Chained Echoes | PS4 Review

Chained Echoes, since release, has been touted as the perfect answer to the 16-bit era of RPGs. It's an ambitious project spearheaded by one man, Matthias Linda. It takes the tried and true formula of classic turn based party battles, and delivers it with a near constant story that's richly told through character dialogue and onscreen context. Filled to the brim with amazing pixel art, an awesome soundtrack, and a plot involving a war of nations and generations we find an adventure like no other. In a world of armored suits, animal humanoids, and kingdoms with bitter rivalries. 

Dropping the player head first like a paratrooper whose parachute failed into an already established lore we find a group of airborne soldiers for hire headed to destroy what they think is an energy source of the enemy. After heavy losses to their air armors, and their crew they unwittingly set out to finish what they started, and in doing so inadvertently set into motion a chain of events that will change the course of history. Linking various people across the ages in a conjoined conflict where sides chosen may not always be what they seem. 

As with any turn based RPG of this caliber we are gifted a detailed party system with which to upgrade, equip, and position the party members involved as we lead them forth into the fray. In 'Chained Echoes' equipment is kept to four items including a weapon, armor, accessory, and class badge. While weapon, armor, and accessories are self-explanatory it is the class badge that determines what a character can equip, and what skills they can use/learn as they progress. Classes are weapon based, and skill based leading to some up front, medium range, and long range fighting options per weapon class. These of course are all interchangeable, and skills learned can carry over despite weapons used. In the world of 'Chained Echoes' characters are not simply create-a-character classes though, and each character has a specific role in the story they are a part of. 

In the way of combat, turns play out in a given order with both your party and the enemy having multiple turns in rotation until one or the others wins or loses. Per character there are four options within the battle system menu including attack, skills, item, and defend. Attack is your basic attack. Skills are special attacks that require TP (Turn Points), and items can be both damage dealing or curative items that are bought or found out in the open world. Defend of course is your only defense option outside of passive, and boost skills. 

Skills within the battle portion of 'Chained Echoes" are a three tier variety that include active, passive, and boost skills. Active skills are the special attacks or support skills that can be cast during battle. Passive skills add bonus effects to battle scenarios, and boost skills are buffs to the base character stats. As you learn, and unlock all these skills using SP (Skill Points) earned through battle victories you can swap them out. Keeping the ones you need at the ready. 

In addition to SP battles will reward you with materials. The materials themselves can be used to upgrade weapons and gear. Making them more durable, and effective in combat situations. Seeing as the game does not depend on character leveling to increase the base stats, gear, and skills it is important to used earned points, currencies, and materials to better prepare for the more formidable challenges. Including boss fights, and lesser fights with varying challenge gimmicks.

Alongside the character management, within the party system and the menu system, are two other important features that play into the gameplay aspect of things. This includes an overdrive gauge, and an ultra skill. At all times during battle actions taken will move the pointer on the underside of the triple colored overdrive gauge to one end or the other. While in the yellow, attacks and defenses are basic. In green this switches to an all encompassing party buff where damage and defenses are stronger. Entering red, in contrast, will leave your party vulnerable to taking big damage. 

There are ways to stay out of the red in accordance to the overdrive gauge. This includes using the defend option, or using an ultra skill that comes into play through a build up meter of it's own. Something that fills as you attack. Maintaining a place in the green is preferable, but staying out of the red is a must. Thankfully after each battle party life, and TP refills without the need for using healing items. Making the focus more on strategy applied, and less on surviving until the next save point. Allowing for a fluid, nonstop telling of the story while offering battles that are each challenging in their own unique ways. Often times forcing the player to really think about how certain attacks or skills affect certain enemies. Additionally the air armor combat offers similar yet distinctly different combat scenarios wherein overdrive isn't there.

On the side the main menu system is chock full of interesting tidbits including a bestiary for all the beasties, and a journal where current quests can be checked. It is also in this menu system that the whole of party management is done. From the skills, to the party formation, and even the equipment and classes are made easily accessible here. You also have access to a settings menu where sound, graphic effect options, cursors, HUDs, and text related options can be tweaked to your liking. While it all might seem like a lot to take in the game does a good job through pop-up tutorials, and pop-up text descriptions that let you know what everything is, and what everything does. Compared to a lot of RPGs this one's menu system and systems, in general, seem streamlined to a point that the story takes front and center. 

The Verdict ...

I go into reviews taking previously disclosed ratings, and verdicts with a grain of salt. I have to see it for myself before I can agree or disagree with the common consensus. Everything weighed I think 'Chained Echoes' hits all the right sweet spots. It's got that nostalgia factor, a beautiful art style, a "Triple A" grade soundtrack, and the most engaging storytelling I've experienced in a long while. This is the type of turn based RPG that draws you in, hooks you, and drags you along for the adventure, willingly. It features a cast of memorable characters, a somewhat cliche war story, and a rich lore that makes you want more. Oddly this amazing, and breathtaking spectacle is only MBs in size, and plays so buttery smooth it makes me wonder why other game developers can't pull the same thing off. Needless to say at this point, but I do think 'Chained Echoes' earned it's high praise. It is a worthy buy for any RPG fan. Don't miss out!!!