Back in the day, turn-based JRPGs were at the forefront of gaming, and in fact, some of the most beloved and classic titles of all time were released under the genre's banner. However, these games gradually started to become popular. The genre didn't disappear, but it went into a lull for a while. Recently, Sandfall Interactive's Claire Obsker: Expedition 33 took a breath of fresh air JRPG. Expedition 33 By shamelessly channeling old-school design and combining it with the modern design of games like this, it has earned praise for its unwavering commitment to a strong vision, outperforming many AAA titles. persona. for everyone Claire ObskerBut before its obvious merits, there's another fantastic turn-based JRPG that deserves just as much praise. connected echo.
An indie solo project developed primarily by Matthias Linda over a period of 7 years, connected echo Released in 2022. It features amazing pixel art and is inspired by giants of the era such as: Secret of Mana and final fantasyIt's a lovely, well-made homage to the 16-bit era of JRPGs. And although it may have been overlooked in comparison Claire Obsker: Expedition 33, connected echo It's just as strong as the former in terms of its implementation of turn-based mechanics and other related elements, and likewise offers the opportunity to give many modern AAA titles a run for their money.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 may now be the face of JRPG turn-based combat, but Chained Echoes did it first.
Claire Obsker: Expedition 33 It may be the most high-profile title at the moment, pointed out as reviving and revamping the genre through a mix of turn-based and action mechanics. And don't take anything away from that, because you most definitely deserve recognition for the success you've achieved in this and other fields. before Expedition 33 I had an explosive appearance on stage this year, but connected echo has already shown that its unwavering commitment to the classic JRPG formula, and updating it in a few key ways, can result in a compelling and satisfying gaming experience that thrives in a modern environment.
connected echoThe decision to keep many core genre elements intact while removing or significantly altering others disproved the recurring idea that the genre was largely becoming obscure and obsolete. And this can almost be seen as a foreshadowing. Claire ObskerImpact of the year. connected echo It may be a bit more off-the-charts right now, but it serves as a template for other games, especially those in the AAA space, to emulate and learn from.
Clair Obscur: Like Expedition 33, Chained Echoes' turn-based combat and other classic JRPG designs rival any AAA title.
How Chained Echoes expertly combines classic and contemporary sensibilities
connected echo It's somewhere on the design spectrum in between. Claire Obsker: Expedition 33 This is a well-received JRPG from an AAA developer well-versed in the genre. Although it doesn't use the same 2.5 HD visual style, it's not hard to spot shades of Square Enix. Octopath Traveler series and dragon quest remake connected echo. And it also doesn't have Expedition 33A mix of turn-based and reactive combat systems; connected echo It's an example of a well-designed JRPG with other key characteristics.
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A strong roster of recruitable characters with customizable skills
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An epic and moving story in four main acts
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Overworld map with large explorable areas
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Various optional side quests
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Extensive customization and upgrade options Claire ObskerPictos and Lumina
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Secret locations and hidden items
In the eyes of many players, these all seem pretty standard; connected echo It contains some great innovative ideas, especially when it comes to the traditional and rigid turn-based combat system. Most notable is the Overdrive mechanic, which allows players to manage a dynamic meter during combat to maximize each character's strengths, reduce ability costs, and exploit enemy weaknesses.
other connected echoThe most welcome and convenient update to the existing operation is that after every successful encounter, the entire party fully heals and restores all ability points. In this regard, this encourages experimentation and removes the frustration that can often arise from stubborn adherence to old, limited designs. All these aspects come together seamlessly. connected echoAnd the incredible work it does to integrate and balance them is reflected in its impressive Metacritic and Steam scores.
connected echo In 2025, we received a significant piece of DLC, Ashes of Elrant, which was also highly praised.
More AAA Games Could Learn Great Lessons from Connected Echo, Too
Claire Obsker'Its current status as a poster game for the modern look at JRPGs outside of the AAA space is guaranteed to serve as an inspiration moving forward. In fact, Square Enix itself has stated that it's potentially taking a cue from: Expedition 33 for next time final fantasy game. But it shouldn't be the only game your company and others look forward to. connected echo It provides developers making games within this genre with an equally compelling case for drawing on their commitment to excellent design, especially turn-based combat.
Another indie game praised in the same vein and spirit as connected echo It was 2023 sea of starsThe developers reference memorable games like Chrono Trigger. Super Mario RPG By inspiration.
while Claire Obsker: Expedition 33 I am enjoying my time in the limelight, connected echo That too must be repaid in full. It's an absorbing experience that displays the same level of quality and thoughtful design, perhaps even more impressive considering it's largely the work of one person. connected echo We've put our heart and soul into our roots in classic JRPGs to create a very engaging title. Claire Obsker's success signals a return to its roots for the AAA developer. connected echo They must be considered together for many of the same reasons.
