It is to Chained Echoes credit that it never feels like its narrative is just checking off a list of tropes however. Twisty political machinations, surprise twists and eventually fighting gods. Your party of mercenaries, princesses, thieves, playwrights and soldiers gets drawn into the conspiracy and are drawn into a quest that will alter the very fate of the world.Īll the classic JRPG storytelling beats are hit. Behind the scenes multiple parties are working to ensure war reigns again, and that they come out as the sole victor. Multiple kingdoms have entered an uneasy peace treaty that most rulers don’t seem all too happy about. The last 150 years have been plagued by near constant war until the present day. The story takes place on the continent of Valandis.
But for all its influences it is decidedly its own game. If Chained Echoes stopped here it would be a perfectly serviceable SNES inspire JRPG that have become increasingly commonplace over the last few years. Character designs are also great, there are a variety of races throughout the world that help distinguish NPCs and the major characters all have vivid portraits that show the range of looks that have gone into them.
The pixel art is gorgeous and varied, each locale has its own distinct look and feel that helps the world feel lived in. Every facet of the game makes it clear that Linda has a real affection and knowledge for the genre. The game starts with an homage to Chrono Trigger and throughout the game you can see riffs on Final Fantasy VI, Suikoden, Xenogears and more. Right off the bat you can see the influences dripping off of Chained Echoes. He has also surrounded it with a world full of interesting lore, compelling story and characters and an engaging spin on traditional turn-based combat. Linda has created a game that modernises and betters many of the genres more frustrating aspects. But Chained Echoes is not content to just ape RPGs of yore. It is a love letter to 16 and 32-bit JRPGs of the past and wears its influences on its sleeve. Chained Echoes is a project seven years in the making from solo developer Matthias Linda.
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