Introduction

In a world where RPGs thrive on chaos, here comes 'Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising', a game that promises a foray into nostalgia while serving as a primer for the upcoming 'Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes'. It's like the pre-party gig before your friend's rave, but will it get you pumped or just make you want to sneak home with a pizza?

Gameplay

'Rising' is set in a vibrant 2D world where you guide CJ, a teenage treasure hunter with more ambition than skill, through labyrinthine levels packed with foes and platforming puzzles designed to test your sanity (and reflexes). It's a blend of action and RPG elements that feels about as smooth as a butter-slicked banana peel. As you maneuver through New Nevaeh, you can rack up experience points by defeating enemies and helping NPCs with their questionable errands, which leads to an endless carousel of side quests that sometimes make you ponder, 'Is this really worth my time?' Luckily, character-switching keeps the gameplay fresh; swapping between characters feels like an awkward group project, but the end result can be surprisingly cohesive.

Graphics

Graphically, 'Rising' leans into a delightful pixel art style that makes you feel like you've hopped into a retro RPG time machine. Think 'Suikoden', but with less intense emotional turmoil and more cheerful, bouncy animations. The colors are as bright as your cousin's personality at midnight, though the backdrops can sometimes feel as repetitive as your parents' advice-always a little quaint, yet often predictable. The animations tend to be slightly jolty at times, like a puppy trying to run on a slippery floor, but overall, it's a charming aesthetic that suits the experience.

Conclusion

'Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising' manages to dip its toes back into the nostalgic pool of action RPGs but doesn't quite make a splash. Through its charming characters and vibrant world, it often gets mired in backtracking and side quest marathons that can feel more like a chore than a joy. With a score of 6.5 out of 10, it's the kind of game you might enjoy if you're on the go and looking for a lighthearted experience. Just be prepared for some aimless wandering (and maybe a few snacks) along the way!

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