Chained Echoes

 Xbox Series X
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. GameGrin
    Jan 19, 2023
    100
    Chained Echoes is a fantastic JRPG that captures everything we love about turn-based RPGs on the SNES but improves on everything we didn't love. With a new battle system, no random enemies to encounter, and the ability to have eight characters on your team and switch without using a turn, Chained Echoes is a must-play.
  2. Generación Xbox
    Dec 29, 2022
    92
    Chained Echoes is a title that knows how to honour the past, celebrate the present and embrace the future through a development inspired by the great tradition of the JRPG genre.
  3. Windows Central
    Dec 21, 2022
    90
    Valendis is a beautifully pixelated world with a rich history in this story-driven RPG. The initial introductions drag on a bit long, but once the story picks up it pays off in the end. Chained Echoes manages to introduce useful mechanics to its combat with the Overdrive system that work with the player while challenging them to change up their gameplay and strategy at the same time while still affording plenty of room for customization and accessibility.
  5. TheXboxHub
    Jan 3, 2023
    80
    Chained Echoes is a very accomplished JRPG that is well worth playing, mostly thanks to a great story and some classic retro feels.
  6. XboxEra
    Feb 1, 2023
    78
    It is amazing how much passion was put into this project by its sole developer Matthias Linda and the artists involved. And you can see it permeate through the games gorgeous 16-bit visuals, accompanied by Eddie Marianukroh’s phenomenal score consisting of tempered orchestra and pleasing synthetic melodies. 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.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 37 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 37
  3. Negative: 5 out of 37
  1. plinley
    Dec 9, 2022
    9
    Very fun JRPG that is reminiscent of the SNES era without being too much a rip off.
  2. RisingZeus
    Dec 11, 2022
    10
    Gorgeous pixel graphics, fun and thought-provoking turn-based battles, and amazing sound/music!
  3. Daedelus
    Jan 4, 2023
    10
    It’s becoming increasingly hard to find a turn-based game made with love and care. In an age where even final fantasy games are focused onIt’s becoming increasingly hard to find a turn-based game made with love and care. In an age where even final fantasy games are focused on action, fans of the genre typically (with some exceptions) have to rely on derivative thrown together garbage or games dominated by story with little to no action and adventure.
    Chained Echoes eschews the stereotype and delivers a game both high in production values, with a fun yet thought out battle system, and a gripping story that doesn’t take up 90% of the game (like some triangle based games recently). The world is surprisingly large, in depth, and well thought out. This isn’t a cobbled together landscape of tropes - there is care, thought, and love ingrained within the lore in this world building. Is it 100% novel? Well, no - but it’s fresh enough that you can appreciate the nods but still be genuinely intrigued about this rich world. The battle system is rich, with enough complexity to sate RPG fans without being incredibly overwhelming.
    The maps are where this game stands out. So beautifully and lovingly created, with lots of exploration and rewards for the completionist.
    This is definitely one for fans of the old school JRPG, but with enough modern updates and a streamlined story that it could easily appeal to newcomers.
    If this came out at the same time as final fantasy 6, it would go down in gaming history as the biggest rivalry.    … Full Review »
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