Chained Echoes

 PC
Chained Echoes Image
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 13 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 108 Ratings

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  • Summary: Take up your sword, channel your magic or board your Mech. Chained Echoes is a 16-bit SNES style RPG set in a fantasy world where dragons are as common as piloted mechanical suits. Follow a group of heroes as they explore a land filled to the brim with charming characters, fantasticTake up your sword, channel your magic or board your Mech. Chained Echoes is a 16-bit SNES style RPG set in a fantasy world where dragons are as common as piloted mechanical suits. Follow a group of heroes as they explore a land filled to the brim with charming characters, fantastic landscapes and vicious foes.

    Can you bring peace to a continent where war has been waged for generations and betrayal lurks around every corner?

    Chained Echoes is a story-driven game where a group of heroes travel around the vast continent of Valandis to bring an end to the war between its three kingdoms. In the course of their journey, they will travel through a wide array of diverse landscapes spanning from wind-tanned plateaus and exotic archipelagos to sunken cities and forgotten dungeons.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Screen Rant
    Dec 19, 2022
    100
    Chained Echoes is a fresh, smart adventure that celebrates classic JRPGs while not being afraid to push into new directions. It's sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking - and always fun. It's a must-play.
  2. God is a Geek
    Dec 7, 2022
    100
    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.
  3. Noisy Pixel
    Dec 7, 2022
    95
    Chained Echoes is a wildly ambitious and impressive turn-based RPG that, aside from minor faults, sticks the landing on all fronts. From its terrific and constantly thought-provoking battle system with well-implemented challenge, to its strongly written cast and masterclass worldbuilding, this is an essential must-play for any fan of the genre that I sincerely hope doesn’t pass anyone’s radar.
  4. 4Players.de
    Dec 15, 2022
    90
    An end-of-year Japan RPG highlight: Chained Echoes from solo developer Matthias Linda is epic, emotional, challenging and gripping. Mechanically to the point and narratively mature - a real JRPG gem.
  5. RPG Fan
    Jan 3, 2023
    90
    I’ve played many impressive games over the years, but I don’t think I’ve ever been quite as impressed by a game as I have with Chained Echoes. The sheer quality and quantity of content is honestly kind of insane for a solo developer, and while there are some bugs here and there, it all runs pretty damn smoothly too! Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic adventure or just want to play a fresh, new indie RPG, Chained Echoes is a gem that should not be missed.
  6. Siliconera
    Dec 19, 2022
    90
    Chained Echoes looks, sounds, and feels good. The 16-bit art looks great and lends itself to a game of this style, the soundtrack is absolutely beautiful, and the game’s exploration and combat systems flow very smoothly. I had a hard time putting it down, and when I wasn’t playing it, I kept wanting to go back. Naturally, Chained Echoes is not without its flaws—there’s no way to review tutorial screens or lore and battles feel more reliant on luck than skill—but I had a great experience. It wears its SNES-era JRPG influences like badges of honor, while also forging an identity all its own.
  7. Softpedia
    Dec 13, 2022
    85
    Chained Echoes is a deep JRPG that will satisfy fans of the genre but is easy enough to understand to attract novices. The combat system, centered Overdrive balancing, is interesting and pretty fast for the genre. The universe, with its mix of influences and retro presentation, offers plenty of secrets and details. I would have appreciated fewer battles but with bigger consequences and, maybe, increased difficulty. But for anyone who wants a solid party-driven role-playing experience, Chained Echoes is a good choice, made with a lot of love, able to keep players engaged for its 30 hours long story.

See all 13 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 38
  3. Negative: 2 out of 38
  1. sienc
    Jan 15, 2023
    10
    Rarely I type a review down to Metacritic but for Chained Echoes it is my pleasure to help other people and convice them to try ChainedRarely I type a review down to Metacritic but for Chained Echoes it is my pleasure to help other people and convice them to try Chained Echoes. It is really a true JRPG which no one should skip. Play this modern JRPG in 2023.… Expand
  2. seojoon98
    Dec 11, 2022
    10
    It's a great game. It is a game with a pretty good fighting method, map design, and above all, high completeness. I think this game could beIt's a great game. It is a game with a pretty good fighting method, map design, and above all, high completeness. I think this game could be nominated for the 2023 TGA Indie Game of the Year.… Expand
  4. zerg24
    Feb 18, 2023
    10
    I check metacritic for my new games for about 13 years. This game is the first to make me go through the trouble of creating an account.I check metacritic for my new games for about 13 years. This game is the first to make me go through the trouble of creating an account. Matthias Linda is just a genius, so much achieved by 1 person is incredible.
    If you liked chrono trigger, secret of mana, ... just buy it eyes closed    … Expand
  5. Cabbage1976
    Dec 19, 2022
    10
    Simply superb. Made by one man who obviously knows his way around an rpg. Since starting it, I simply cannot put it down, and even find myselfSimply superb. Made by one man who obviously knows his way around an rpg. Since starting it, I simply cannot put it down, and even find myself thinking about the game during the times I am not playing it!
    Do yourself a favor - go play this now!    … Expand
  6. Zeag
    Jan 17, 2023
    10
    This is essentially what happens when somebody who grew up playing JRPGs in the 90s ends up making his dream game. This is filled to the brimThis is essentially what happens when somebody who grew up playing JRPGs in the 90s ends up making his dream game. This is filled to the brim with references to SNES and PS1 classics but at the same time eschews the time-consuming and tech-limited aspects of the era. If you like Chrono Trigger, Xenogears, Final Fantasy and Breath of Fire, you'll be supremely entertained with this little gem.… Expand
  7. kirkender
    Dec 20, 2022
    9
    I'm so happy. Chained Echoes is fantastic and super fun. Great story and characters, Great mechanics. It's a JRPG from the 90s but made todayI'm so happy. Chained Echoes is fantastic and super fun. Great story and characters, Great mechanics. It's a JRPG from the 90s but made today with plenty of quality of life changes. SO GOOD.… Expand
  8. eded9999
    Dec 12, 2022
    1
    It has those stupid "dumb down the game for me" option on the settings, so that's an instant garbage, lazy and boring game for me. Make aIt has those stupid "dumb down the game for me" option on the settings, so that's an instant garbage, lazy and boring game for me. Make a proper hard mode or something.
    Thanks god we have refunds on PC.    … Expand

See all 38 User Reviews

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