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Rabbit & Bear Studios has launched the Kickstarter campaign for Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, its newly announced RPG headed by key creators of the Suikoden series. It is seeking $509,713 in funding for release on PC in fall 2022, with a $1 million stretch goal to release on PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo consoles.

Here is a brief overview of the game, via its Kickstarter campaign:

About

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes:

• Is a brand new, high quality Japanese RPG from Yoshitaka Murayama (Suikoden I and II) and Junko Kawano (Suikoden I and IV), in their first collaboration in 25 years.
• Uses a traditional six-character battle system utilizing painstakingly created 2D sprites and gorgeous 3D backgrounds.
• Follows a deep story with 100 characters intricately intertwined.

Our story begins in one corner of Allraan, a tapestry of nations with diverse cultures and values.

By dint of sword, and by way of magical objects known as “rune-lenses,” the land’s history has been shaped by the alliances and aggressions of the humans, beastmen, elves, and desert people who live there.

The Galdean Empire has edged out other nations and discovered a technology that amplifies the rune-lenses’ magic. Now, the Empire is scouring the continent for an artifact that will expand their power even further.

It is on one such expedition that Seign Kesling, a young and gifted imperial officer, and Nowa, a boy from a remote village, meet each other and become friends.

However, a twist of fate will soon drag them into the fires of war, and force them both to reexamine everything they believe to be right and true.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes‘ deep story and dialogue is helmed by Yoshitaka Murayama, the master storyteller that wrote the scripts for both Suikoden I and II.

Key Features

• Exploration – Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes has a vast world to explore, full of lush biomes, bustling towns, creepy caves, and quiet villages. Talk to townsfolk to learn more about the region, explore remote locations and fight secret bosses, or maybe just enjoy the gorgeous scenery.
• Turn-Based Combat – Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes employs a traditional turn based RPG battle system where players take command of up to six individual units against either an army, or a single large creature. Choose commands for each of your characters, then watch them carry out your orders in full motion combat. Over time, your heroes will also learn special AI abilities that they will perform on their own in battle, adding to the strategic element of combat. Characters will learn more AI commands as they grow stronger, and some characters will even link their AI commands together for added effects. Players will also be able to customize which AI commands their characters use in battle.
• Enemies – As you explore the world of Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, you will encounter all manner of creatures, whether it’s an ancient rune golem, suddenly awakened from its long slumber, or a noble dragon, protective of its territory and ill-gotten gains. You and your forces will have more than just an opposing army to worry about on your adventure. These creatures will come in all types, and will have incredible abilities and skills, for all of which you will need your wits and allies to overcome.
• Recruitment – Through your adventures in the world of Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, you will meet people from all walks of life, looking for something more. Whether it’s a fisherman, or a baker, or a brave warrior, each new addition to your army will bolster your ranks, making a worthy addition to your town.
• Rebuilding the Fortress Town– The Fortress Town, the player’s base of operations throughout the game, serves as the main character’s military base, but also their home. When the player first acquires the fortress town, it will be rather small, but you will be able to grow it over time by recruiting other characters and putting them to work for you. Players will be able to customize the fortress town:
  • Build sturdy castle walls to protect from enemy invasions
  • Expand military equipment to develop weapons and recruit more troops
  • Cultivate fields for farming and creating granaries.
  • Create specialty products to trade in order to develop businesses such as the blacksmith, builders, souvenir shop, and restaurants.
• Cats – Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes isn’t just a classic-style JRPG. It’s also full of adorable cats. Cats as far as the eye can see. Cats meowing, cats napping, cats exploring the world. Cats, cats, cats. CATS! Meow!

And here is an updated message regarding consoles:

In keeping with our theme of honesty, the reality is, with this game coming out in two to three years, it’s impossible to know what the current video game landscape will be. It would be ideal to have the game available for current gen models and next gen models but right now it’s impossible to say what those hardware requirements will be and what costs would be associated with porting to those platforms.

For this campaign, the launch timing will most likely put us right in the middle of a console transition period, meaning that some people will own next gen consoles, and some will not. This is less than ideal when trying to run a Kickstarter campaign that you want to cater to the maximum number of people. We need to determine a single quality baseline for the game.

Currently, we are offering Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo’s next generation console.

The elephant in the room is that while nobody knows what Nintendo’s plans are for when this game releases, in just about every major Japanese game crowdfunding campaign, when a lower spec hardware has been listed on the campaign, it has invariably been too expensive, often times requiring downgrading textures, massive amounts of code rewrites, effectively meaning building two games.

For anyone that has backed one of these campaigns, you obviously know the outcome. These platforms usually get cancelled or dropped from the campaign. So, again, in keeping with 100 percent transparency for what is an incredibly difficult problem, if the console stretch goal is cleared, we will create a version of the game for Nintendo hardware.

