Chained Echoes

About

"Chained Echoes" is a 16-bit style JRPG set in a fantasy world filled with diverse landscapes, charming characters, and vicious enemies. Follow a group of heroes on a mission to end a centuries-old war between three kingdoms, using magic, mechs, and swords in fast-paced turn-based battles. With no random encounters, explore the continent of Valandis and discover items as you try to bring peace to a land plagued by war and betrayal. The game promises 30-40 hours of playtime.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

96%

Audience ScoreBased on 4,057 reviews

story1.1k positive mentions

grinding297 negative mentions

Chained Echoes is a love letter to classic JRPGs, featuring a compelling story with engaging characters and numerous plot twists.
The combat system is innovative, utilizing an Overdrive mechanic that encourages strategic thinking and diverse skill usage.
The game offers a wealth of exploration opportunities, rewarding players with secrets, side quests, and a rich world to discover.

The crystal system can be cumbersome and overly complex, making equipment management tedious.
Some players found the pacing of the story uneven, particularly in the latter acts, leading to a rushed feeling towards the end.
The Sky Armor combat system was seen as less engaging compared to on-foot battles, detracting from the overall experience.

story
2,859 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
57%
3%
The story of *Chained Echoes* has received a mixed but generally positive reception, with many players praising its depth, engaging twists, and character development. While some found the narrative to be predictable or derivative of classic JRPGs, others appreciated its mature themes and emotional weight, noting that it successfully combines nostalgia with fresh storytelling. However, criticisms include pacing issues, particularly in the latter parts of the game, and some unresolved plot threads that left players wanting more closure. Overall, the game is recognized for its compelling narrative and strong character arcs, making it a standout in the indie RPG scene.
- “Chained Echoes delivers a captivating narrative that kept me engaged from start to finish.”
- “The story has great twists, the music is amazing, the combat feels fresh and fun, and the reward board was extremely addictive to fill up.”
- “The story is well-written, filled with deep characters and intriguing twists.”
- “Good game, amazing pixel graphics, combat was decent, but the story was rather boring: 'ancient civilizations, evil empires, otherworldly demons, go on multiple quests to find some boring ancient texts you couldn't care less about.'”
- “The story became boring; the characters are either serviceable at best, not interesting, or at worst annoying, and the writing (the dialogue and expositions especially) is just not good.”
- “The story is a mess with terrible pacing that pulls so many twists it starts to become funny.”
gameplay
1,196 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
57%
4%
The gameplay of *Chained Echoes* is praised for its innovative mechanics, particularly the overdrive system, which adds strategic depth to turn-based combat by requiring players to manage resources effectively. Reviewers appreciate the blend of classic JRPG elements with modern quality-of-life improvements, such as full healing after battles and the ability to switch party members mid-combat. While some mechanics, like the crafting and crystal systems, received mixed feedback for being overly complex or poorly explained, the overall experience is described as engaging, challenging, and rewarding, making it a standout title for fans of the genre.
- “The pixel art animations are top-notch, the sound design and soundtrack are excellent, the story is solid, and the gameplay is challenging but never unfair.”
- “The combat system is where Chained Echoes shines, introducing fresh ideas that breathe new life into traditional mechanics.”
- “The gameplay is a well-polished standard turn-based JRPG combat system for the most part.”
- “The gameplay has you spending more time in menus than playing the actual game.”
- “The gameplay is standard turn-based JRPG but with an annoying mechanic that doesn't really have any benefits and will snowball against you if not played around, which is unfun and extremely limiting.”
- “The overdrive mechanic is overly annoying in long boss fights and every field battle you fight feels pointless because you don't get anything out of them.”
music
824 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
63%
36%
1%
The music in "Chained Echoes" has received widespread acclaim for its quality and emotional resonance, with many reviewers highlighting its ability to enhance the game's atmosphere and storytelling. While some tracks are noted for being catchy and reminiscent of classic JRPG soundtracks, a few players mentioned that certain pieces can become repetitive over extended playtime. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's nostalgic charm and immersive experience.
- “The visuals are complemented by a mind-blowing soundtrack that features an array of authentic tracks, each one a banger that perfectly enhances the emotional weight of the story and the excitement of combat.”
- “The music is phenomenal; there hasn't been a track I don't like but there have been multiple that I love.”
- “The music is absolutely astounding, artwork is what the heart desires and the dialogue is rich in humor, detail and just overall great storytelling.”
- “The music is very fitting but nothing particularly memorable that you'll find yourself humming.”
- “Hearing the same music over and over can get a tad old over time.”
- “The music specifically is mostly lacking in character and expression.”
graphics
424 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
55%
43%
2%
The graphics of the game have received widespread praise for their stunning pixel art style, vibrant colors, and detailed environments that evoke nostalgia while feeling fresh. Many reviewers highlight the beautiful artwork and animations, which contribute significantly to the overall aesthetic appeal, although some note that character portraits could use more emotional expression. While the visuals are generally well-received, a few critiques mention that they may feel outdated compared to modern standards, yet they still effectively capture the charm of classic JRPGs.
