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Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising, a prequel to the highly anticipated Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, harkens back to the classic Suikoden series, helmed by the same creator, Yoshitaka Murayama. This action RPG with town-building elements offers a charming experience but suffers from an overreliance on fetch quests, especially in its early hours.

A World in Need: Rebuilding New Nevaeh

Set in the fantastical land of Allraan, Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising follows the young adventurer CJ, who arrives in the earthquake-ravaged town of New Nevaeh, hoping to find the Rune Lens, a treasured family heirloom. The earthquake has also revealed a mysterious cave, rumored to hold riches, drawing adventurers from far and wide. CJ teams up with Garoo, a powerful swordsman, and Isha, the pragmatic mayor of New Nevaeh, to explore the surrounding areas and rebuild the town.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising

Engaging Combat and Link Attacks

Unlike its turn-based predecessors, Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising features real-time combat. Initially, the combat feels simplistic, with CJ’s limited moveset. However, the introduction of Garoo and his giant sword adds depth and complexity. The game’s unique “Link Attack” system allows players to seamlessly switch between characters mid-combat, chaining together attacks for devastating combos.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising

The addition of Isha, a magic user, further expands the combat possibilities. Switching between characters becomes crucial for maximizing damage and executing visually impressive Link Attacks. This fluid combat system creates a sense of controlling a cohesive unit rather than individual characters.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising

Further customization comes with the ability to upgrade weapons and armor, unlocking new skills and abilities for each character, adding even more strategic depth to the combat.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising

The Fetch Quest Conundrum

Despite its engaging combat system, Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising suffers from an overabundance of fetch quests, particularly in the first few hours. Players are tasked with mundane chores: finding a lost cat, collecting wood, mining ore, and catching fish.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising

This repetitive gameplay loop, combined with the initially limited number of explorable areas, can lead to a feeling of tedium. While the environments are visually appealing, the constant back-and-forth between the same two locations can become tiresome.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising

While these fetch quests contribute to the town’s rebuilding and unlock upgrades, the sheer volume overshadows the main storyline, leaving players craving more meaningful progression.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising

Conclusion

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising lays a solid foundation for its sequel with its charming world, engaging combat, and town-building mechanics. However, the overwhelming number of fetch quests, especially early on, detracts from the overall experience. Despite this flaw, the game offers a promising glimpse into the world of Eiyuden Chronicle and its potential. Streamlining the pacing and incorporating more story-driven quests would greatly enhance the enjoyment for players eager to explore Allraan and uncover its secrets.