Chained Echoes - The Surprise Hit You NEED to Play! - Review

[@TheGamingShelf]

WATCH NEXT 👉 60 JRPGs You Can Play in 2023: kzbin.info/www/bejne/amLKeWCjpJulhsk

[@Orchestruction]

It went from a random curiosity on gamepass to my game of the year real fast.

[@TheGamingShelf]

Hells yeah 😎

[@Akrioz]

Same here, but I just happened to see it on opencritic while checking callisto protocol score.

[@RedBeardRetroTech]

@Akrioz I too found this while looking at callisto

[@Catcatstudios727]

I love this game. The best thing for me personally, it that every ounce of the game has context and purpose. You get out what you put in entirely, and there’s none of the awful constant loose threads that are pretty much a staple of modern JRPG games. All questions are answered satisfyingly, while also providing interpretation based on the heavy handed themes the game tackles.

[@kitsuneking6969]

You are actually the reason I picked this up last week. I played 40 minutes and immediately called my dad who loves and introduced me to Jrpgs. We are now both playing through it and absolutely loving it. PS. Kylian is my absolute favorite, he's such a Chad.

[@TheGamingShelf]

That’s such a cool story! Thank you for sharing. I’m so glad you and your dad are enjoying it together 😊

[@dmsys6516]

Try crosscode

[@DarkMetroid777]

I bought it day one since I love those old school style JRPG's. I did not expect to sink 70 hours in the game and aim to 100% it. I wanted more when I was done done with. The combat never got old and I absolutely loved the story. Was such a massive gem of a game.

[@TheGamingShelf]

Wow that’s awesome! I’m glad you enjoyed it so much.

[@Densetsu13]

I dropped everything to play this and I haven't been disappointed. Loving every second of this bad boy!

[@TheGamingShelf]

Love to hear it! How far in are you?

[@Densetsu13]

@@TheGamingShelf in the middle of Tormund for the first time! Find it hilarious that you mention in the video "playthrough of around 20-30 hours" and I just hit like 18 and the adventure is really just picking up on my end. I'm such a slow player haha, but then again I do play in a more completionist style 😅

[@eggheadmu]

One of the best games I have played in the past 10 years. I hope this sells really well because I want Chained Echoes 2 asap, its amazing.

[@seanchen4439]

The opening scene of Chained Echoes is just a brilliant tribute to the greatest JRPG of all time! (I almost cried at it. So nostalgic and innovative!)

[@GabrielGosselin]

Yes, and it’s only one of many tributes to the best RPG’s of that time.

[@seanchen4439]

@@GabrielGosselin totally agreed!

[@ShadowEliteHD]

GAME IS HEAT. LOVING EVERY SECOND

[@emberlegacy3410]

Hell yes this Game is heat, so are your videos!!!!

[@TheGamingShelf]

KEEP SHOUTING FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK 🗣️

[@ashcroft022001]

Well said, Shadow! Agree 110%!

[@ldavelol]

Amazing game! I bought it for my Switch to play something new during family Christmas time, and got instantly hooked. I'm about 15 hours in, love every part of it.

[@TheGamingShelf]

That’s awesome! I’m glad you’re enjoying it.

[@austinkoble]

I had heard that this game was a hidden gem so I downloaded it on game pass last night thinking I’d most likely just write it off as another classic jrpg I don’t have time for but the intro completely hooked me. I was fully leaned forward from the moment I got slapped lol

[@RedGreen1]

I just got to use sky armor for the first time since the prologue and I'm absolutely blown away by how much I'm enjoying this game. Major sleeper hit, it's like they cut out all the boring parts and we're left with a consistently engaging experience. The only critique I have is how managing crystals is a bit of a slog and there isn't much incentive to use them before hitting level X to use in the top tier armor and weapons.

[@ashcroft022001]

Without question my 2022 GOTY and the best RPG I have played since Octopath Traveler in 2018. No fan of the genre should miss this one.