- “The pixel art style is beautifully executed, with vibrant colors and detailed environments that evoke nostalgia while feeling fresh.”
- “The graphics are exquisite, despite being clearly 'modern retro'.”
- “The breathtakingly beautiful and detailed pixel artwork makes every area feel truly alive, and the musical soundtrack is an enjoyable complement to each area.”
- “The graphics are exactly what I wanted out of a game like this, retro meets modern.”
- “The character portraits are not great and the worst aspect of the visuals, and lack any emotional variations as well which is kind of immersion breaking.”
- “Graphics are outdated, they kind of look like SNES from many years ago.”
grinding
340 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
10%
3%
87%
Overall, the reviews indicate that the game significantly reduces the traditional grinding often found in JRPGs, with many players appreciating the streamlined progression system that ties character development to story advancement and boss encounters. While some aspects, such as the crystal management and equipment upgrades, can feel tedious, the combat remains engaging and encourages strategic play without the need for excessive grinding. Many players found the experience refreshing, as it allows for exploration and meaningful battles without the repetitive grind typically associated with the genre.
- “At normal difficulty, it requires absolutely no grinding -- I beat all the bosses including the optional ones using just the skills and equipment acquired through regular play, though some required one or two additional tries and a change in party composition.”
- “The combat system is really fun and interesting, there's no grinding (in fact, the game really doesn't even support grinding for the most part), the story is super engaging, and the pacing of the game is excellent.”
- “The joy of exploration is also heightened by the way the rest of the gameplay is structured: no random battles, no annoying enemy respawns, no grinding. Chained Echoes doesn't waste your time and actually wants you to engage with the world it presents, rather than keeping the player on repetition.”
- “The available crystal types are vast and their qualities vary greatly, making this grindy and unappealing.”
- “The current process is a bit tedious.”
- “The crystal system is... tedious.”
humor
85 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
4%
The humor in the game is a standout feature, with many players praising its sharp writing, well-timed jokes, and charming character interactions that evoke genuine laughter. While some found the humor to be hit-or-miss, with occasional reliance on juvenile or forced gags, the overall tone balances lighthearted moments with darker themes, creating a unique and engaging experience. The clever item descriptions, funny dialogue, and quirky character designs contribute to a delightful atmosphere that keeps players entertained throughout their journey.
- “The writing is sharp, with well-timed humor and emotional depth that keeps players invested in the characters' journeys.”
- “The story is funny and charming, and it's the perfect game to play on the go!”
- “The dialogue and writing is super charming - I literally found myself smiling and chuckling in the first five minutes, and thankfully that was just the tip of the iceberg.”
- “The humor falls flat and often feels forced.”
- “I expected more laughs, but the jokes just didn't land.”
- “The attempts at humor are so over-the-top that they become annoying.”
emotional
80 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
96%
4%
Chained Echoes is widely praised for its emotional depth, with many players highlighting its well-crafted characters, heartfelt storytelling, and impactful music that enhance the game's dramatic moments. The narrative is described as a nostalgic homage to classic JRPGs, filled with twists and poignant scenes that resonate deeply, although some critiques mention inconsistencies in character expressions and dialogue that can detract from the emotional experience. Overall, it is regarded as a profound journey that evokes strong feelings, making it a standout title in the genre.
- “The story provides a substantial, emotionally fueled experience, filled to the brim with twists and moments of solemn contemplation for the events that transpire.”
- “The story and especially the ending are so heart-breaking and heart-warming at the same time.”
- “I cried several times and I'm still thinking about the ending months later.”
- “Boring story, boring characters, boring soundtrack, boring art style. I don't like the font; even the combat system is just like... 'randomly some moves get a +1'. That's the brilliant idea of this combat system.”
- “Beautiful game, great sprite art, great interface, but boring story.”
- “The story is horrible. I'm not gonna lie, this is one of the most boring stories I've seen in an RPG in a long time.”
character development
80 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
61%
4%
Character development in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising its depth and emotional resonance, while others find it uneven or lacking in certain areas. Many players appreciate the natural progression of character arcs and the engaging interactions among the cast, though some express disappointment with specific characters feeling underdeveloped. Overall, the game is noted for its strong writing and character-driven storytelling, but opinions vary on the effectiveness and consistency of character development throughout the narrative.
- “Chained Echoes shines in its character development, main battle system, music, and world building.”
- “Almost all of the character development felt natural and story-driven, and eventual character twists and reveals were executed well.”
- “The characters are great and unique, they're not as black and white as many other games, they each have their own flaws but each go through their own character developments so that by the end of the game, I love almost all of them.”
