ADEPTUS CRITICUS GAME REVIEWS

Platform: Nintendo Switch

Developer: Rabbit & Bear Studios

Publisher: 505 Games

This game was purchased.

“Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes,” developed by
Rabbit & Bear Studios, is a spiritual successor to the beloved Suikoden
series, helmed by some of its original creators. The game has been highly
anticipated by JRPG fans and brings a blend of classic mechanics with modern
sensibilities, aiming to capture the essence of what made older JRPGs special
while infusing new life into the genre.

Graphics and Art Style

One of the most striking aspects of “Eiyuden Chronicle:
Hundred Heroes” is its visual presentation. The game employs a beautiful
2.5D art style that combines richly detailed 2D sprites with three-dimensional
backgrounds. This creates a nostalgic yet fresh look that pays homage to the
golden age of JRPGs. The character designs are particularly noteworthy, each
hero brimming with personality and detail that makes them stand out. The Switch
handles the graphical demands well, though there are occasional minor frame
rate dips in more crowded scenes.

Story and Characters

The narrative of “Hundred Heroes” is both
expansive and engaging. Set in a fantastical world filled with political
intrigue, magic, and war, the game follows a vast ensemble of characters. True
to its name, players can recruit and interact with over 100 heroes, each with
their own backstory, motivations, and abilities. The writing is strong, with
each character feeling unique and integral to the broader story. The plot
weaves together personal tales with larger, world-altering events, keeping players
invested throughout.

Gameplay and Mechanics

“Eiyuden Chronicle” shines in its gameplay
mechanics, which cleverly balance classic JRPG elements with modern
innovations. The turn-based combat system is strategic and rewarding, featuring
a formation system that adds depth to battles. Players must carefully consider
their party composition and positioning to maximize their effectiveness.
Additionally, the game includes a variety of mini-games and side quests,
providing plenty of content outside the main story.

The hero recruitment system is reminiscent of Suikoden,
allowing players to build and manage their own fortress. This feature adds a
layer of depth to the gameplay, as managing resources and improving facilities
can impact the effectiveness of your heroes in battle.

Sound and Music

The soundtrack, composed by industry veteran Michiko Naruke,
is a standout feature. The music beautifully complements the game’s tone,
ranging from epic orchestral pieces to more subdued, emotional tracks. The
sound design, including voice acting, is top-notch, further immersing players
in the game’s world.

Performance on Nintendo Switch

On the Nintendo Switch, “Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred
Heroes” performs admirably. While the graphics are slightly scaled down
compared to other platforms, the game retains its visual charm and runs
smoothly for the most part. Load times are reasonable, and the portability of
the Switch adds an extra layer of convenience for playing a game of this scale.
However, some minor technical hiccups, such as occasional frame rate drops and
longer load times in certain areas, do exist but do not significantly detract from
the overall experience.

Conclusion

“Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes” on the
Nintendo Switch is a triumph for JRPG fans, blending nostalgic elements with
modern gameplay improvements. Its rich narrative, engaging combat system, and
beautiful art style make it a must-play for genre enthusiasts. While there are
minor technical issues, they are overshadowed by the game’s strengths. Whether
you’re a long-time fan of the Suikoden series or a newcomer to the genre,
“Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes” offers an epic adventure that is
well worth your time.

Rating: 9/10

A nostalgic journey that brings fresh life to classic JRPG
mechanics, making “Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes” a standout
title on the Nintendo Switch.