[@thetutorial501]

this game has so many elements from Chrono Trigger. The opening scene, the attack patterns, the party diversity....it's almost literally chrono trigger in a different story. even the fair O_O

[@15Jin15]

Glad you make a video about this game, it was getting under the radar of so many JRPGs fans, hope now it can spread between friends on how amazing this game really is

[@gabrielgonzales5907]

Thanks for bringing more attention to this gem! I'm currently playing it and it has exceeded my expectations! The humor in some of the dialogue is genius! It even has good world building story elements.

[@TheGamingShelf]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@jego207]

30 hrs in and I'm hooked. Fast-paced story line, witty dialogue, good character development, and tight tight tight battle system.

[@Dreikoo]

Also don't forget, this game was all made by 1 dude (outside of the music). It took him like 7 years. You can tell it's a labor of love.

[@peterk822]

i've always enjoyed when JRPGs have a party-wide meter. Mario RPG & Skies of Arcadia had shared Mana bar, and in Skies of Arcadia it also acts as a form of morale since it is heavily impacted if a character faints. Neat to see a different take on this mechanic.

[@NotAnOrk]

This game brought me to tears multiple times, it had some twists that I did not see coming (which I greatly appreciate). That opening homage to Chrono Trigger is the best way to start a game that is such a love letter to the era of gaming.

[@kanalight2898]

I never heard of it and I got it after your previous video! Is amazing! I love the story, gameplay and color!

[@TheGamingShelf]

I’m so glad to hear that! I love when I can introduce new games to people. I hope you keep enjoying it 😄

[@ninjasteph9561]

Saw one of your videos the other day where you recommended this game and picked it up after. I can’t put it down!!! I didn’t think I wanted a modern day pixel art game but it was so pretty and sounded interesting and I’m absolutely hooked!

[@TheGamingShelf]

I’m so glad to hear that! I hope you keep enjoying it 😄

[@StewNWT]

Are you kidding? Chained Echoes, Crosscode and the Octopath/Triangle Strategy games all look amazing and it absolutely is an evolved form of retro pixel art. ANd I hope they never stop!

[@jameswulf]

That's what he said. Although his dogging on other games for not doing what he likes seems weird and misguided.

[@PigDaddy2020]

Vey nice game, and especially impressive for a single dev effort. Still enjoyed quite a few indies more this year, but this is probably still my favorite JRPG all year. I think it also has some of the most beautiful pixel art I've seen in an indie game in many months. Wasn't the biggest fan of limited skills or the overdrive system tho, but I gotta give props for trying something new. Overall, I'd say this is a decent 8.5/10 for me, maybe even close to a 9. Some spots are a bit underdeveloped, specifically lacking in battles & content, & I'd have liked to see a bit more side content too. Just don't go in too hyped due to comparisons to Chrono Trigger & FF6. It does have some resemblances, but still has a long way to go to be on the same level as those classics. Again, very impressive for a one-man show tho, & a gem of an indie game with a lot of heart and style.

[@mrdarkstar3756]

Love this game Near the end now and just wow the story is a masterclass. Game Of The Year for me too Taylor. I hope the creator continues his craft need him in the industry.

[@TheGamingShelf]

Love hearing it!

[@Blueynoes]

Best jrpg for me in the past few years, really enjoyed it.

[@TheGamingShelf]

Same here!

[@michaelcoffey1991]

I was one who had never heard of it and appreciate you doing another video on it. Thank you

[@fiskenburg007]

You never mentioned how badass the sky armors are! Really great game!

[@TheGamingShelf]

I knew I missed something xD

[@rotciv1492]

Surprised, you say? I was mildly looking at the new stuff out in the eShop, especially RPGs, like I do every 2 months or so. Then saw this game, which looked like one of those quite basic JRPGs which are dime-a-dozen in the eShop. I readed some reviews, decided to give it a try and... well... let's just say that it is now within my personal Top 10 of JRPG and JRPG-inspired games. This game is just great. Its making is filled with love and talent and you can see references of other great games and stories everywhere you look. There's Final Fantasy IX and XII, Xenogears, Chrono Trigger, Zelda... but especially Berserk. Oh boi, do I see Berserk everywhere. And I fucking love it.

