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Chained Echoes

Chained Echoes is without a doubt the best RPG I've played all year, and should be pushed to the top of your backlog immediately.
Chained Echoes Game Cover
89%Game Brain Score
story, gameplay
grinding, stability
90% User Score Based on 4,694 reviews
Critic Score 88%Based on 28 reviews

Platforms

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Chained Echoes Game Cover

About

Chained Echoes is a single player role playing game with a fantasy theme. It was developed by Umami Tiger (Matthias Linda) and was released on December 8, 2022. It received positive reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

"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.

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Chained Echoes screenshot
Chained Echoes screenshot
Chained Echoes screenshot
Chained Echoes screenshot
Chained Echoes screenshot
Chained Echoes screenshot
Chained Echoes screenshot
Chained Echoes screenshot
Chained Echoes screenshot
Chained Echoes screenshot
Chained Echoes screenshot
+5
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90%
Audience ScoreBased on 4,694 reviews
story1.4k positive mentions
grinding370 negative mentions
  • A love letter to classic JRPGs with refreshing modern twists.
  • Engaging combat system that encourages experimentation and strategic planning.
  • Beautiful pixel art and a captivating soundtrack enhance the overall experience.
  • The story can feel convoluted and is sometimes poorly paced, especially towards the end.
  • The overdrive system can be frustrating, leading to tedious battles and reliance on RNG.
  • Character development is uneven, with some characters feeling underutilized or generic.
  • story
    3,499 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of "Chained Echoes" has received mixed reviews, with many praising its engaging narrative, rich world-building, and well-developed characters, while others criticize its pacing and occasional convoluted plot twists. Players appreciate the emotional depth and unexpected turns, likening it to classic JRPGs like "Final Fantasy VI" and "Chrono Trigger," though some feel it falls short in execution, particularly towards the end. Overall, the game is recognized for its ambitious storytelling and nostalgic elements, making it a noteworthy entry in the genre.

    • “Chained Echoes is a remarkable indie JRPG that blends nostalgic 16-bit aesthetics with modern storytelling and mechanics.”
    • “The story is captivating and full of twists, the characters are well-developed and charismatic, and the art quality is simply outstanding.”
    • “The story is engaging and feels larger than the characters.”
    • “The story is a bit all over the place, leading you through multiple protagonists' perspectives, which unfortunately I found to be confusing.”
    • “The story feels like something I have played before, I really wish JRPGs would stop focusing on some power crystal and do something different.”
    • “The story is weak and I just find myself getting bored; it already feels like it is turning into a chore.”
  • gameplay
    1,418 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Chained Echoes" is characterized by its innovative mechanics, particularly the overdrive system that encourages strategic decision-making during combat. Players appreciate the blend of classic turn-based RPG elements with modern quality-of-life improvements, although some find the multitude of mechanics overwhelming and occasionally frustrating. Overall, the game offers a rich and engaging experience, with a strong emphasis on exploration and character customization, making it a standout title for fans of the genre.

    • “The gameplay is fun and offers many hours of exploration, thanks to the many hidden secrets.”
    • “Chained Echoes is a remarkable JRPG that masterfully blends nostalgic elements from classic 16-bit games with innovative gameplay mechanics.”
    • “The overdrive mechanic adds a new level of strategy, allowing players to manage their resources effectively while unleashing powerful attacks.”
    • “But the progression mechanics and the almost forced attempt to streamline combat, progression, etc. kind of make it honestly hard for me to stay awake after a certain point in the plot.”
    • “The 'deals' mechanic or the 'task board' mechanic make no sense to me.”
    • “The overdrive mechanic made combat genuinely annoying and was far more restrictive than innovative.”
  • music
    953 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in "Chained Echoes" has received widespread acclaim for its exceptional quality and ability to enhance the game's atmosphere, with many reviewers praising its nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic JRPG soundtracks. Composed by Eddie Marianukroh, the soundtrack features a diverse range of tracks that effectively complement various gameplay moments, from serene exploration to intense battles. While some players noted occasional repetitiveness in certain themes, the overall consensus is that the music significantly contributes to the game's immersive experience and emotional depth.