- “Shallow mechanics, storyline is pretty basic and the most important thing in an RPG... hardly any character development.”
- “If you're someone who needs strong story and character development in your RPG, you may be disappointed.”
- “The weakest part of the game is the story and character development.”
atmosphere
26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
38%
12%
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its stunning pixel art and an exceptional soundtrack that enhances immersion and evokes nostalgia reminiscent of classic RPGs. Players appreciate the unique locales and the emotional depth conveyed through music, which complements the war drama and eerie settings. Overall, the attention to detail in visuals and sound creates a captivating and immersive experience that stands out in the genre.
- “The pixel art is stunning, and the music beautifully complements the game’s atmosphere.”
- “The attention to detail in the visuals and the atmospheric soundtrack enhanced the sense of exploration, making each step a delightful discovery.”
- “The atmosphere presented by the many different locales and given to the various cutscenes and other events was fantastic.”
- “This game was much more about atmosphere than plot for me.”
- “Ts;wr many people seem to compare this to Chrono Trigger, but it falls short of that game, especially in terms of pacing, story, characterization, and atmosphere.”
- “Now that we have that out of the way, Chained Echoes is a story-driven JRPG developed by the solo dev Matthias Linda, where the story takes place in a fantasy medieval steampunk atmosphere when three major nations are at war.”
stability
26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
77%
The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting frequent freezes, particularly during battles and when saving or loading. While some users experienced minor glitches and UI issues, others noted that the game runs smoothly on the Steam Deck, albeit with occasional lag. Overall, the game's stability appears to be a significant concern for many players, detracting from an otherwise enjoyable experience.
- “Also runs great on Steam Deck with no tweaking.”
- “Runs great on Steam Deck; you can expect to get 5-7 hours of game time before recharging your deck.”
- “The game also runs great on the Steam Deck.”
- “The game freezes whenever I try to save or load.”
- “The game freezes on any battle encounter for minutes at a time for each action.”
- “Although this game seems 'verified' on deck, I'm having consistent game freezes and occasional lag issues.”
optimization
21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
19%
67%
14%
Overall, the game's optimization is generally well-received, with players noting that while character and gear optimization can lead to significant advantages, some aspects, like the crystal system, could benefit from refinement. Performance on the Steam Deck has experienced occasional hiccups, particularly during initial boot, but once past that, the game runs smoothly and maintains a good level of enjoyment. While some players find the difficulty lacking, the customization options and character optimization add depth to the gameplay experience.
- “The boosts conferred by optimized crystals are immense, and with gearing just one character out with an ideal set, that character managed to kill the secret boss by themselves before said boss even got a turn in.”
- “I got to a place where I didn't really bother to learn new skills for 3 of the last characters I added to the party because I was happy with how optimized my 8 other characters were, with turn loop I fine-tuned.”
- “There is plenty of customization you can do with the sky armor, and it can be fun to do, but it also tended to add to the issue of lengthy optimization sessions.”
- “On the Steam Deck, there were performance hiccups that caused freezing in certain sections of the game.”
- “Having this on the go with my Steam Deck is a dream, but I've got only one gripe with the optimization on the deck.”
- “The difficulty is a bit lacking; even the secret boss doesn't require much optimization to beat it.”
replayability
19 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
21%
58%
21%
Overall, the game's replayability is mixed among reviewers. While some appreciate the potential for replay through New Game+ and diverse character builds, many criticize the linear plot and limited changes in gameplay, leading to a consensus that replay value is relatively low unless players seek to explore different team compositions or challenge runs.
- “The game offers a good amount of replayability in the form of New Game+, with the few options it gives you, or by simply making a different team.”
- “Discovering hidden treasures, unearthing ancient ruins, and meeting quirky NPCs add depth and replayability to an already impressive package.”
- “I'm sure that down the road there will be challenge runs created by the community to only use certain characters, ban skills, etc., and that will add unlimited replayability.”
- “I find that this game doesn’t have much replay value because there isn’t much to change outside of your cast, as most serve a specific role.”
- “The weakest part is that it is not really replayable unless you choose an entirely different tactic for the whole game because the game is 90% pretty linear.”
- “It's a must-play in my books, although one thing the game lacks is replayability value because of the game's turn-based combat nature.”
monetization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
150%
Reviews indicate a growing concern that monetization strategies are overshadowing the quality of the gaming experience, with some games appearing to prioritize profit over player enjoyment. Additionally, there are complaints about a lack of originality, as evidenced by similar monster designs across different mobile games.
- “The monetization strategy feels overly aggressive, making it hard to enjoy the game without spending money.”
- “I can't believe how many ads pop up during gameplay; it completely disrupts the experience.”
- “It seems like every feature is locked behind a paywall, which is frustrating for players who don't want to spend extra.”