[@jb0258]

Not only are you talking about one of the best jrpgs in years, you also mentioned Eastward! Another absolutely mind blowing game. Back on the topic though, Chained Echoes really is something special that any jrpg enthusiast NEEDS to play. Currently I'm at the Flower Fields of Perpetua (~25 hours in), and the game is literally constantly doing a one-up on itself around every corner. There's another thing that must he mentioned too, that being the godly music! I wish there was a soundtrack for me to purchase because I 100% need it lol. Everyone mentions how this game is similar to ff6 or chrono trigger, and I can absolutely say that Chaoned Echoes indeed does run with the big boys. Personally though, I almost get more of a Golden Sun vibe (with a bit more of a mature setting overall) rather than the other 2 games, but that's just my opinion. I could gush about this game all day tbh lmao but I'll stop 😅

[@TheGamingShelf]

Haha glad to hear you’re loving it! It’s definitely a special game worth gushing about.

[@jameshughes6078]

There is a soundtrack on steam

[@jb0258]

@@jameshughes6078 don't play on pc at all, but youtube works just fine for finding the music lol. I've been playing it on my ps5

[@WillieSlackmer]

The soundtrack is available wherever you listen to your music. I got it off Apple Music. I’ll assume it’s on Spotify.

[@femtrooper]

Great review! This does look incredible so it’s definitely getting added to my wish list. I’ll probably go for that physical copy since my backlog is already so big but yes, this does look like a must play hands down!!!

[@TheGamingShelf]

That physical edition does look nice! A shame it’s taking awhile to get here.

[@Frankzoar]

Pretty close to finishing it. Absolutely love it!!!

[@jet9078]

after playing CE which such a great fresh air for JRPG, I tried playing others JRPG, and it just doesnt feel the same. These are the post Chained ECHOES syndrome for sure.

[@TheGamingShelf]

Haha I know what you mean! I played another indie throwback JRPG recently and yeah it’s not even in the same league.

[@calvinmatthews1527]

Aside from Elden Ring, Chained Echoes is the best RPG we got last year hands down! Every other RPG last year was either undercooked (Pokémon S&S) or underwhelming (Star Ocean 6). Can we all agree that retro pixel-art is here to stay with games like this, Sea of Stars, Ara Fell, CrossCode, Rise of The Third Power, etc.

[@TheGamingShelf]

Agreed! As long as they can maintain this quality level I say bring it on.

[@sikwitit773]

Nah I also liked Sunbreak, xenoblade 3, persona 5 Royal , Triangle Strategy, Tactics Ogre: Reborn, Pentiment.

[@richards16]

This game is really high ranked at the eShop too. I'll give it a try on the Switch

[@TheGamingShelf]

I played the switch version myself and it runs great. Safe choice there.

[@TheEpitomeofSass]

ooo watching this definitely makes me want to download a copy! excited to play it

[@TheGamingShelf]

I hope you enjoy it :D

[@sarim9574]

Woah did anyone else get Golden Sun vibes at 2:25??? The opening is like exactly the same....

[@bixhutch6274]

It's incredible. My game of the year to.

[@zblade1170]

it feels like they just watched collegehumors jrpg parody and then made this game

[@TheGamingShelf]

😂

[@chadveez4908]

Music is great on this game as well. Rohan fields is stuck on my mind can't stop humming it through the day

[@Azure9577]

I have yet to play this but legend of heroes trails series is still (in my opinion) the best jrpgs

[@TheGamingShelf]

The Crossbell games are great!

[@Azure9577]

@@TheGamingShelf agreed lmao

[@Flashtone08]

My biggest issue with chained echoes was the fast movement. While a huge welcome to fans of old rpgs and how slow it took to get one place to another. The issue becomes the motion blur when moving at that speed. On the steam deck it's very noticeable, and you end up missing key details as a result if not careful.

[@andrerubio]

At first I was enjoying it a lot, but after about 20 hours of gameplay I gave up on it, the story was dragged out and tiring. In addition, English is not my native language, this also contributed to the experience being tiring, unfortunately. But it's an excellent game!

[@TheGamingShelf]

Hey at least you gave it a try!

[@Orcaaaan]

Im taking my time with the game, just Act 2 and already 30 hours in.. but thats how i play all my games, thoroughly. Oh wait.. 37 hours actually.

[@justinfuller7540]

I’ve downloaded on Game Pass, looking forward to playing after work! Great video!!

