You get an exciting story with many interesting characters and"Chained Echoes" does everything perfectly for fans of the genre and newcomers. You get an exciting story with many interesting characters and great dialogues. The gameplay is also enjoyable, as are the other options in the gameplay. The graphics have their charm and the sound always does everything right. If you would like to have another good role-playing game with a certain look, you should take a closer look at "Chained Echoes".… Expand
  7. TheXxchaKing
    Jul 7, 2023
    9
    + The game as a whole is a spirited love letter to the JRPGs of yesteryear
    + Battle system is innovative while still retaining traditional    + The game as a whole is a spirited love letter to the JRPGs of yesteryear
    + Battle system is innovative while still retaining traditional turn-based mechanics
    + Art style and design of the world and enemies are delightful
    + OST is of a magical god-tier standard that puts AAA titles to shame
    + Story and character arcs are enthralling from beginning to end

    - Sky armour battles were underwhelming and frustratingly imbalanced    … Expand
  8. WeAllEffed
    Jul 29, 2023
    1
    Could be a fantastic rpg, but completely ruined by the Overdrive mechanic. All it is is fake difficulty as it pigeonholes you to play exactlyCould be a fantastic rpg, but completely ruined by the Overdrive mechanic. All it is is fake difficulty as it pigeonholes you to play exactly the way the game wants you to. Battles end up being is a tug of war with this mechanic. Then the game arbitrarily decides to put you in Overheat for no apparent reason; where you take more damage and skills cost more to use. Getting out of Overheat completely derails the flow of the battles, and it makes no sense. There are either turns, or situations hardcoded, or it’s designed to be a pain. For example: a skill is highlighted yellow-orange (arbitrarily mind you) that will significantly lower the overdrive bar, often times forcing the player to use a skill that’s not beneficial. Sienna’s Pilfer when there’s nothing to steal, or you need to heal but some random skill lowers the Overdrive gauge, which allows you to temporarily play the game until it randomly throws you back into overheat.

    Give me an option to disable this stupid mechanic and I’d likely change my review score.    … Expand

See all 24 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best Switch Game of 2022
33
#33 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2022

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