Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is a single-player action RPG that blends side-scrolling platforming with town management and light RPG progression. Players control a group of adventurers who arrive in the recovering settlement of New Nevaeh and gradually contribute to its restoration while exploring nearby ruins known as the Runebarrows.
Gameplay
The core experience centers on exploration of interconnected rooms in the Runebarrows, where backtracking becomes necessary after gaining new abilities. Three playable characters join the party over time, and players switch between them instantly to use distinct movement and attack options during both platforming sections and combat encounters. Each character maps attacks to different buttons and possesses a unique special skill that helps navigate gaps, break barriers, or defeat foes.
Combat unfolds in real time as players run through stages, timing dodges against enemy patterns such as ranged lightning strikes or fire breath. Resource gathering from dungeons feeds into town upgrades, weapon improvements, and crafting at various shops. Quests for local residents award stamps that track contributions to the community and unlock further progression rewards like experience and bonuses from resting at the inn.
Character development occurs through leveling gained in combat and quests, plus targeted upgrades at the smithy or weapon shop that expand each hero's capabilities. The loop alternates between dungeon runs for materials and returning to New Nevaeh to invest those resources in rebuilding efforts, creating a steady sense of advancement without complex menus or systems.
Game Modes
The game operates exclusively in single-player. Two difficulty settings are available from the start: Normal Mode delivers the intended challenge with standard enemy health and damage values, while Simple Mode reduces those values for easier navigation through platforming and fights. No multiplayer or additional modes exist beyond these options and the main story campaign.
Story and Characters
The narrative follows CJ and her companions as they hunt for valuable lenses and treasures in the Runebarrows. Their efforts intersect with the town's recovery after a recent earthquake, leading to interactions that resolve tensions between visiting adventurers and cautious locals. Personal motivations surface during these exchanges, strengthening relationships and revealing deeper connections to a larger conflict.
Exploration gradually uncovers a hidden secret within the ruins that ties directly into events beyond this story. The tone mixes light adventure with moments of intrigue, introducing several figures who appear in related titles while keeping the focus on the immediate rebuilding of New Nevaeh.
Is It Worth Playing?
Reception has been positive overall, with Steam users rating the title Very Positive based on nearly a thousand reviews. Critics and players frequently highlight the satisfying progression from quests and town upgrades, along with the charm of the characters and pixel-art presentation. Combat receives more mixed comments as straightforward rather than deep, yet it supports the exploration focus without becoming a barrier.
The experience suits players who enjoy 2D action RPGs that combine Metroidvania-style ability-gated areas with light community-building mechanics. Its length keeps the campaign concise, making it accessible for those seeking a self-contained story that sets up broader events in the same universe. No major post-launch content updates have altered the core package since its 2022 release, leaving the game in a stable, complete state for new players.