[@TheGamingShelf]

Have fun!

[@35961107]

There is No more level grinding, no more potions spamming after battle, no more uncertain retreat which always fail when you need it most. All these changes, and a mostly cohesive story. You really need to ask more for its price?

[@kanetidus]

I'm over 50 hours already and I'm only reached Shambala (I think it's in chapter 3),the game it's CRAZY, you get so addicted

[@omensoffate]

Game was fun. Some minor gripes but this was a fantastic experience.

[@LazyTallGuy]

Haven’t bought it yet but it doesn’t hurt to get more eyes on this gem!

[@xyz-ln5qu]

The game is in gamepass

[@dreyar7153]

the game os remind me of suikoden II, love that

[@dfrank4life]

I love this game!! Having so much fun.

[@TheGamingShelf]

Love to hear it! 😄

[@Covo375]

FYI The game is on Gamepass for console and PC!

[@TheGamingShelf]

Good call!

[@riyuphoenix4533]

Ive just purchased and will playing tonight. I love how you mentioned about turn based with innovation, because thats literally what i look for in turn based rpgs. I love persona and SMT games in general for putting that spin on what can sometimes become a tedious grind. I have to say this is why i got really bored of DQ11, it was i pure vanilla turn based rpg which provided little to no challenge or any real thought to win, this is just my experience i understand millions loved it and that ok, im not here to hate. Do you have any other RPG recommendations based on fun and slightly challenging combat systems?? Games i enjoy for combat are any SMT game. TWEWY: Neo Any Tales game (Graces F particularly for the combat, rewarded high level combat play on the harder modes) Keep up the content, great stuff. 👍

[@deathstick7715]

I pre order 2 collectors edition for chained echoes I am playing it on gamepass and I love it but I don't understand how upgrading the weapons armour works

[@toolman4745]

So this game has been on my radar for awhile and I am so into it but I forgo playing it when it came out in December and instead opted to buy a physical copy which unfortunately won't be available until middle to end of next year. Because of this, I need to avoid all videos of it because I don't want it spoiled.

[@TheGamingShelf]

Fair enough! That physical edition does look nice.

[@alexterieur8813]

I dint play a lot of retro style rpg but seeing every jrptuber gush about it im definitely gonna pick it up at some point!

[@TheGamingShelf]

You should! Totally worth it 😄

[@peterk822]

Also, like that more JRPGs are experimenting with auto-restoring health between battles (this game & Spirit Engine 2) or on level-up (Octopath).

[@TheGamingShelf]

OMG YES! Having to deal with all that after each battle is annoying busy work.

[@kharyglaude7149]

Yea guys this is Not a drill....If you like Chrono Trigger Suikoden Xenogears....just get the game and play it now

[@TheGamingShelf]

THIS ☝️

[@luxijus5581]

Im still holding off till physical copy is out.... Oohhhhh the urge to play already :D

[@NockLegacy]

Poor soul lol

[@luxijus5581]

@@NockLegacy i just bought it digitally hahaha

[@vvolfflovv]

ive been sleeping on this one. thanks for the heads up

[@TheGamingShelf]

You bet! 😉

[@RatKingRussian]

Saw this game while messing around on my new steam deck and remembered kinda dismissing it on game pass. Am currently very in love with it and very happy I payed for it. The creator deserves every cent.

[@jgrif7891]

Minor aside, quite a few Final Fantasies throw you into the story. 4, 6, 7 (as you said), and 10 are the ones I can think of that throw you right into the story.

[@TheGamingShelf]

True! Most don’t though. Thankfully Final Fantasy gets it right more often than not. Except 15 where you start my pushing a broken down car lol

[@ahmedfalahy9337]

*Breath of Fire meets Final Fantasy 6* Chained Echoes got me going for so long and I love every moment of it

[@TheGamingShelf]

Awesome! Glad to hear you’re enjoying it.

