Turn-based JRPGs were once at the forefront of gaming, and indeed, some of the most popular and classic titles of all time have been released under the genre's banner. However, such games gradually began to fall out of favor. Although the genre did not disappear, it found itself in a sort of lull for a while. Recently Sandfall Interactive Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was a breath of fresh air for JRPG. Expedition 33 has earned his praise by outshining many AAA-caliber titles with his unwavering commitment to a strong vision by unashamedly channeling old-school designs and combining them with modern ones from games like Persona. For everyone Clair ObscuroHowever, to its credit, there is another fantastic turn-based JRPG that preceded it that deserves just as much admiration: Chained Echoes.
A mostly independent solo project developed by Matthias Linda over the course of seven years,Chained Echoes was released in 2022. It features stunning pixel art and takes inspiration from titans of the era such as The Secret of Mana and Final Fantasyit's a loving and well-crafted homage to the 16-bit JRPG era. And while it may have been compared to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Chained Echoes it's as strong as the first in its implementation of turn-based mechanics and other related elements, and similarly gives many modern AAA titles a run for their money.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 might now be the face of turn-based JRPG combat, but chained echoes did it first
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 may be the most celebrated title at the moment, cited as having revitalized and perfected the genre through its hybrid of turn-based and action mechanics. And not to take anything away from her, because she definitely deserves recognition for the successes she has achieved in this and other areas. Before Expedition 33 burst onto the stage this year, Chained Echoes has already shown that sticking firmly to the classic JRPG formula and updating it in a few key ways could lead to a compelling and satisfying gaming experience that thrives in a modern setting.
Chained EchoesThe decision to keep many of the genre's core elements intact while removing or significantly altering others disproved the recurring idea that the genre had mostly fallen into obscurity and was headed for obsolescence. And it can almost be considered a precursor Clair Obscurothis year's impact. Chained Echoes it may be a little more under the radar even now, but it still serves as a template that other games, especially those in the AAA realm, could do well to emulate and learn from.
Like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the turn-based combat of Chained Echoes, and other classic JRPG designs stand toe-to-toe with any AAA title
How Chained Echoes expertly blends classic and modern sensibilities
Chained Echoes it lies on a spectrum of design that is somewhere in between Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and an acclaimed JRPG from a AAA developer well-versed in the genre. While it doesn't use the same visual style of 2.5 HD, it's not hard to spot the Square Enix shades. Octopath Traveler series a Dragon Quest remakes in Chained Echoes. And even if he doesn't have either Expedition 33a mix of turn-based and reactive combat system, Chained Echoes is an example of a well-designed JRPG with its other main features:
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A robust roster of hireable characters with tailored skills
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An epic and emotionally engaging story involving 4 main acts
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A world map composed of large explorable areas
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Variety of optional side quests
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Extensive customization and upgrade options, similar Clair Obscuropictograms and light
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Secret places and hidden objects
While these are all probably pretty standard in the eyes of many players, Chained Echoes features some great innovative ideas, especially when it comes to its traditional, strictly turn-based combat system. Most notable is the Overdrive mechanic, which tasks players with managing a dynamic meter during fights to maximize each character's powers, reduce ability costs, and exploit enemy weaknesses.
Another of Chained EchoesThe most welcome and convenient update to the established functionality is that the entire party will fully heal and restore all ability points after each successful encounter. This eliminates some of the frustrations that can often come with stubbornly clinging to older, more limited designs in this regard, and encourages experimentation. All these aspects come together seamlessly Chained Echoesand its incredible work incorporating and balancing them is reflected in its impressive Metacritic and Steam scores.
Chained Echoes it received a substantial DLC in 2025, Ashes of Elrant, which is also highly rated.
Other AAA games can also learn great lessons from chained echoes
Clair ObscuroThe current status of the poster game for the modern face of JRPGs outside of the AAA space ensures that it will serve as inspiration for further development. Indeed, Square Enix itself has stated that it is potentially taking cues Expedition 33 for another Final Fantasy game. But it shouldn't be the only game that society and others look up to. Chained Echoes makes an equally compelling case for developers making games within the genre to also draw from its excellent designs, specifically its commitment to turn-based combat.
Another acclaimed indie game in the same vein and spirit as Chained Echoes the year was 2023 Sea of starswith developers citing memorable games like Chrono Trigger and Super Mario RPG as an inspiration.
While Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 enjoying her time in the spotlight Chained Echoes should also be donated in full. It's like an immersive experience, showing the same level of quality and thoughtful design, which is probably even more impressive because it was mostly the work of a single person. Chained Echoes wholeheartedly embraces its classic JRPG roots to create a highly engaging title, and if Clair ObscuroSuccess then signals a return to those roots for AAA developers Chained Echoes should be considered correct along with it for many of the same reasons.
