Chained Echoes Gets Release Date

I spend a lot of time discussing (and reviewing) Indie games inspired by classics. Having played a great number of those classics myself, I love trying games that aim to replicate the experience of classics I loved. Sometimes it lands, sometimes it doesn’t, but they’re usually always interesting. After a successful Kickstarter in 2019, Matthias Linda’s Chained Echoes now has a full release date.

Aiming to mimic experiences such as Xenogears and classic JRPGs of old, Chained Echoes will release on PC and all major console platforms on December 8^th. Additionally, it will be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch on Xbox, PC, and on the Cloud. Here is what the press release says about the announcement and the new trailer.

“After seven years of development, the Magnum Opus from solo developer Matthias Linda, Chained Echoes, a traditional, all-encompassing JRPG inspired by classics of the SNES and PSX era, is finally finished. Gamers from all around the world can now engage in an outstanding JRPG fantasy that is full of exciting challenges and appeal.

Players will find themselves within the continent of Valandis, which after centuries of war, is finally at peace. However, this world they are in is marked by possible conflict and rumors that a weapon of mass destruction is an imminent danger. Peace is fragile, conflicts lasting for centuries just won’t disappear, a new war could break loose anytime soon… Can a group of strangers restore peace? Can the weapon be destroyed?

Chained Echoes is packed featuring magic, mechs, swords, boss fights, turn-based combat, a complex story, and roughly 40 hours of content. While being a turn-based game, the Overdrive Combat System ensures that the fights are fast-paced while still offering massive tactical depth. Creatively tune the skillset of your party and slay even the most vicious foes like a whirlwind!

In Chained Echoes, medieval Fantasy meets modern Steampunk, so get ready for both sword duels and mech fights! An incredible, carefully crafted world awaits filled with otherworldly creatures, multiple nations of humans and humanoid races, brimming with individual lore and culture for the player to dig into. In the wild, Valandis’ varied environments are a true paradise for adventurers, each with its unique look and special challenges, menacing bosses, and exciting secrets!

The new trailer reveals a few more gameplay scenes, showing off the combat system, some mecha fights, and some of the stunning pixel visuals Matthias created. Chained Echoes will also receive a physical release in Summer 2023 and is now available for pre-order.

Exclusively distributed by First Press Games, it will receive premium physical editions for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC DVD, with different variants that vary in terms of included goodies and merch. Esoundsignal’s Original Soundtrack as a 2CD release is also on offer separately.”

I cannot overstate how excited I am for Chained Echoes. The game looks gorgeous, and the concepts and premise captured my attention even back when the Kickstarter went live. This is definitely a game to keep an eye on as December gets closer.