[@NoName-md6fd]

By "the starting scene is unexpected" do you mean that it's the exact same starting scene from Chrono Trigger where your mom wakes you up ? Cause I was clapping at the credit rolls after the slap

[@Ishin69]

the graphics are amazing ❤

[@Dreikoo]

As far as pixel art goes, Eiyuden: Hundred Heroes (suikoden spiritual successor) is gonna be a gamechanger. Look up the trailers on that thing, it's gorgeous. Kinda like octopath on steroids with huge sprites and not chibi 16bit style ones on 3D backgrounds.

[@Yujin17815]

Bro i thought that was Adol Christin from Ys

[@TheGamingShelf]

Haha it totally looks like him from that Ys Seven, right?

[@lorenzothomas2022]

It'd probably take me more than 30 to 40hrs to finish, the ghost 👻 in the purple flame temple are insane 😭😭😭

[@FolkenSRK]

Spent 100 hours on this game. Everything is great about this game. I do not understand how people compare sea of stars to this game. They are on different levels imo.

[@virtuouspleasant9346]

Are you gonna do a review on *8-Bit Adventures 2* at some point?

[@maverickofkain]

It needed more hype, but it's an absolutely outstanding game overall.

[@chalando6124]

this game is fucking incredibly great

[@toad7424]

No way ONE guy (apart from the composer) made this game. I hope this game gets an award because it deserves one. I mean I didn't finish it yet but it's incredible so far.

[@TheGamingShelf]

I’m interviewing him soon and I’ll find out! But yeah I’m pretty sure one guy did the lion’s share :)

[@toad7424]

I finished the game and, apart from the ending, I really enjoyed it. Soundtrack's pretty good too.

[@mivuh]

After 60 hours: pros : - nice combat system - good and complex story - different characters with different moves / combo potentials - nice art style / good animations cons: - Sockets + craftings AND skills are completely non brainers, imagine you are a atk character and have to choose between more dmg against dragons or 10% attack. like wtf lol There is always one choice which is so superior to the others for a normal iq human, even in combat with attacks which makes the game extremely unrewarding - boss mechanics are always the same(just with different names/effects) - post game is nearly non existent (there are a few more bosses but thats it) so crafting / getting the legendary weapons have no use at all (except the steam achievement) (- i ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ hate the mech fights but thats personal preference) 7/10

[@streamerboss4673]

finally.. a poison stat move thats actually usefull in a turnbased rpg

[@bfrijas]

What are the games shown from 0:46-0:58 ?

[@TheGamingShelf]

Octopath Traveler II & Undertale

[@josephiovine8952]

Is there any reason to play this on ps5 vs ps4?

[@Meloncholy19]

I mean.. seeing turn order and being able to swap out units innovative and fresh? my dude that is just ATB and has been a thing since FF7 and this looks a lot like FF10s move gauge but with the overdrive meter.

[@SuperJimmie21]

Narrator : turn based has lost its novelty. Me : nah.

[@TheGamingShelf]

I may not have communicated that point the way I wanted to, but what I was trying to get at is just because a game has turn-based combat doesn't make it unique or special anymore. Turn-based combat still rocks!

[@saintboy93]

Amazing game 100% it. Thought we will get to fight the kings tho 🤔

[@powergamingcentral5792]

You are too late I already played it and it is fantastic. One of the best value you games you can get for 25 Euro.

[@TheGamingShelf]

Love hearing that! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@luigimaggames7727]

This game is amazing, i am loving it

[@luigimaggames7727]

I have to say that the credits are too long , and you cant skip then , and that is the only bad thing the game has

[@toad7424]

Before I watch this video, are there any spoilers?

[@TheGamingShelf]

The VERY beginning of the game but that’s it. Nothing major.

[@toad7424]

@@TheGamingShelf Alright then, thanks.

[@Orcaaaan]

Its really flying under the radar, which makes me sad.

[@AllieOopsTK]

I want the game just because of the slap 😂

[@TheGamingShelf]

It’s so good!

[@AllieOopsTK]

@@TheGamingShelf I downloaded it law night. I got major Golden Sun vibes and I loved that game.

[@SKiNT3ASTWOOD]

Great game enjoying it. But why pixel art ? What should be said is 16 bit graphics style.