Hopefully, that will be something akin to a Switch 2, allowing for similar quality and gameplay experience across all platforms. In the end, if no such console is announced by the time we need to create new console version branches, we will go through the major challenges of the aforementioned texture changes and code rewrites, or refund any backers who pledged to the platform, if there is absolutely no solution.

Gematsu

 

[carlosrox]

PC before Playstation and Nintendo?

What?

 

[Xaero Gravity]

I was originally going to pledge for a digital copy, but after reading this I couldn't help but go physical

 

[TwistedSyn]

Wow. Read the Kickstarter info first because that is false.
It's says "Nintendo's next generation console" not the Switch.

 

[Revolutionary]

It's nearly fulfilled the goal in an hour. We Suikoden fans have been starving!!

 

[jshackles]

This looks amazing. The sprite work is giving off some serious Octopath vibes too, in a good way! Turn based combat looks dope. I'm definitely in for this.

 

[saintjules]

Just backed it. For those a bit hesitant on giving funds right away, the good thing that they don't fully charge your card until August 28th.

 

[saintjules]

PC before Playstation and Nintendo?

What?

PC was/is the original target, but with the stretch goal for Consoles, it can be released on PS5/XSX/Switch (or next-gen nintendo) platforms as well.

Rabbit & Bear Studios has launched the Kickstarter campaign for Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, its newly announced RPG headed by key creators of the Suikoden series. It is seeking $509,713 in funding for release on PC in fall 2022, with a $1 million stretch goal to release on PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo consoles.

 

[Xaero Gravity]

Wow. Read the Kickstarter info first because that is false.
It's says "Nintendo's next generation console" not the Switch.

Clicks clicks clicks

PC was/is the original target, but with the stretch goal for Consoles, it can be released on PS5/XSX/Switch platforms as well.

Not Switch, but on Nintendo's next console, whenever that is.

 

[Gormless Noodle]

The kickstarter page don't load for me D:

Why are we here? Just to suffer?

 

[jshackles]

Did Eiyuden Chronicle break Kickstarter?

 

[Danny Dudekisser]

I'm in. I'm not a fan of Kickstarter projects, but this is one where I have to set that aside.

 

[SlimeGooGoo]

.

 

[Metnut]

This looks phenomenal and will be a day 1 purchase for me, but I’m really hesitant to back this on Kickstarter. Having them hold my money for at least 2 years without any really discount (almost $60 for the physical version!) is a lot to ask IMO.

If the project is close to succeeding/failing at the deadline I’ll consider backing. Otherwise, I’ll just buy retail full price day one.

 

[jshackles]

Funded, probably not as fast as it would have otherwise considering Kickstarter was down for almost an hour.

 

[4EZCOOLDART]

I've heard we might see a cooking contest and definitely a "large-scale" army battle. Not sure about duels but that would be the easiest thing to implement.

The "Suikoden-Style" castle is actually not unlocked until this hits 750K but that will probably happen today, probably soon.

VERY EXCITED!

 

[Gormless Noodle]

Backed it. Last game I backed was Mighty Number 9.....please don't fuck me over again, ho lawd grant me strength.

 

[4EZCOOLDART]

I didn't Kickstart all of these, but I've enjoyed lots of Kickstarted games... both Divinities, Hat in Time, Broken Age, Supraland and Bloodstained. I don't think I've been burned by Kickstarters yet.

 

[Rat Rage]

Damn, this got me hype!

Kickstarter page seems down, though ;_;

The thirst is REAL, LOL !!!

 

[Sub_Level]

I'll try accessing this web zone tomorrow instead.

 

[saintjules]

 

[Fuz]

lol, they're amazing.

 

[saintjules]

Looks like they removed Nintendo entirely from the platform list.

Coming to PC at minimum goal, with stretch goals to bring the game to additional platforms, including PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X.

Edit: seems "Switch 2" was deeper in the description. Missed it.

 

[00_Zer0]

It's almost funded, but I believe this game has crashed Kickstarter servers. I can't even get on to make a pledge.

 

[Jooxed]

Looks like they removed Nintendo entirely from the platform list.

No, they clarified their stance on Nintendo further down. They are aiming for switch 2 because it's two years out but if switch 2 isnt out they will make it work or offer refunds.

 

[ramuh]

Just pledged! 700k now!

 

[CaptainSuperFish]

I want to back this but they have The Yetee doing fulfillment and after being burnt badly by Wonderful 101 I just don't trust them especially with Thier attitude regarding the whole thing. Oh well guess I'll just pick it up when it comes out.

