Chained Echoes was a fascinating work of cultural translation: a German developer’s thoughtful reconstruction of the 16-bit Japanese role-playing game. It honored the traditions of the form while subtly re-engineering its foundations.
The expansion, Ashes of Elrant, continues this dialogue. It presents a new, self-contained chapter set just before the main story’s final moments. A scientific mission goes awry, and the heroes find themselves displaced in time, thrown into the ancient city of Elrant.
This location, a name whispered in the core game’s lore and central to the character Lenne’s past, becomes a tangible piece of history to explore. The premise itself is a classic fantasy trope, a journey into a lost world that promises to reveal as much about the present as it does about the past. It is an effective hook for a return to the meticulously realized world of Valandis.
A Tale of a Lost City
The narrative of Ashes of Elrant functions as a “gaiden,” a side story common in Japanese media that enriches the world without altering the primary plot’s trajectory. Its placement before the final battle means it is a retrospective journey, a deep dive into lore rather than a step forward.
This story is anchored by the new playable character, Leonar the White Wolf. As a legendary figure from Elrant’s past, he acts as both a guide to the forgotten city and a central player in its secrets. His archetypal presence gives the focused plot a strong foundation.
The story benefits from concentrating on a smaller selection of the game’s large cast. Lenne’s personal connection to Elrant provides an emotional core, and the reduced scope allows for more direct character interactions.
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The tone shifts slightly from the main campaign’s high-stakes drama, incorporating more lighthearted moments and humor. This presents a different perspective on the heroes as they confront a contained, historical mystery.
The Ruins and Their Secrets
Exploration in the new regions of Elrant is a clear strength. The zones are dense with secrets, interconnected pathways, optional boss fights, and environmental puzzles that reward careful observation.
This design encourages a thorough approach, supported by the return of the Reward Board. This checklist of achievements is a distinctly modern, almost Western design element that codifies the act of discovery. Completing tasks on the board grants PP (Party Points), a new currency for unlocking party-wide abilities called Talents.
These range from simple stat increases to significant combat advantages, such as extending the vital Overdrive bar. Some of these Talents, however, can disrupt the game’s careful balance, making late-game Sky Armor combat feel trivialized.
The expansion also introduces two minigames, a staple of the JRPG genre. The fishing is an elaborate and enjoyable pastime with its own progression. Conversely, the digging minigame required to find new Class Emblems is a frustrating exercise in repetition and random luck, turning a moment of discovery into a tedious chore.
Refining the Art of War
Ashes of Elrant is explicitly designed for players who have mastered the main game’s systems. The difficulty is high, and boss encounters often feature clever mechanics that demand strategic thinking, such as a chess-themed battle where enemy pawns can be promoted into powerful queens. Leonar’s combat style introduces fresh tactical possibilities.
His mechanics revolve around applying “bite marks” to a target, which then amplifies the damage of his other skills, creating a satisfying setup and payoff loop. The expansion makes a significant change by simplifying the crystal crafting system.
Crystals are now direct monster drops that can be equipped without modification. This decision removes a substantial source of grind, a choice that makes the experience more streamlined. The trade-off is a reduction in the deep equipment customization that some players favor.
Four powerful new Class Emblems are available, though their acquisition is tied to the previously mentioned tedious digging. The core combat loop remains untouched; the party is fully restored after every fight. This design choice continues to frame each battle as a self-contained tactical puzzle where players are expected to expend all their resources.
The Review
Chained Echoes: Ashes of Elrant
Ashes of Elrant is an intelligent and worthwhile return to a masterfully crafted world. It deepens the lore with expertly designed new areas and refines its combat with a strong new character and challenging encounters. The expansion stands as a fascinating dialogue between JRPG tradition and modern sensibilities. However, not all its ideas succeed; a frustrating minigame and some unbalanced progression mechanics prevent it from reaching the heights of the base game. It remains an essential chapter for anyone invested in the world of Valandis.
PROS
- Beautifully designed new zones that are dense with secrets.
- Leonar is an excellent addition, both narratively and mechanically.
- New boss fights are challenging and require strategic thinking.
- The fishing minigame is an elaborate and enjoyable activity.
CONS
- The mandatory digging minigame is tedious and frustrating.
- New "Talent" system can disrupt the game's difficulty balance.
- The story is a side chapter and offers no resolution to the main plot.
- Simplification of the crystal system reduces player customization.
