Chained Echoes

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About Chained Echoes

Chained Echoes is a fantastic indie game that hearkens back to the good old days of the 16-bit RPGs while also introducing some outstanding elements that make it stand out from other titles in the genre. These elements include an engaging combat system, compelling characters, and stellar worldbuilding. In addition, the game offers beautiful pixel art, a great story and characters, balanced combat, lovely music, and lots of systems that work well. Ultimately, it is a love letter to classic RPGs that is sure to become an indie JRPG darling.

Many have praised the game's charming story, unique battle mechanics, and intricate world-building. The combat system has also been praised for its depth and complexity, allowing players to customize and strategize to their heart's content. The game has also gained high marks for its visuals, soundtrack, and its overall level of polish. Critics have also praised the game for its nostalgic feel and how it captures the spirit of classic RPGs while also bringing something new to the genre.

What are indie games?

An indie game, short for independent video game, is a video game typically created by individuals or smaller development teams without the financial and publishing support of a large games publisher. The definition of indie games, for some people, is not about funding and publishing. The term “indie game” is often used to define everything from small, experimental titles to larger scale games released by independent developers. Indie games are created by independent game developers, rather than those who work for large development studios or publishers like Sega and Nintendo. Indie games are computer games created by independent developers. A single person or a small team of 2 to 10 people can build such games, thus allowing for more creativity and experimentation compared to larger studio games.

In order for a game to be considered an indie game, it typically needs to meet certain criteria. The most important things to consider when determining whether a game is an indie game include:

  • Development: Indie games are typically developed by small teams or individuals, rather than large studios or publishers. This means that the budget and resources available to the development team are usually limited.
  • Ownership: Indie games are usually owned and controlled by the developers themselves, rather than by a publisher or other third party.
  • Creativity and Innovation: Indie games often offer unique and creative gameplay experiences, and are known for taking risks and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in terms of storytelling and game design.
  • Distribution: Indie games are often distributed through digital storefronts such as Steam, itch.io, and the App Store, rather than through traditional retail channels.

It's worth noting that the indie game industry is rapidly evolving and the definition of what constitutes an indie game is not set in stone. Some indie games have big budgets, others are made by big teams, and others are financed by publishers. In general, an indie game is a game that is developed outside the mainstream game industry.

It's important to remember that the most important thing is the game itself, not the label you want to put on it. As long as the game is fun, engaging and well-made, it doesn't matter if it's an indie game or not.

What is the difference between chained echoes and other indie games?

Chained Echoes stands out from other indie games in a few ways. Firstly, it is inspired by classic Japanese role-playing games from the 1990s and features turn-based combat, 16-bit-style visuals, and a multi-character narrative. Secondly, the game features a unique combat system that includes an 'overdrive' meter, which reaches an optimal green zone where abilities are more effective. In addition, the game does not feature the usual level-up system, instead relying on skill point rewards. Lastly, the game offers a beautiful pixel art style, a great story and characters, balanced combat, lovely music, and lots of systems that work well.

Characters

Chained Echoes features an interesting cast of characters, each with their own unique backgrounds and motivations. The player takes control of a party of characters, including:

  1. Glenn: a red-haired boy adopted by a group of mercenaries and an excellent mech pilot;
  2. Sienna: a sassy thief; Lenne, an undercover princess;
  3. Robb: Lenne's bodyguard
  4. Victor: a noble lord.
  5. .... many more

Along the way, the player can recruit additional characters into their party. Throughout the game, the player will experience character-driven narratives, making choices that will affect the outcome of the story. The characters also have their own unique abilities and weapons to use in battle.

Let's take a dip down into each character in chained echoes.

Glenn

Glenn in Chained Echoes has something special. He is the protagonist of the game and is an ace Sky Armor pilot with a mysterious past. He has the ability to use a unique Overdrive ability during battles that allows him to temporarily increase his stats and unleash powerful attacks. He also has a unique bond with his Sky Armor, which gives him access to powerful mechs to use in battle. He also has a unique relationship with other characters in the game, which will shape the story and affect the outcome of the game.

Sienna

Sienna is a sassy thief and is the second character to join the party. She is a master of crowd control and capable of engulfing large areas in flame. She is also quite quick-witted and can be playful and jovial, but also completely focused when she needs to be. Her versatility is one of her greatest strengths, as she is able to rapidly switch between her different abilities in battle, making her an awesome and fun character to play. She also has a unique bond with the protagonist, Glenn, which will shape the story and affect the outcome of the game.

Robb

Robb is the loyal bodyguard of Princess Lenne and a skilled archer. He is a cold-hearted warrior, but also shows signs of great loyalty and caring for his comrades. His poison and pandemic combo is great for delivering passage damage and taking out enemies. He is also proficient with a bow, and his paralyze shot is invaluable in battle. His character arc is a bit small compared to the other characters, but his archer abilities make him a great addition to the party.

Victor

Victor is one of the best-supporting characters in Chained Echoes that can provide heals, shields, buffs, and debuffs, while also being able to dish out some decent damage. His Heal Overdrive can heal the entire party and revive any fallen members, while his Shield Overdrive can protect the party from physical attacks. He can also use his Cleric Class Emblem to provide big party heals. Victor's support role is invaluable in battle and will make a great addition to the party.

There are many other characters for us to learn about while playing the game.

Games like Chained Echoes

As a quality indie game, speaking of indie games, there are dozens of other quality games. When indie games are a genre where creators are not pressured into the stereotypes of game-making. They freely create and create unique games, bring their ideals, serve the gaming community, and do not follow a safe motif.

There are many great indie JRPGs available, but some of the most critically acclaimed and popular include:

  1. Undertale (2015) - Developed by Toby Fox, this game features a unique blend of RPG and bullet hell elements and a story that is shaped by the player's choices. It also has a huge following and a big impact on the indie game industry.
  2. Stardew Valley (2016) - Developed by ConcernedApe, this game features farming, resource management, and social simulation elements, and an open-ended sandbox-style gameplay.
  3. Hollow Knight (2017) - Developed by Team Cherry, this game features a hand-drawn 2D art style, tight and challenging combat, and a vast interconnected world to explore.
  4. Axiom Verge (2015) - Developed by Thomas Happ, this game is heavily influenced by classic 8-bit and 16-bit games, and features a complex and interconnected world to explore.
  5. Octopath Traveler (2018) - Developed by Square Enix, this game features 8 characters with different stories, a combat system, and retro-style graphics.
  6. I Am Setsuna (2016) - Developed by Tokyo RPG Factory, this game is a spiritual successor to the classic JRPGs of the past and features a nostalgic, melancholy story and a unique battle system

Again, this list is not exhaustive and there are many other great indie JRPGs out there. It is best to try a few yourself and find which one you like the most.

In a nutshell

Chained Echoes is an excellent indie title and a must-play for fans of classic RPGs.