 

[flibbertyjibbert]

Disappointing to hear their position on Switch. I only really will play through a long rpg on a portable

I dont think there will be switch 2 by then.

Not sure from the small snippet why they think this is outside of what switch can do? But sounds like we may get a downgraded port at least

 

[Deleted member 17706]

Loved the video. Love me some old school Suikoden.

I'm in. I'll keep my expectations on the floor, though.

Disappointing to hear their position on Switch. I only really will play through a long rpg on a portable

I dont think there will be switch 2 by then.

Not sure from the small snippet why they think this is outside of what switch can do? But sounds like we may get a downgraded port at least

Surely by the time it comes out there will be a Switch successor or powered up version and I'm sure they will consider it then.

 

[flibbertyjibbert]

Surely by the time it comes out there will be a Switch successor or powered up version and I'm sure they will consider it then.

A switch pro seems likely, but i think switch is going strong enough that theyll keep it going a few more years..
But then will you need the pro to play the game? We dont know if a pro switch would have exclusives or be more like ps4 pro needing two modes

 

[DunDunDunpachi]

I'm loving the Octopath style. This looks far better than it has any right to.

 

[Omega Supreme Holopsicon]

Love the artstyle, it's like octopath on steroids. Significantly more detailed sprites. 2d in 3d is one of my favorite artstyles.

 

[Aggressive Carrot]

Wow. People really want a new Suikoden game. Can't blame them. It's still one of my favorite RPG series. I'm happy with a spiritual successor. If only Konami cared enough to take a hint.

 

[Panajev2001a]

Dudes, they blew by their 500k minimum goal like....

Whoa rape reference and nudity (depicting a fictional rape/attempted rape) for a Kickstarter?!

 

[Sub_Level]

Wow. People really want a new Suikoden game. Can't blame them. It's still one of my favorite RPG series. I'm happy with a spiritual successor. If only Konami cared enough to take a hint.

Suikoden 2 is a truly great game. Holds up way better than certain other PS1 jrpg "classics" I have tried.

 

[jshackles]

New stretch goals

 

[Eevee86]

Doesn't seem like a lot of money for a team that large.

 

[4EZCOOLDART]

Cooking contest! I loved how the Suikoden 2 cooking contest had a huge plot that was (almost) more full of treachery and death than the game's central plot.

 

[Fbh]

Well damn that was fast.
Game looks amazing. Love the Octopath Style visuals with more detailed sprites, and given the people involved I think the world and overall plot is probably going to be a lot better and more enjoyable than the one in Octopath too.

 

[Xaero Gravity]

Doesn't seem like a lot of money for a team that large.

 

[Isa]

Sure hope it does well! This was my Sister's favorite rpg series back in the day, and I loved watching her explore so much of the story and get characters. This is honestly what I wish Octopath Travelers looked like.

 

[Dark Rider]

I'm really hoping for the best, please be good.

 

[saintjules]

 

[GeorgPrime]

It says 900.000 Dollar just now at kickstartet

 

[KAL2006]

Can't believe this is happening. I've been on GAF for a long time, if anyone ever seen me post in the past I used to post how Suikoden series is my favourite franchise ever next to Street Fighter. I even had a Suikoden avatar on this very forum. Never ever backed anything on Kickstarter so this will be a first for me. I just hope it delivers.

I hope it has the Suikoden feeling.
I know it's strange way of explaining but by Suikoden feeling I mean
- music that represents the moment, sadness, happy, town and their culture etc, planning a attack etc
- great character interactions
- upgrading a castle
- story is about war, not as black and white, lots of grey, strategic planning in attacks, story can get from happy and goofy to very sad and dark
- nice 2d art and animation

Man I so wished the creators could have finished the story of Suikoden with Yuber Vs Persmerigia, Harmonia, all runes etc but this shall have to do. I remember the old days where I was so invested in the lore visiting fan sites like Suikox and Suikosource.

 

[teezzy]

I kinda want in on this.

I rarely ever contribute to Kickstarters but this one seems worthwhile

EDIT:
The characters have their favorite food listed in the pitch.
I'm in. This is deep. Dat lore.

 

[Smoothcat]

This looks amazing! I don't think companies know how much fans love sprite based jrpgs

 

[Northeastmonk]

I backed it, ¥6,000. Bringing back that play-style is important. I also hope they create an amazing plot like Suikoden II.

 

[Shouta]

What is a Job Reward set anyway? I don't think tehy stated what it was in the kickstarter

Edit: Nevermind. I see a partial image of it now.

 

[NanaMiku]

Just backed ii since Suikoden is my wife's favorite series. Too bad the console version is still not fixed yet. I'm probably gonna buy PS5 later after couple of years, so I hope it's on PS4 or Switch.