If you’ve listened to our Podcast, The Single Player Experience then you’d know that I have a soft spot when it comes to RPGs and JRPGS. So you bet your sweep bottom that I was excited to do this Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes Review.
Alright, listen up. We’re talking about Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, led by none other than Yoshitaka Murayama, the mastermind behind the Suikoden series. This ain’t your average game, folks. We’re talking about a Kickstarter campaign that blew past every stretch goal like it was nothing. $4,541,481 raised from over 46,000 backers. That’s right, it’s one of the top-funded games in Kickstarter history, trailing behind only Shenmue III and Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night.
Now, I’ll be real with you, Suikoden wasn’t exactly on my radar back in the day. But when Eiyuden Chronicle came along, I had to see what the fuss was about. I mean, who can say no to a solid JRPG, am I right? So, let’s get down to it: is this game worth your time or should you just keep it moving? Let’s find out.
The Narrative:
First off, we’re talkin’ narrative, baby. Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes takes you on a wild ride through a world crafted by none other than Yoshitaka Murayama himself. We’re talkin’ escalating conflicts, deep-seated political intrigue, and you, my friend, are right in the thick of it. Rabbit and Bear weren’t messin’ around when they said they’d deliver a modern yet throwback JRPG experience. You step into the shoes of Nowa, a badass member of the Eltisweiss Watch mercenary corps, sworn to keep the peace. But let me tell you, what starts off as some simple errands for nearby villages quickly spirals into something much bigger. Nowa and the Watch find themselves smack dab in the middle of conflicts that threaten everything they believe in, and the fate of the whole damn world hangs in the balance.
As you journey through the game, you’ll be busy recruiting’ others to join your cause. And sure, it’s cool to meet new characters and learn a bit about ’em. But here’s the thing: with such a huge cast, everyone kinda feels like they’re just scratching’ the surface. The character interactions? They’re lacking’ that depth that sets the best RPGs apart from the rest. While the game boasts over 100 recruitable characters, the depth of character development ain’t always consistent. Some characters shine with nuanced personalities and killer backstories, while others feel like cardboard cutouts. Still, the story keeps you hooked, weaving themes of loyalty, betrayal, and power into one hell of a tale.
The Gameplay:
Now, let’s talk gameplay. Eiyuden Chronicle pays homage to the classic JRPGs of old, drawing inspiration from Pokémon, Golden Sun, and Final Fantasy. It’s a blend of nostalgia and innovation that hits all the right spots. Turn-based combat, character diversity, and strategic depth? You got it. And with over 100 characters to recruit, you’ll be mixin’ and matchin’ like nobody’s business. But it’s not just about combat. We’re talkin’ base-building, mini-games, and side quests galore. The world of Allraan is yours for the takin’, so get out there and explore.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes surpassed my expectations with its extensive content. This JRPG offers a lengthy gameplay experience, potentially spanning up to 50 hours for a thorough playthrough. Whether you’re busy recruiting characters, expanding your base, or indulging in the various minigames, there’s no shortage of activities to keep you engaged. This game is the epitome of a classic JRPG, transporting players to a bygone era while incorporating modern design elements. The expansive roster of over 100 characters, with around 70 available for combat, sets it apart from other JRPGs. The dynamic between the main characters, Lian and Nowa, steals the spotlight with their engaging banter and interactions.
I appreciate how Eiyuden Chronicle encourages experimentation with character combinations and rewards players with an accelerated EXP gain for lower-level characters. This feature ensures that no character falls behind and adds depth to the combat system. Exploration in Eiyuden Chronicle takes you through diverse regions of Allraan, from bustling towns to picturesque ice villages and perilous desert oases. Reminiscent of the exploration in classic games like Final Fantasy 7, the world is presented in a condensed 3D map, offering a sense of scale as you traverse it as the towering Nowa avatar.
Let me tell you something I really dug about the gameplay. By recruiting new characters, you’re not just adding firepower to your crew, you’re unlocking all sorts of cool stuff back at your ever-expanding town castle. As you grind through the game, you’re unlocking new shops, mini-games, and all kinds of gameplay goodies. Picture this: upgrades that let you pack more gear in your bag, or a challenge room where you can beef up your squad while raking in cash and loot. It’s like building your own RPG empire, and I’m all about it.
Additional Pros:
There are certain games that feel at home playing them in a portable fashion. Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundreds Heroes feels right at home on the Steam Deck. The art style fits the portable aesthetic, the JRPG turnbase gamplay harkens back to the gold old days of the PSP and the Gameboy Advance. This game plays so well on the Deck. I also played the game on the Xbox Series S and X and it performed well. The game’s graphics and the colors pop on a bigger screen.
Now, let’s talk about the music and sound design. Damn, they nailed it. The battle jams? Pure fire. And I gotta hand it to ’em, not a single weak track in the bunch. Plus, every main character? They’re not just talking heads, they’re bringing their A-game with top-notch voice acting. The audio matches the visuals punch for punch, and it’s a thing of beauty. But here’s the kicker: I wanted more. More voices, more tunes, more sound effects—just more of everything.
And let’s not forget about the art style. This game’s visuals? Off the charts. The colorful sprites, the smooth animations—it’s like a blast from the past, but with a modern twist. They’re mixin’ 2D sprites with 3D backgrounds and throwin’ in some 3D boss battles for good measure. It’s a visual feast, let me tell ya. Now, the world map? Bit of a mixed bag. It’s kinda bland, and I wish they’d thrown in some markers to help you navigate. But hey, it’s got that classic JRPG charm, so I can’t be too mad.
Cons/Flaws:
Despite its many virtues, Eiyuden Chronicle is not without its flaws. While the game’s sprawling narrative offers a wealth of content to explore, the depth of character development can vary significantly. Many characters are relegated to one-dimensional archetypes, lacking the depth and nuance to truly resonate with players. This inconsistency in character writing may detract from the overall immersion and emotional impact of the story, leaving some players craving a deeper connection to the game’s cast of characters.
Furthermore, while the game’s turn-based combat is a highlight, some players may find certain aspects of gameplay to be tedious or repetitive. Extended boss battles, in particular, can test the patience of even the most dedicated players, with their prolonged durations and lack of variety in mechanics. Additionally, the absence of cross-progression across multiple platforms may deter players who prefer to switch between devices, limiting the game’s accessibility and convenience.
Overall/Should you Play Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes:
Ultimately I found Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes to be a great game that scratches the classic JRPG itch. In the end, Eiyouden Chronicle is a very old school JRPG. For the most part, it is nice to have a modern version of that but found it to be missing some of the quality of life experiences that we’ve come to expect in today’s RPGs. Despite my qualms, this is already one of my favorite games of 2024 and this definitely establishes Rabbit & Bear as one of the best new studios in games today.
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Reviewed on PC
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