Chained Echoes
...Chained Echoes is a gem that should not be missed.
A lot of us fondly remember our time playing games from the so-called "golden era" or RPGs. Whether it's Final Fantasy VI and Chrono Trigger on the SNES or Xenogears and Final Fantasy IX on PS1, we've all talked about a classic RPG with nostalgia and reverence. And many of us have wished at some point that a new game could capture the magic that "old-school" RPGs bewitched us with when we were younger. Solo developer Matthias Linda had the same dream, and after many years and a successful Kickstarter campaign, he has created a love letter to his favorite RPGs that is also simply a fantastic game in its own right: Chained Echoes.
Taking place on the war-torn continent of Valandis, Chained Echoes tells the story of a diverse and ragtag band of heroes brought together by equal parts fate and coincidence. What starts as a noble quest to bring peace to the land turns into a sprawling crusade against evil tyrants, vain deities, and an ancient evil that threatens to destroy all life. You know, the usual. It's easy to see elements of the classic RPGs that inspired this game throughout its well-paced main story, but it never feels like a carbon copy. On the contrary, there were times when my expectations were brilliantly subverted, and I found myself surprised by several of the plot twists. I will say, though, that the game's final twist felt a little like it came out of nowhere, and it wasn't particularly satisfying as a result. Also, some of the big bads aren't dealt with by the time the credits roll, which makes me wonder if Linda intends to one day make a sequel.
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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.
Score: 90/100
