The next RPG from the creators of the Suikoden series is on its way to Xbox and PC via Game Pass. Both Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes and Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising, a surprise spin-off, will launch on the service after raising over $4.5 million (opens in new tab) on Kickstarter in 2020.
I've never played a Suikoden game, but people sure are excited that both Yoshitaka Murayama and Junko Kawano, the minds behind much of the series, are making a new RPG. According to the Kickstarter, Eiyuden has a traditional 6-person party system with "painstakingly created" 2D sprites and 3D backgrounds.
Surprisingly, Xbox is announcing this launch partnership a long time out from either game releasing. Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising, a new game teased in the trailer, will be out sometime in 2022, and Hundred Heroes isn't coming until 2023, a delay from its original planned release date.
A new Steam page (opens in new tab) for Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising details that it's an action-RPG "set in the same world as Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes" that features "town-building mechanics, fast-paced combat, and important back-story for several of the Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes cast of characters."
Here's the full synopsis:
"Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is a town-building action RPG set in the same world as Eiyuden Chronicle. It weaves together the pre-war tales of various characters who will eventually become your companions in the Eiyuden Chronicle.
"The game will introduce a portion of Eiyuden Chronicle’s cast of characters in an original story with thrilling action and engaging town-building elements.
"There might even be some small perks for players that link the game with Eiyuden Chronicles: Hundred Heroes."