Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is an enjoyable game overall. But the familiarity and grind can get boring, especially if you want to gun through sidequests for stamps. Regardless, this is a colorful, well-made RPG with detailed 3D backgrounds and vibrant character artwork, even if the chibi nature of the designs can feel somewhat wanting.

To be clear, Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is not working on that level. But it doesn’t need to. It does get one part of Suikoden just right: the feeling of progression as you build a community. Taken for what it is, a wonderful little townbuilding Metroidvania-like title, it’s stellar. Time will tell if Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is truly necessary before playing Hundred Heroes, but it stands tall as a delightful little game all on its own.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is an interesting game, both due to its present quality and how much better it could have been with more time and resources. It's a fun journey but pacing issues and several underdeveloped aspects make it somewhat forgettable.