Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes: A Modern Classic Returns

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes stands as a monumental return to classic role-playing gaming, developed by Rabbit & Bear Studios and published by 505 Games. This ambitious title, which captured the imagination of the gaming world by becoming the number one funded Kickstarter video game of 2020, is now available for players on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Xbox Series S/X since its release on April 23, 2024. Blending elements of adventure, action, and RPG, the game invites players into a sprawling narrative where loyalty, war, and friendship collide.

Story and Setting

The story unfolds in Allraan, a world comprising a tapestry of nations with distinct cultures and values. The land's history has been defined by the interactions of humans, beastmen, elves, and desert people, all influenced by magical artifacts known as "rune-lenses." Tensions rise as the Galdean Empire, having discovered technology to amplify the power of rune-lenses, aggressively expands its reach. The Empire is scouring the continent for a legendary artifact to further its dominance. At the heart of this conflict are two unlikely allies: Seign Kesling, a gifted young officer in the imperial forces, and Nowa, a spirited boy from a remote village. Their fateful meeting sets the stage for a rags-to-riches tale that spans an entire army, forcing both characters to reexamine their beliefs as they are dragged into the fires of war.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Unlike its spin-off prequel, Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising, this title operates primarily as a turn-based RPG. Players command a party of six characters, utilizing a strategic swap system before and after battles to manage the roster. The game boasts an impressive roster of over 100 unique characters, each with distinct stat distributions, abilities, and personalities. From the hard-hitting fighter Lian to the sturdy tank Garr, every recruit offers specific pros and cons that require careful team building. Recruitment varies; some heroes join immediately upon interaction, while others may request a return visit once the player's strength increases. These characters not only fight alongside the party but also contribute to the development of the player's town, adding layers of strategy to the gameplay loop.

Notable Features

  • Massive Cast: Over 100 recruitable heroes with unique looks, personalities, and voice acting.
  • Strategic Combat: Turn-based battles with a six-character party swap mechanic.
  • Visual Style: Pixel art characters set against detailed, hand-drawn backgrounds.
  • Rich World: Varied enemy designs and diverse regions to explore.
  • Production: Delivered by Rabbit & Bear Studios and 505 Games following a record-breaking crowdfunding campaign.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes delivers a polished presentation that honors traditional JRPG aesthetics. The game features a striking visual style where pixel art characters are overlaid on detailed, hand-drawn backgrounds. Enemy designs are varied across different regions, encouraging players to explore and fill the bestiary. The audio experience is equally commendable, featuring a dynamic soundtrack and superb voice acting that brings the diverse cast to life. While the exploration is generally engaging, players should note that foreground elements can occasionally obscure navigation, requiring the use of the mini-map to progress effectively. The campaign includes a mix of scripted events and random encounters, with some side content adding depth to the world, though the main narrative eventually evolves from a slow start into a compelling epic.

Who Should Play Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes?

This game appeals directly to fans of classic JRPGs and those who appreciate deep recruitment mechanics and large-scale narratives. The sheer volume of content, including a massive cast and extensive side activities, offers hundreds of hours of gameplay. For players who enjoyed the promise of a return to traditional RPG roots and supported the project during its record-breaking crowdfunding campaign, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes delivers a worthwhile experience that rewards patience with a truly impressive battle-ready army.