Over the past few weeks, I have been getting my ass handed to me by Sifu and Ghostrunner. I needed a break from all the frustration so when 505 Games offered a preview of Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising, I happily obliged. 

What is Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising

It’s a side-scrolling action RPG with an art style that’s reminiscent of JRPGs from another lifetime. The game is set in the same world as Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes. If that’s unfamiliar to you, then… same. I came into this completely blind. 

505 Games says while this is a companion game, it still offers a rich and exciting glimpse into the world of Eiyuden. I certainly didn’t feel like I was jumping into something where I need a whole lot of context. The opening section teaches you a lot both in the game’s world and the game mechanics.

Here’s a brief synopsis:

The story of Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising takes place on the continent of Allraan in a small mining town called New Neveah. From there you begin the journey of the Eiyuden Chronicle to overturn and combat the evil Galdean Empire that casts a pall over the entire world. Rally companions to your side, equip and upgrade them, take a stand and defeat evil.

How it plays 

Although it’s only a preview, I feel like I already got a good grasp of the game. It’s a classic RPG in the sense that you get into a town and cross off a few tasks. They play like side quests but are tied into the story and help introduce you to several mechanics of the game.

The movements are mostly left to right and vice versa. Certain parts of the screen lead to other areas but the movement remains mostly 2D and sideways.

Characters

This extends to combat. Initially, you only control CJ. She is quick, uses a sickle, and is the primary protagonist. Within the first few hours, you will be joined by Garoo. A talking Kangaroo who wields a big sword. He offers more powerful melee attacks. The third playable character is Isha. While you interact with her in the beginning, she doesn’t join your party right away. 

Combat

There are buttons that trigger each character’s attack. To perform multiple attacks with the same character, simply hit that character’s assigned button multiple times. But as soon as Garoo joins the party, you’ll be introduced to party combos that offer more damage. It works by simply properly timing the attacks between characters.

The characters also have special moves. There’s only one button for the special move. Whoever character is active will perform the special move. 

Enemies are mostly easy to deal with. They come in different shapes and sizes to give enough variety. There are both ground and flying types. There are also big sword wielders as well as those that throw projectiles.

The bosses, there are two in the preview, are also fun to play against. It was refreshing to see what you can do in a side-scrolling action RPG. 

Charming and for everyone

My first thought after playing for a few hours is that Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is the type of game every gamer should tangle with at least once in their lifetime. It feels like a modern throwback, if that makes sense. 

It has the look and charm of 90s RPGs while trimming the unnecessary stuff and making the experience flow more smoothly. If you’re a gamer parent and want to introduce your child to the wonderful world of gaming, I think this is a great place to start.  

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is charming. It’s easy to pick-up and play and is a nice break from more challenging and frustrating games. I’m looking forward to playing more of it.

Update as of April 13

Full game is coming out on May 11. It will be available on PlayStation 4|5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam, Epic and GOG for US$ 14.99/€ 14.99/ £ 12.99