Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is an introductory introduction that aims to introduce the universe and some of the heroes of Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, due for release in 2023. The latter is expected to be a successor to the Suikoden series since several developers of Rabbit & Bear studio work on various episodes of the series.
For the record, this introduction was initially imagined as a simple reward offered to fundraiser contributors to the main game, but it quickly became a project in its own right. Also featuring its action-RPG-oriented combat style, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes will be a pure JRPG with turn-based combat stages.
It can hide one more mission
Our adventure begins in the shoes of CJ, a young treasure hunter who travels to New Nevaeh to complete an initial quest and returns to her father an artifact of a fortune greater than that previously discovered by himself. Just a few steps from the hill, this village contains many magical artifacts, and is the perfect place to carry out our great mission.
Upon our arrival, we discovered that an earthquake had recently damaged the infrastructure and that the residents were working on reconstruction. Then we met the mayor of the village and learned that before any attempt to excavate the mound, we would have to pay an immeasurable tax in order to obtain a digging permit. Since we do not have the means to pay such an amount, we are offered to perform various tasks and help the villagers in the reconstruction against the delivery of the precious sesame. Among other things, we are engaged in the construction of several shops that will be very beneficial to our progress. To complicate matters, the earthquake created a hole in the defenses and many monsters inhabited the quarry and the big forest where we must gather our materials. To help us in our colossal mission, we can count on two comrades joining our ranks over the course of the main story. Precious help because we understand very quickly that this little trouble is only the tree that hides the forest and that a greater fate awaits us.
Introduction to RPG
The title is seen as an introduction in the broad sense. In addition to leading to the discovery of the universe and the crew of the upcoming game, it is also an introduction to RPG mechanics and can actually appeal to those unfamiliar with the genre. As in any good role-playing game, we collect experience points that increase our level, our offensive, defense and magic qualities. Resources are also extracted to complete missions or craft new items and equipment. There are of course different magical token types that will have an effect on the effectiveness of our attacks or defense. These mechanics, which are the core of the RPG, can sometimes quickly become complex to master. The developers have cleverly brought each of these elements little by little over the course of the adventure. The highly intuitive menu and informative task history also contribute to this supposed simplicity.
In terms of gameplay, again, access is key. Each character is assigned a key that allows us to either launch an attack or switch from one fighter to another. Each of our companions has its strengths and weaknesses, which enriches the stages of work and saves us from any monotony. The Common Switch allows you to activate a special ability for each character such as dribbling, double jumping, or dodge. These abilities are mastered along with the equipment of our fighter, allowing us to reach previously inaccessible areas. Finally, it is also possible to play the team combo by switching from one character to another at a specific time. This last mechanic can be automated if desired by selecting the Single Action mode via the options menu.
In order not to delay the player with the inevitable multiple round trips between different areas of the game, the developers have integrated a very extensive fast travel system that allows us even to move from one corner of the village to another in a fraction of a second. A very practical tool that also offers the possibility to save our progress regularly.
We look back but we go forward
How not to be nostalgic about the artistic direction of Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising? Character design and environments reflect the golden years of RPGs on Super Nintendo or Megadrive. However, the title is up to date with 2.5D lighting and light effects. The soundtrack also strikes a chord with us by drawing inspiration from the orchestra of ’90s productions while providing more modern samples. Too bad the playlist is limited to one tune per environment, and you end up with some annoying music loops. We’re also sorry that Pets isn’t the most comprehensive but let’s not forget that this is an introduction.
The update also affects the level of difficulty as the title is less demanding than its predecessors and its casual orientation is highlighted in studio communication. The developers wanted to adapt to modern players and this is a point to note. At the end of the main story, a difficult situation can be reached for the bravest among us.
The age of the title depends on our type of player. It takes 20-25 hours to work through the main story and reach a comfortable level for the final battle. Once completed, the numerous side quests and a new difficulty mode extend this lifespan. Although they have not announced in what form this will be achieved, the developers have made it clear that the perks in Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes will be awarded to players who have gone through this introduction.
Tested on Xbox Series X.
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