A Journey Through a World of Wonder and Camaraderie
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is a throwback RPG that takes you on an epic adventure with over 100 recruitable characters. It’s a true-blue ensemble story that follows a rag-tag alliance led by Nowa, a young man thrust into leadership. The narrative delves into political treachery, featuring a massive cast of well-over 30 plot-significant characters.
Despite its familiar setup, Eiyuden Chronicle tells its story with supreme confidence. Each character is defined with simple strokes, their motivations and personalities clear, ensuring that even in its most complex moments, you never question who stands where. Their deep lovability adds to the charm, as even minor characters can make memorable appearances and evoke strong emotions.
The diverse cast includes magical girls, ’80s delinquents, robots, and talking capybaras, turning the world into a delightful smorgasbord of imagination. Concise writing strikes a balance between defining character traits and encouraging you to fill in your own details, inviting daydreams and imagined conversations.
Engaging Battles and Rhythmic Gameplay
Most of your time is spent in turn-based brawls with a six-person party against up to eight enemies. Battles emphasize party composition and turn order, with Rune-lenses offering equippable abilities and passive buffs. An auto-battle option with minute AI customization for each character allows for strategic choices to be made before the fight even begins.
Eiyuden Chronicle bursts at the seams with content beyond its main battles. Armies clash in grid-based strategy battles, and heroes face off against villains in cinematic one-on-one duels. You can also engage in fishing, boat races, and card games with friends, each adding to the game’s propulsive rhythm.
A Charming Blend of Retro and Modern
The game’s art style blends 2D sprites with 3D environments, evoking Square Enix’s HD-2D style. It delights in a retro aesthetic without being completely beholden to it, offering a unique visual experience.
A Testament to the Power of People
Eiyuden Chronicle’s headquarters is a run-down town that you slowly build up over the course of the story. You’ll add hot springs, a theater, and a library, creating a persistent sense of progress. The joy lies in the people who settle there, who offer words of encouragement and support after battles, reminding you of the power of friendship.
A Triumphant Tribute
Despite the loss of its director, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is a testament to the power of people, both in the game’s world and beyond. It’s a thrilling RPG that celebrates the strength of camaraderie and leaves a lasting impression.
