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Build Back Better in Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising Come May 10th Launch Day

CJ and Isha feature in this official artwork for Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising finally has a release date of May 10th, courtesy of publisher 505 Games. This “2.5D action RPG with town-upgrading elements” is the prequel to Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, the much anticipated traditional RPG from Rabbit & Bear Studios (headed by Suikoden veterans including creator Yoshitaka Murayama and chief designer Junko Kawano).

All this was made possible by a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign. You may or may not know exactly what to expect at this point, but check out our hands-on preview for a comprehensive breakdown of everything from combat to characters. Here’s a sizable gameplay demo too.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising‘s Plot and Mechanics Set the Stage

One of the central goals in Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is to rebuild the town of New Neveah, which I wonder if it might be a metaphor for restoring Murayama’s original vision. I may be thinking about this too hard. Note that certain choices you make in-game will have consequences for Hundred Heroes. I’m already thinking about what to name the food and weapons I come across.

After a massive earthquake revealed Runebarrows deep below a town on the remote frontier of the Allraan known as New Nevaeh, fortune-seeking adventurers and merchants from across the world arrive. Among those hoping to find treasure, three star-crossed heroes come together. CJ, the Venerable Scavenger, and Garoo, the Beastman Mercenary, hope to mine the Rune Lens, a source of magic hidden underground. Isha, the Young Deputy Mayor, wants to rebuild her town.

Delve into the ruins and master Rising’s satisfying combat. Dash in quick and strike with CJ’s climbing axes, sling sorcery from afar as Isha, and punish foes with Garoo’s gigantic sword. Topple imaginative bosses by swapping between each character and unleashing devastating Link Attacks combining each hero’s specialty, all while platforming through gorgeous 2.5D environments.

Scavenge dungeons and earn materials to reconstruct New Neveah to its former glory and reap benefits applying to Hundred Heroes when it releases in 2023. Cross content includes special cosmetic items, valuable equipment, and trade goods. Make a personal mark on the world of Eiyuden Chronicle by naming certain weapons and delicacies in Rising that will carry over to Hundred Heroes next year.

Within the Runebarrows hides a deep-rooted conspiracy with shocking ramifications for the Eiyuden Chronicle universe. Prepare for Hundred Heroes’ intricate plot and globe-spanning adventure by playing through the inciting events in Rising.

It’s unknown just how long Rising is, but there’s quite a bit going on here for a companion game. Personally, I’m trying hard to stay composed reading this synopsis with its talk of “deep-rooted conspiracy” and “shocking ramifications.” This game needed to be in my hands yesterday.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is a critical first release for the fledgling Rabbit & Bear. The specter of Suikoden looms large, and many curious players (as well as their legion of Kickstarter backers) will no doubt be jumping in with high expectations. I’m excited for it, but we should try and keep in mind that this is just a warm-up and opening salvo for a new series (hopefully) bursting with fresh new ideas.

The game launches May 10th on PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam, the Epic Games Store, and GOG. It’s also coming out on Xbox and PC Game Pass. The official website should have more information on both Rising and Hundred Heroes. For all things action and traditional RPG, keep visiting RPGFan!

[Editor’s Note: If you’ve read all this and wonder why we care so much about Suikoden, have we got a feature for you!]

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Gio Castillo

Gio Castillo

Gio is a writer and editor with a deep fondness for role-playing and management games. He lives in the Philippines with two cats he loves dearly.

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