The Spirit Lives on
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is hailed as a spiritual successor to the beloved Suikoden series, and rightfully so. Yoshitaka Murayama, a key figure in Suikoden’s development, led the Eiyudon Chronicle: Hundred Heroes project before his passing earlier this year. His legacy lives on through this exceptional game, which resonates with JRPG fans who have longed for a similar experience.
The game immediately pays homage to Suikoden with its narrative and gameplay elements. What starts as a simple story of a soldier in an army evolves into a grand adventure filled with allies and characters, each with their unique backstories. Unlike other games with a small party of characters, Eiyuden Chronicle features a whopping 100 interactable characters who can either fight alongside you or join the kingdom you help build. The storytelling is captivating, with moments that test your resolve without breaking immersion.
Exploration in Eiyuden Chronicle primarily occurs on maps with fixed camera angles, allowing you to rotate and adjust the screen for comfort. Battles also take place in fixed positions, with allies and enemies facing each other. Special abilities and attacks bring dynamic visuals to the forefront, reminiscent of classic RPGs like Suikoden and Breath of Fire. The game introduces strategic elements during war sequences, where you control leaders on a grid-based screen, reminiscent of games like Unicorn Overlord and Fire Emblem.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes boasts a charming pixelated 2D art style in a 3D world, reminiscent of games like Octopath Traveler and Star Ocean: The Second Story R. While the graphics may not be cutting-edge, the character designs are distinctive, and the environments are rich in detail and atmosphere.
As you journey through the vast world, you’ll encounter new towns, acquire equipment, and meet diverse characters. Recruiting new allies plays a crucial role in the game’s progression. The game effectively weaves puzzles into the narrative, though they may pose a minor challenge initially. Dungeons can be intricate and disorienting, adding depth to exploration.
Despite offering a hard difficulty option, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes provides various options to limit certain gameplay aspects, which may not truly enhance the challenge. The easier settings can turn the game into a narrative-focused experience with minimal tactical depth. Boss battles offer a mix of fun and challenge, requiring strategic positioning and well-timed moves to emerge victorious.
Between battles, you’ll engage in kingdom-building activities like cooking, fishing, and racing. Upgrading your base involves meeting specific requirements and expanding your castle to unlock new features and facilities. The game’s extensive cast of characters is brought to life by a diverse range of voice actors, creating a vibrant and immersive world.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes offers a lengthy gaming experience, clocking in at around 60 hours, with even more content for completionists. Whether you’re a fan of Suikoden or JRPGs in general, this game is a must-play that pays tribute to a beloved series while carving its own path.
A PlayStation 5 Review Code was provided by 505 Games