Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, the brainchild of Suikoden creator Yoshitaka Murayama, arrived in 2024 with a hefty promise: to recapture the magic of classic JRPGs while offering a fresh experience for newcomers. Does it succeed? Let’s delve into the sprawling world of Allraan and see if Eiyuden lives up to its lofty ambitions.
A Story of War, Reconstruction, and Found Family
The narrative centers around Seign Kesling and Nowa, two orphans thrust into the chaos of a continent divided. Seign, a skilled swordsman, and Nowa, a cunning strategist, band together to build New Nevaeh, a haven for those displaced by war. Here, the core tenet of Eiyuden shines: building a community.
As you recruit over 100 heroes to your cause, each with their own motivations and personalities, New Nevaeh transforms from a humble outpost to a bustling town. From gruff dwarven blacksmiths to flamboyant merchants, the cast is a delightful mix, offering a constant stream of heartwarming and humorous interactions.
Graphics: 7
Sound: 7
Controls: 7
Story: 7
Engaging: 6
Overall: 6.8
The central plot, however, can feel somewhat predictable at times. The themes of war, rebuilding, and the power of unity are well-trodden territory in JRPGs. However, the game’s strength lies in its execution. The characters, both major and minor, are well-developed, making you genuinely invested in their stories and struggles.
Combat Evolved: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
Eiyuden’s combat system offers a strategic turn-based experience with a twist: the “Chain Order” system. Here, you build a party of six, with three actively participating in combat and the remaining three acting as support. By strategically linking your heroes’ attacks, you can unleash powerful combos that can devastate enemies. Mastering these chains adds a satisfying layer of depth to the battles.
The introduction of the “War Mode” throws large-scale, chaotic battles your way. While exciting in concept, these encounters can feel unbalanced and repetitive at times. Balancing individual character abilities with the tactical considerations of War Mode is a highlight, but it requires further refinement.
A World of Charm, But Not Without Flaws
The 2D world of Allraan boasts a vibrant pixel art style that evokes a classic JRPG aesthetic. Towns and environments are detailed and full of life, while character sprites are expressive and well-animated. However, exploration can feel limited. While there are hidden secrets to discover, the world map itself feels somewhat empty, with repetitive encounters and a lack of environmental puzzles breaking up the journey.
Another area with room for improvement is the user interface. Menus can feel cluttered, and navigating through the ever-growing list of heroes can be cumbersome. Additionally, the game suffers from occasional performance issues, particularly on the Switch version.
A Soundtrack that Stirs the Soul
The soundtrack, composed by JRPG veteran Motoi Sakuraba (of Suikoden fame) and Michiko Naruke, is a true gem. Uplifting melodies perfectly capture the spirit of adventure, while melancholic tunes tug at your heartstrings during emotional moments. The soundtrack is a nostalgic treat for Suikoden fans and a beautiful addition for newcomers.
A Love Letter to the Past with an Eye on the Future
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is a game brimming with nostalgia. It captures the essence of classic JRPGs with its turn-based combat, charming visuals, and emphasis on building a community. However, it’s not simply a retread of old ideas. The Chain Order system injects a strategic twist into combat, and the sheer number of recruitable heroes offers a wealth of customization options.
Despite some technical shortcomings and a predictable central narrative, Eiyuden succeeds in creating a heartwarming and engaging experience. The world may feel a little empty at times, but the characters, story, and combat make up for it. Whether you’re a seasoned JRPG veteran yearning for a return to the golden age or a newcomer curious about the genre, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes offers a compelling journey worth embarking on.
Here’s a breakdown of Eiyuden’s strengths and weaknesses:
Strengths:
- Charming and well-developed cast of characters
- Strategic and engaging combat system with the Chain Order mechanic
- Beautiful pixel art style and a nostalgic soundtrack
- Emphasis on building a community and town management
Weaknesses:
- Predictable central story
- Limited exploration with a somewhat empty world map
- Occasional performance issues, particularly on Switch
- Clunky user interface
- Unbalanced difficulty spikes in War Mode battles
Beyond the Main Story: A Feast of Side Content
Eiyuden doesn’t force you to constantly progress the main narrative. The game is packed with a variety of side activities that can keep you engrossed for hours. Here are some highlights:
- Hero Quests: Each recruitable hero has a unique side quest that delves deeper into their backstory and motivations. Completing these quests not only rewards you with valuable items but also strengthens your bond with the characters.
- Fortress Management: As New Nevaeh flourishes, you can manage various shops and facilities, unlocking new equipment, crafting materials, and special abilities. Optimizing your town for maximum efficiency adds another layer of strategic depth.
- Mini-Games: From fishing and cooking contests to gambling and monster races, Eiyuden offers a plethora of mini-games to break up the monotony of combat and exploration. While some mini-games are more engaging than others, they provide a welcome distraction and a chance to earn additional resources.
- Hidden Secrets: Allraan is sprinkled with hidden treasures, materials, and even recruitable heroes waiting to be discovered. Exploring every nook and cranny of the world can be immensely rewarding for completionists.
A Community Effort: The Legacy of Suikoden Lives On
Eiyuden’s development story is just as compelling as the game itself. Funded through a successful Kickstarter campaign, it represents a passionate community effort to revive the spirit of classic JRPGs. For Suikoden fans, Eiyuden offers a heartwarming return to familiar themes and mechanics. The game even features guest appearances by Suikoden veterans like Yoshitaka Murayama and Motoi Sakuraba, adding a layer of nostalgic charm.
However, Eiyuden isn’t just a rehash of Suikoden. It carves its own path with its innovative Chain Order system and a larger focus on town management. While some aspects like the world map and user interface could benefit from further refinement, the core gameplay loop of recruiting heroes, building your community, and engaging in strategic combat remains highly addictive.
The Verdict: A Must-Play for JRPG Fans, But With Reservations
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is a game that wears its heart on its sleeve. It’s a love letter to classic JRPGs that delivers a charming story, a vibrant world, and a plethora of engaging activities. The strategic combat system with the Chain Order mechanic keeps things fresh, while the focus on community building adds a unique layer of depth.
However, technical shortcomings, a somewhat predictable central plot, and a lack of exploration variety hold the game back from reaching its full potential. Nevertheless, for JRPG fans yearning for a nostalgic journey filled with memorable characters and a strong sense of community, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is a game worth experiencing.