Chained Echoes Reviews
Having released in this day and age where the classics of the genre are probably a memory for most, Chained Echoes has everything going for it to make a mark. It meshes modern-day conveniences and improvements with old-school formulas, making it a much more refined JRPG experience that simply needs to be played. While there are some stumbles along the way, it is an impressive effort from a solo developer, and a giant leap in what is hopefully the first of many successes to come.
Despite my frustrations with the combat system, there’s a lot of good you’ll find in Chained Echoes. I can easily recommend this game for any Super Nintendo era role-playing game. A beautiful rose with a very sharp thorn.
I went in with high expectations from Chained Echoes, but remarkably, it managed to exceed every one of them. The characters are enjoyable (although Robb can be a bit insufferable at times), and most of them are fleshed out pretty well by the end. The storyline isn’t overly convoluted either, and has just enough depth and twists to keep it interesting. The combat in particular surprised me with how engaging it was, all thanks to its inventive Overdrive system.
It successfully sets out to reinvigorate the well-worn turn-based combat formula found in many games of that era while adding many smart and well-considered elements to the mix, ultimately creating a bold and involving combat experience that feels classic and fresh at the same time.
Chained Echoes is a JRPG that captivates thanks to a centered and smooth narrative. The story told, classic but nonetheless engaging, impresses especially because of its protagonists. If nothing else, it is amazing how one person managed to come up with such a work, succeeding in the complex attempt to get to the goal and surprise. A unique way to bring nostalgics and newcomers alike closer to a genre that is always fascinating.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Picked as #5 in my Pure Dead Gaming GOTY, Chained Echoes is an absolute masterpiece. Everything you love about classic JRPGs is here with the addition of some newer and welcome mechanics. A gentle reminder, ONE man, Matthias Linda, made this game, mostly in his spare time. Incredible, really. Final Fantasy fans, Chrono Trigger fans and Dragon Quest fans – you know what to do.
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.
Regardless of the criticisms I have with Chained Echoes, the fact that it was created is astounding and it is clear that the developer has a ton of love for RPGs and why they are so special. The game is unapologetically dense, making a perfect title for those that put in the extra time it takes to learn its world. This is a full-sized adventure in a classic style, making it an easy-to-recommend game for fans of the genre.
Even if inspired by classic franchises, Chained Echoes delivers what it proposes and even more: I'd dare say future games will be inspired by it. That's the case because its story and soundtrack wipe the floor with [what] many renowned games [have to offer], not to mention its multiple combat styles. The Overdrive and Overheat gauges are a smart choice to make battles dynamic and fun. Extra content also helps, being inserted in the right measure. Actually, is there anything in Chained Echoes that isn't perfect?
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Chained Echoes builds on what makes older JRPGs great to feel familiar and new at the same time.
A love letter to console RPGs that left a mark on the life of many players in the past, Chained Echoes succeeds in delivering an adventure worthy of the titles it pays homage to, and it can already be considered a modern classic. The charismatic characters, excellent soundtrack and enticing plot from the very start will definitely please fans of the genre looking for something new that smartly reminds them of the past. Thus, for all intents and purposes, do not let yourself be deceived: though it may seem small, this is one of the big titles of 2022.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Chained Echoes is a great throwback to the old JRPGs of the SNES era, and for those who loved those sorts of games, this one is definitely worth your time. This game is also for those who are not looking for a nostalgia trip though. This comes from someone who does not ordinarily enjoy JRPGs, but Chained Echoes is chockful of content, systems, and loads of great characters and complex mechanics. You’ll probably love it if you do or don’t love those old-school JRPG classics.
I couldn’t have been happier with my time with Matthias Linda and Deck13’s Chained Echos. It does everything right. Taking retro inspired designs and making it an RPG worthy of today’s standards, the characters, the environments, the music, the gameplay, essentially the works, you have it here. Thank you for this early holiday present!
The one person passion project from German developer Matthias Linda re-works and banishes some of the genre's more frustrating staples and presents an exciting, fleshed out fantasy world meshed with some of the best strategic turn-based combat the genre has seen in years.
Chained Echoes is a must-play both for fans of old school JRPGs as well as story-centric role-playing games.
Chained Echoes is a fantastic game that hearkens back to the good old days of the 16-bit RPGs and adds its own flair to make it stand out from the bunch. The turn-based combat system is very involved thanks to the Overdrive mechanic, and the art style is simply eye candy, which is music to the ears of all old-school RPG lovers out there. The first few hours of the game can get a bit messy and confusing, events-wise, but really gathers itself and goes on to tell a solid and heartfelt story across multiple characters that is punctuated by stellar gameplay. The experience has been mostly bug-free and the game has simply been a surprise, as I’m sure many didn’t expect such a gem amidst all of the big triple A titles this month.
Chained Echoes is an incredibly passionate love letter to 16-32 bit era JRPGs, but it also knows when to try new things and add modern conveniences. Its battle system is one of the best in the genre, and feels genuinely revolutionary. I was slightly underwhelmed by the game’s rushed final act and a couple of party members but Chained Echoes is a great game and is absolutely worth your time if you’re a fan of the genre.