Chained Echoes: Ashes of Elrant

Chained Echoes: Ashes of Elrant might not have the cohesion or vision of the base game, but even lesser Chained Echoes is still a blast to play.

Ashes of Elrant ably builds upon the base game that came before it, while being an otherwise rather standalone adventure for the game’s cast of characters to embark upon. Because of its distance from the established narrative, it’s difficult to sell anyone who rolled credits a couple of years ago to return to it now, even though all of its disparate elements are as entertaining and worthwhile as one could want. The passage of time may have widened the gulf a bit too much to make a return trip worthwhile at this stage, but those experiencing the (now) full package for the first time will find an enjoyable bonus adventure well worth the time it takes to complete.

Chained Echoes: Ashes of Elrant presents itself as a solid expansion, but one that is not without its uncertainties. While it manages to offer an additional adventure that delves into a fascinating past and introduces a new character, it does not always manage to match the depth and narrative complexity of the main game. The addition of new mini-games is not entirely successful, leading to RNG-driven frustration for the player. Although it does not achieve perfection, this DLC appeals to those who loved the main chapter, offering an experience that is worth living but with the awareness that not all elements shine with golden light.

Ashes of Elrant is a well-crafted piece of downloadable content that adds further narrative depth to the characters – particularly Lenne – and shines with its well-designed boss battles. The DLC’s greatest strength is, of course, inherited from the main game – the combat system is varied and strategic, and offers a wealth of options. As it is set towards the end of the main game, the system is able to shine here in all its glory.

Chained Echoes Ashes of Elrant is a fine expansion which doesn't quite reach for the original's highs

Diehard fans of JRPGs would kill for this kind of appendage to any of their favourites, but the Ashes of Elrant DLC is a caution on what you wish for, as it comes across as a soft story grafted onto a much more solid whole. Everything else you loved about Chained Echoes is there, namely an excellent battle system, incredible bosses, and an extremely well-designed world to explore with worthwhile incentives. The Crimson Wings have soared to greater heights, but for fans of Glenn and company, this is a must-buy.

Chained Echoes: Ashes of Elrant is sublime DLC that gives you a fantastic reason to play one of the greatest RPGs in recent memory some more.

I have to try really hard to find anything to critique about Chained Echoes: Ashes of Elrant. It’s a turn-based JRPG, with an innovative combat system that hits all the right nostalgia buttons.

Chained Echoes: Ashes of Elrant is a DLC made for fans of the game, especially for those who enjoyed the gameplay. It mostly expands on certain characters’ backstories and builds on top of its existing gameplay systems, which is what the game is known for. That being said, the DLC feels like it's a few years too late, as it solves issues that exist within the base game. The additions are welcome, but most of them don’t feel as impactful or as massive as initially advertised. Also, don’t expect any resolutions to many of the story’s plot holes here, as it mainly serves to support the worldbuilding and add context rather than answer many of the questions.

As most DLCs go, Chained Echoes: Ashes of Elrant is recommended for the more hardcore fans of the original. It does a decent job expanding the lore of Valandis and even dropping hints of a potential sequel. But if you're looking for answers to the base game's unresolved questions, you'll be disappointed. The gameplay loop is essentially the same, and the only variation is the addition of a new party member and the Talent board. If you're not that keen on learning more about Chained Echoes' mythology, maybe you should give this DLC a pass.