Chained Echoes On Xbox Game Pass Is Getting Incredible Reviews So Far

"The best RPG I've played all year"

by Fraser Gilbert Thu 8th Dec 2022

One of the new additions to Xbox Game Pass on December 8th is Chained Echoes, and although we haven't seen too many reviews for this one just yet, the handful of scores that it's received have been extremely high so far.

We unfortunately haven't been able to get access to the Xbox version of Chained Echoes until today - it seems most of the following reviews are based on PC code, but we can't imagine the console version differs too heavily.

So, let's see what some reviewers are saying about Chained Echoes:

God Is A Geek (10/10)

"Chained Echoes is simply the best RPG I’ve played in a very very long time. It has a story that manages to feel both grounded and fantastical, combat that constantly evolves and never feels sluggish, and environments that beg to be explored."

Noisy Pixel (9.5/10)

"Chained Echoes is a wildly ambitious and impressive turn-based RPG that, aside from minor faults, sticks the landing on all fronts. From its terrific and constantly thought-provoking battle system with well-implemented challenge, to its strongly written cast and masterclass worldbuilding, this is an essential must-play for any fan of the genre that I sincerely hope doesn’t pass anyone’s radar."

The Outer Haven (4.5/5)

"Chained Echoes is a 16-bit-era JRPG that lends itself well to the genre. A definite pickup if you are wanting to do a run of more SNES-era games but still have some quality-of-life adjustments of the modern era."

Gaming Nexus (9/10)

"Simply put, Chained Echoes is a heartfelt love letter to the SNES JRPG classics from the 90s that boasts an incredible cast of characters, amazing pixel artwork, a brilliant soundtrack, impeccable attention to detail, and a complex narrative."

Tech Raptor (8.5/10)

"Chained Echoes manages to forge its own identity despite its SNES-era inspirations, and deserves to be given a chance by any JRPG fan."

An incredible start for Chained Echoes, then! The game doesn't yet have an average review score on Metacritic, but over on OpenCritic it currently boasts an extremely impressive 91% ("Mighty") rating based on 5 reviews.

Will you be playing Chained Echoes on Xbox Game Pass? Tell us down in the comments below.

Fraser is the News Editor at Pure Xbox, where he spends his time reporting on the biggest stories in the world of Xbox and beyond.

1
themightyant
Thu 8th Dec 2022

Right up my street but too much to play. Wish I had enough time to throw 40+ hours into a JRPG.

2
Fenbops
Thu 8th Dec 2022

I’m gonna give it a go! The battle system sounds interesting.

3
J_Mo_Money
Thu 8th Dec 2022

@themightyant I did some research and the length is 30-40 hours of "content" not 40 hours to finish. From what I understand it's the same length of classic JRPGS in the 16 bit era (about 20-25 or so hours to beat the story) which is the perfect length for all JRPGs in my opinion. Started it last night and the combat is great. That opening is definitely a homage to a classic JRPG as well.

4
mousieone
Thu 8th Dec 2022

Ooo I wanna okay so bad but I’m knee deep in Violet and DQ treasures comes out this week >.<

5
themightyant
Thu 8th Dec 2022

@J_Mo_Money Thanks my man, much appreciated. That definitely makes it more appealing. Completely agree that is a much more perfect length.

6
J_Mo_Money
Thu 8th Dec 2022

@themightyant that's why i hold the snes/ps1 JRPGS in such high regard, FF4-9, chrono trigger, secret of mana ect were all around that time to finish and imo makes them much more repayable and easy to go back through. Persona 5 games that take 75 hours + to beat i just don't even wanna start and if i finish them ill never wanna play them again due to being such a time sink. Those older games, however, ill play many times for a quick refresher.

7
themightyant
Thu 8th Dec 2022

@J_Mo_Money 100% Somewhere along the way we lost our way and someone thought that longer = better. While the reality is that the mechanics are usually completely tired by the time you are finished and the games is artificially extended. Often less is more.

Despite all the praise, and even buying it TWICE, I've never played Persona 5/Roayl for this reason. 100-200+ hours is just too much for me.

Completely with you on FF4-9, SoM and Chrono Trigger. Not only the golden days but also a great length, it's why I do go back and play them. (Currently replaying FF6 on Steam Deck).

8
Ralizah
Thu 8th Dec 2022

@themightyant @J_Mo_Money Triangle Strategy is another good game if you don't want an insanely bloated campaign. If you want to see all of the endings, unlock all of the maps, extra characters, etc. it can easily last 100+ hours, but a single run of the game itself generally lasts 25 - 40 hours, depending on how much side content you engage with. I think that's probably the main reason I've already replayed it in order to get different endings.

9
J_Mo_Money
Thu 8th Dec 2022

@Ralizah Beat that in about 40 hours and is probably my game of the year. I absolutely LOVED that game and even the heavy dialogue was super intriguing and the narrative had me hooked. Octopath 2 gonna be one of my most anticipated early next year and fire emblem engage has me looking into it again with a return back to simplicity (three houses looked way too bloated for me).

10
J_Mo_Money
Thu 8th Dec 2022

@themightyant i am still hoping and praying for the pixel remasters to be announced for consoles by the end of the year. I will beat every single one of those again the second those become available. that's all i need! And FF6 is the greatest JRPG of all time for me. Shadow is the man.

11
themightyant
Thu 8th Dec 2022

@J_Mo_Money Can't separate FF6 and CT but why should I, both are the best, as is Shadow

Look forward to giving this game Chained Echoes a go.

12
J_Mo_Money
Tue 20th Dec 2022

@themightyant was so wrong about 20-25 hours. Currently at around 30 hours but i believe the end is near. Addicting game though so will see it through.

Also .... PIXEL REMASTERS!

13
themightyant
Tue 20th Dec 2022

@J_Mo_Money Thanks for the update. Glad you are enjoying it. I've downloaded it and do look forward to playing it, but it's in a longer queue of >20+ hour games.

January is always my shorter game backlog month where I try and complete as many <10 hour games... and a few that might just be over.

But after GOW:R I started that initiative early and have played/finished a lot in the last couple of weeks including Nobody Saves the World, Scorn, The Gunk, Olija, Firewatch, Lake, The Pedestrian & (inhales) Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth.

Some great gaming experiences in there and always cathartic to cross a load off the list. Hope to cross off another 10-15 by the end of Jan then Chained Echoes, and other longer titles, might start to get a look in. Might even get round to something super long like Persona 5 Royal or Xenoblade 3 to rebalance the scales

14
J_Mo_Money
Tue 20th Dec 2022

im jumping on High on Life after im done with this since any time i play a JRPG (especially a long one) I need to change up genre with a shorter more action oriented experience. After High on Life I'll look to see if Crisis Core is on sale.
Was planning on the Witcher 3 next-gen update but not enough time here for all these.

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