Eiyuden Chronicle: A Nostalgic JRPG Successor Captured on Nintendo Switch Handheld Undocked

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, the spiritual successor to Konami’s Suikoden series, has finally been released after a successful crowdfunding campaign by Rabbit & Bear, a team formed by key members of the original Suikoden crew. Available on the Nintendo Switch, the game has been capturing the hearts of JRPG fans with its nostalgic gameplay and engaging storyline.

Set in the fictional land of Allraan, the game follows the story of Nowa, a young man from a border village who joins a peacekeeping military unit for the League of Nations. As tensions rise between the powerful Galdea Empire and the League, Nowa finds himself caught in the middle of a brewing war, leading him to build a resistance and seek revenge against the Galdeans.

While the pacing of the narrative may feel uneven at times, the game impresses with its expansive story and over a hundred unique characters. Balancing such a large cast and detailing the various international conflicts affecting them is no easy feat, but the game manages to create a solid core cast that develops naturally as they navigate the challenges of war together.

In terms of gameplay, Eiyuden Chronicle follows the traditional JRPG template of exploring towns, dungeons, and a vast world full of adventure. The game’s character recruitment system adds a layer of depth, with over a hundred party members to persuade to join your cause. Each character brings something unique to the table, whether through meaningful sidequests or brief cutscenes that add to the overall experience.

Random battles in dungeons pay homage to Suikoden, with players commanding a team of up to six characters in combat. The game’s colorful cast of characters, each with their own quirks and personalities, adds to the overall charm of the game and keeps players engaged as they progress through the story.

Overall, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is a deeply enjoyable and nostalgic JRPG that is sure to resonate with fans of the Suikoden series. Despite some pacing issues and shallow characterizations, the game offers a rich and immersive experience that is worth exploring for any JRPG enthusiast.