Chained Echoes

Chained Echoes is a 2022 role-playing video game created by Matthias Linda and published by Deck13 Spotlight for Linux, macOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. The game is inspired by classic Japanese role-playing games from the 1990s, featuring turn-based combat, 16-bit-style visuals, and a multi-character narrative. Linda was influenced by games such as Xenogears, Terranigma, Secret of Mana, Suikoden 2, Breath of Fire, The Legend of Dragoon and Final Fantasy VI. The game has been praised by several reviewers as living up to the quality of its inspiration while offering modern advancements.

Chained Echoes is set on the continent of Valandis during the time of a multi-generational war between three kingdoms, Taryn, Gravos and Escanya. After a great catastrophe caused by Grand Grimoire shakes the continent, the kingdoms agree to sign a peace treaty. One year later, an unknown force strives to begin a new war. Group of unlikely heroes join forces and eventually become the clan of Crimson Wings in order to stop it. Chained Echoes is a role-playing video game featuring pixel art visuals inspired by the 16-bit era and turn-based combat. Unlike most older role-playing games that feature random encounters, enemies are visible on the map and trigger encounters on the same screen, similar to Chrono Trigger. 

Battles are turn-based, and each character in the player’s party has a standard attack, several special abilities, items, and a defensive stance. In combat, party members use attacks and abilities that raise the “overdrive” meter, which reaches an optimal green zone where abilities are more effective. However, the overdrive meter can overheat, and the party must discharge some of the excess by using specific abilities, such as defenses and “Ultra Moves”. Unlike other role-playing games, characters in Chained Echoes do not level-up, instead leveling up skills automatically through battle, with added skill point rewards. The player controls a party of up to 8 characters. The game’s estimated length is up to 30 or 40 hours.