    • “The music is phenomenal—melancholic, adventurous, and perfectly timed to the game’s emotional beats.”
    • “The soundtrack is a masterpiece.”
    • “The music just adds to the magic of the game, because it makes every zone feel alive.”
    • “The music is fine, it wasn’t anything new or all that unique.”
    • “The music specifically is mostly lacking in character and expression.”
    • “The music is serviceable and does the job more or less, but is completely unmemorable and music is very important to me in a JRPG.”
  • graphics
    515 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "Chained Echoes" have received widespread praise for their beautiful pixel art style, which effectively captures the nostalgic essence of classic 16-bit RPGs while incorporating modern design elements. Many reviewers highlight the vibrant colors, detailed environments, and charming character designs, although some note that certain aspects, like character portraits, could benefit from more emotional expression. Overall, the visuals are considered a standout feature of the game, enhancing the overall experience despite some minor criticisms regarding their simplicity and occasional generic feel.

    • “The pixel art style is beautifully executed, with vibrant colors and detailed environments that evoke nostalgia while feeling fresh.”
    • “The graphics are fantastic and incredibly detailed, far beyond the old pixel graphics of yore.”
    • “Chained echoes has all the right stuff in it to make it an awesome JRPG; my favorite thing about it is the graphics—it just oozes with color and personality.”
    • “Chained Echoes feels like the developer was trying to make a Baldur's Gate styled open world with retro styled graphics, and to me, it doesn't work.”
    • “The artwork in the game is alright, with the character sprites and especially their portraits looking stiff, and the lack of expressions in the portraits makes the already terribly written dialogue feel even more stale.”
    • “Disjointed storytelling mixed with subpar graphics (there are better looking SNES games) and a combat system that is restrictive, boring, and one-sided.”
  • grinding
    416 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The reviews indicate a mixed perspective on grinding in the game, with many players appreciating the absence of traditional level grinding, as character progression is primarily tied to defeating bosses and completing milestones. While some find the crystal and gear upgrade systems tedious and requiring some grinding, others enjoy the focus on exploration and strategic combat that minimizes the need for repetitive battles. Overall, the game is praised for its innovative approach to progression, which respects players' time and reduces the grind typically associated with JRPGs.

    • “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.”
    • “No grinding required, but lots of exploration and revisiting areas encouraged.”
    • “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.”
    • “Very complicated, grindy, and highly dependent on RNG.”
    • “The gameplay is solid, traditional turn-based RPG, but it ditches traditional leveling; you get 'grimoire shards' from bosses to upgrade skills instead of grinding for XP.”
    • “The combat has an interesting mechanic but it becomes fairly tedious to manage.”
  • emotional
    99 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game is widely praised for its rich storytelling, well-developed characters, and a soundtrack that enhances the narrative's emotional weight. Many players report feeling deeply invested in the characters' journeys, experiencing a range of emotions from joy to heartbreak, with some moments described as truly unforgettable. However, a few critiques mention that certain dialogue and character expressions may detract from the overall emotional impact, leaving some players feeling less connected to the story.

    • “The music is phenomenal—melancholic, adventurous, and perfectly timed to the game’s emotional beats.”
    • “The story provides a substantial, emotionally fueled experience, filled to the brim with twists and moments of solemn contemplation for the events that transpire.”
    • “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.”
  • humor
    97 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is a mixed bag, featuring a blend of sharp, witty dialogue and juvenile, slapstick moments that can create tonal whiplash. While many players appreciate the well-timed jokes and humorous character interactions, some find the humor inconsistent or overly reliant on immature themes. Overall, the game successfully injects humor into its narrative, balancing lighthearted moments with darker themes, making it a memorable experience for those who enjoy a quirky, comedic touch in their RPGs.

    • “Despite the overall serious nature of the plot, it isn't afraid to throw in some funny lines here or there.”
    • “The writing is sharp, with well-timed humor and emotional depth that keeps players invested in the characters' journeys.”
    • “The story is humorous and light while dipping into darker material with adult language, violent story points, and political themes.”
    • “The dialogue is funny without being cringey.”
    • “The attempts at humor often fall flat and feel forced.”
    • “I expected more clever jokes, but most of the humor is just repetitive and dull.”
  • character development
    92 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising its depth and emotional resonance, particularly in the main cast, while others criticize unevenness and lack of attention to certain characters. Many players appreciate the integration of character growth with exploration and story progression, though some feel that motivations and arcs could have been more fleshed out. Overall, while the game excels in character interactions and memorable designs, it occasionally falters in delivering consistent development across all characters.

