Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes Review – A Suikoden Successor with Heart and Heft
In a landscape where the promise of nostalgia and the thrill of exploration intertwine, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes emerges as a beacon for fans of classic RPGs. Crafted by a team of veterans who first brought us the legendary Suikoden in 1995, this game is a testament to the enduring appeal of sprawling, turn-based adventures that blend rich narratives with a dizzying array of characters.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is the grand sequel that its crowdfunding campaign promised: a true successor to the beloved Suikoden series, albeit under a new name. It’s an RPG that embraces its roots wholeheartedly, inviting players to explore a wartorn world where resistance against an empire is the driving force. With an eye-patched Aussie kangaroo among its ranks, it adds a dash of humor and quirkiness to the mix, ensuring that the journey is as much about the characters as it is about the story.
With a publisher of 505 Games and developer Rabbit & Bear Studios, the game is not just a nostalgia trip; it’s a modern take on a classic formula. It’s designed to cater to both newcomers and long-time fans, promising a vast world to explore, filled with dozens of key characters that can be recruited, interacted with, and experimented with in your six-character party.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes review
- Publisher: 505 Games
- Developer: Rabbit & Bear Studios
- Platform: Multiplatform
- Availability: Wide release across various platforms
As you embark on your journey, you’ll encounter a myriad of characters, each with their own story to tell and their own unique skills to contribute to your party. The game’s charm lies in its ability to seamlessly integrate these characters into the narrative, making each interaction feel meaningful and impactful.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes Pre-launch Trailer (ESRB)
However, the game’s true strength lies in its ability to balance the thrill of exploration with the challenge of managing a diverse party. While the sheer number of recruitable characters is impressive, the grindy MMO-like elements can sometimes overshadow the charm of interacting with these unique individuals. The repetitive nature of quests, particularly those involving mundane tasks like killing a specific number of creatures, can detract from the overall experience.
Despite these occasional dips in engagement, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes delivers a wealth of memorable moments. From secret bosses to side quests that offer their own small vignettes, the game ensures that there’s always something new to discover. The map system, in particular, encourages exploration, with the game subtly hinting at tasks and events that reward those who delve deeper into the world.
Image credit: Rabbit & Bear Studios/505 Games
At the heart of Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is the narrative, which unfolds through the intertwined fates of its three main characters: Nowa, a fresh-faced soldier; Seign, an up-and-coming star in the Imperial Army; and Marisa, a forest guardian. Each character brings a unique perspective to the tale of resistance and political intrigue, weaving a complex web of alliances and betrayals that keeps the story engaging throughout.