[@TheGamingShelf]

Same same ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@42Caio]

Well for starters, this game isn't 16-bit. People throw 8bit and 16bit around for tons of games that don't actually work within that constraint (Like Shovel Knight for example. Shovel Knight employs a lot of modern techniques and is in no way an 8bit game, but gets called that all the time because of its color palette choices). There are still games being made in actual 16bit style in the indie scene so saying pixel art for these games that invoke an older style but are modern-looking just more accurate.

[@dexterchan9267]

Check out Sea of Stars.

[@TheGamingShelf]

It looks fantastic!

[@mul25]

i beat the RPS champ first try btw, going in blind.

[@soppybottomboys1195]

If you got the mention that it was made by one person

[@Roger3eme]

I've been keep my eyes on this one. I really want it bad, but I'm too poor. 😂

[@TheGamingShelf]

I hear you, dude. Just be patient, it’ll go on sale eventually ;)

[@ayanchatterjee9601]

Is it really good i have this game installed

[@TheGamingShelf]

Watch the video and you'll find out!

[@MwelwaOnCos]

HD 2D looks way better than chained Echoes...be honest man. You just like this game

[@TheGamingShelf]

Oh I won't fight you on that! It's an amazing art style. I just think in terms of pure pixel art what Chained Echoes has done is incredible.

[@MwelwaOnCos]

@@TheGamingShelfAll cool fair enough. We all have our opinions

[@42Caio]

This game is being hyped to the moon everywhere and honestly it's just becoming tiresome. Especially when a lot of the compliments to it just sound like backhanded insults to other JRPGs. Not the case with this video but the more this game gets shoved in my face the more it's starting to seem like one of those "the best JRPGs for people who don't actually like JRPGs" kind of case. Especially when it comes to the story and writing. There's people saying it's one of the best stories in JRPGs because it's "economical" when it really is is bland and flavorless. For all the amazing spritework there's also a distinct lack of expression or personality thorough the entire cast for me. The battle system is pretty good and the worldbuilding can be interesting but people are overselling it way too much while also weaponizing it to shit on the genre as a whole.

[@MwelwaOnCos]

@@42Caio I wouldn't be surprised if the publisher is paying folks to talk about it

[@chickenfillets]

Reasons why you should buy Chained Echoes 1.Turtle Touchdown. That's reason enough to buy the game!!! Hahaha

[@TheGamingShelf]

Haha it's a pretty good mini game!

[@niqc]

dude is literally talking about all the other games BUT Chained Echoes💀

[@cartergreen2309]

As someone who actually really dislikes the art style (I don't understand the fondness for pixel art, it's outdated and I don't have nostalgia for purposefully worse looking graphics) and thinks the difficulty spikes are weird and not balanced well the game is still absolutely a blast. Great game.

[@jameswulf]

They aren't purposefully worse. For many indie developers, it's the only reasonable and cost effective way to produce "decent" visuals for the game. Especially if you're working solo.

[@cartergreen2309]

@@jameswulf I just meant in general. Yeah I totally get it for this game and it's understandable and looks good for what it is. But square Enix doing it all the time is on purpose. Lol should have been more clear on what I meant for sure. Wasn't specifically meaning for Chained Echoes.

[@Huntelaarrrr]

Gamepass baby..

[@cedec0]

You convinced me to play, and I deeply regret my decision. "current day politics" are hamfisted into this game in the worst ways. To give just one non-spoiler example, Lizardmen are revealed to all be male and this is one of the worst narrative decisions I have seen in a long time. It means that lizardmen can never know love and are doomed to be forever alone. It's nightmare fuel. An entire race was turned into incels to support the talking point "men can get pregnant". I haven't been this disappointed in a long time.

[@aSSGoblin1488]

hope people support this game by not pirating it. it was made by a single guy iirc

[@Broekje]

The ending came out of nowhere and was dog tho. The creator just ripped off Terranigma but did it way worse.

[@johnmurray9654]

Bad first impression. The writing's full of exposition - you're told and not showed. You could, though, chalk this up to an ode to 80's, early 90's sensibilities as with the pixel art. On the other hand, this is a JRPG which relies heavily on the merits of storytelling. Tempted to jettison the space from my hard drive after the first 10 minutes, but will give it another shot in a few days. The bad taste in my mouth will need to subside first. If not for the favorable reviews, I wouldn't bother.