    • “Chained Echoes shines in its character development, main battle system, music, and world building.”
    • “Overall, to me what really stands out about this game is the absolutely phenomenal writing, world-building, and character developments.”
    • “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.”
    • “The story is inconsistent and boring; the character development (both storyline and gameplay) is almost nonexistent, and the maps are boring, linear, and very small.”
    • “The weakest part of the game is the story and character development.”
    • “While it is great to have a variety of playable characters for a turn-based RPG such as this, their late arrival in the game and their limited use make the character development extremely uneven.”
  • stability
    31 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players reporting significant freezing issues during battles and while saving, particularly on the Steam Deck. While many users noted that the game runs smoothly without major bugs, others experienced frustrating glitches, especially related to the inventory system and UI. Overall, the game is considered relatively stable by some, but persistent freezing and minor bugs detract from the experience for others.

    • “The game isn't buggy; the graphics are a dream with a passable story.”
    • “Runs great on Steam Deck; you can expect to get 5-7 hours of game time before recharging your deck.”
    • “Just having good combat, good music, good graphics, and being bug-free can earn this title the status of a super good game.”
    • “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.”
    • “I do not recommend playing this game on Steam Deck, as it constantly freezes when going into battle, especially once sky armors are unlocked.”
  • atmosphere
    31 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its stunning pixel art, rich animations, and immersive soundtracks that evoke nostalgia for classic RPGs. Each locale features distinct themes that enhance the overall vibe, from upbeat adventures to gloomy settings, contributing to a captivating and atmospheric experience. While the visuals and music are celebrated, some players noted that certain childish lines disrupt immersion, and the story may not fully match the game's atmospheric strengths.

    • “The sprite work is stunning, with rich animations, expressive character designs, and beautifully rendered environments that are vibrant and atmospheric.”
    • “The attention to detail in the visuals and the atmospheric soundtrack enhanced the sense of exploration, making each step a delightful discovery.”
    • “The art and atmosphere are captivating aspects of the world and really deliver a true sense of immersion throughout the entire experience.”
    • “Lots of childish lines disrupt the immersion and sometimes do not fit properly into the game's atmosphere.”
    • “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.”
  • optimization
    29 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's optimization is generally well-received, with players noting smooth performance and minimal bugs, particularly on the Steam Deck after initial boot issues. However, the extensive menu management and character optimization can feel tedious, detracting from the gameplay experience. While the crystal and gear systems offer significant boosts, they could benefit from improvements to streamline the optimization process.

    • “I have encountered maybe 1-2 non-game breaking bugs in the 90 hours I've played (0 crashes), so the game I feel is pretty well optimized, which is not something you see often nowadays.”
    • “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.”
    • “Some little optimizations to the game could make it even better, but they didn't impede on the fun time I had with it.”
    • “All this combined with crystals and sky armor makes for frequent, tedious, and lengthy use of menus so that you are able to keep your growing party optimized.”
    • “In a game that's designed that you will often get so many new and better equipment and crystals by doing some explorations, there's no feature like 'move the crystals from old equipment to the currently equipped', or, at the very least, an option to 'lock' those crystals as a means to mark them/avoid combining mistakes that can screw up your desirable optimized setup.”
    • “This doesn't make combat difficult, engaging, or challenging; it's just poorly designed/optimized.”
  • replayability
    21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's replayability is mixed among users. While some appreciate the potential for new game+ modes and diverse character builds that can enhance replay value, many others note a lack of significant changes in gameplay or story, leading to a perception of limited replayability. The linear nature of the game and the specific roles of characters further contribute to the sentiment that replaying may not offer a fresh experience.

    • “The characters, turn-based mechanics, amount of content for the cost, replayability, etc. it's just awesome.”
    • “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.”
    • “Takes away all the replay value.”
    • “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.”
    • “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.”
  • monetization
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    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.”
    • “The in-game purchases are way too expensive for what you actually get, making it feel like a cash grab.”
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88%Critics’ scoreBased on 28 critic reviews
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36h Median play time
37h Average play time
10-60h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 49 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Chained Echoes is a role playing game with fantasy theme.

Chained Echoes is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Steam Deck and others.

On average players spend around 37 hours playing Chained Echoes.

Chained Echoes was released on December 8, 2022.

Chained Echoes was developed by Umami Tiger (Matthias Linda).

Chained Echoes has received positive reviews from players and positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its grinding.

Chained Echoes is a single player game.

Similar games include Octopath Traveler, Sea of Stars, Rise of the Third Power, Metaphor: ReFantazio, 8-Bit Adventures 2 and others.