

Arguably, it has more presence than the similar Octopath Traveller, another genre game that argues a case for supremacy.Chained Echoes is a story-driven JRPG where a group of heroes travel around the vast continent of Valandis to bring an end to the war between its three kingdoms. Rarely have I completed a title and thought that I couldn't find a single thing wrong with it, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. There's not much more to say about Chained Echoes than you must play the game. All we can do is stand up and applaud the marvel that is this indie JRPG. Chained Echoes is a testament to that idea, where finding anything wrong with the game is challenging. But anything is possible when you understand design principles. It's hard to believe that this roughly 40-hour game is the work of a solo developer. The diversity in combat, thought-provoking puzzles, and captivating story argue a case for a masterpiece. It creates one of the most enjoyable genre experiences I've ever played. The precise knowledge that the developer is an old-school JRPG fan has the mechanics, visuals, and narrative combined seamlessly. On that note, it's hard to gear any criticisms toward this game. Without giving anything away, moments of love, humor, tragedy, and revelation combine to create one of the most compelling tales in indie games today. Players will form a group of heroes, each with extraordinary abilities, who travel the world to seek an end to the three kingdoms' war which rages across the continent. There's only one answer, and that's yes, Chained Echoes is brilliant. What's left is to look at the gameplay and whether it can entice players to remain and complete everything this ambitious JRPG offers. The game world is gorgeous there's a compelling story and plenty to explore and do within the vast continent of Valandis. Let's appreciate for a moment how well-endowed Chained Echoes is for the work of a single developer. But then again, nothing is impossible these days. What more could a genre fan ask for? Could we be seeing a new modern classic emerge? Considering the game is the work of a solo developer, questions would be raised as to whether it could accomplish that feat. We've got a modern title translated to fit today's hardware standards yet keep the nostalgia flame burning.Ĭhained Echoes is a JRPG with colorful, pixelated art, turn-based combat, a rich narrative, and meticulous attention to detail. Even without playing, you can see from the visual theme, design, and overall aesthetic that the game includes the famous formula that jetted the genre to prosperity in the early 90s.

It's evident from the outlook of Chained Echoes that the developer is an old-school JRPG enthusiast.
