Eiyuden Kangaroo
Image: Rabbit & Bear Studios

Publisher 505 Games and developers Rabbit & Bear Studios and NatsumeAtari announced a release date for their upcoming game, Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising. If you're an RPG fan, that's probably made your ears perk up a bit, hasn't it?

You might remember the Kickstarter and announcement for Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes back in 2019. This game is pitched to be a successor to Konami's long-abandoned Suikoden series and is being created with the franchise's creator Yoshitaka Murayama at the helm. Originally slated for a 2022 release, that game has been pushed back to next year, and not only that, we still don't know whether we're getting it on Switch.

But do you know what we are getting on Switch? Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising, a spin-off to Hundred Heroes, should satisfy Suikoden fans until the main course is delivered next year. Though this is a very different beast from the turn-based, politics-heavy recruitment RPG fans might be familiar with.

Rising is a side-scrolling action RPG in a similar vein to ActRaiser or Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin. Which means, yes, there are town-building elements. While you often build a base in the Suikoden games, rebuilding towns is rarely part of the agenda, as you instead create a safe space for you and your 108 Stars of Destiny.

Here's what to expect from Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising, courtesy 505 Games' press release:

After a massive earthquake revealed Runebarrows deep below a town on the remote frontier of the Allraan known as New Nevaeh, fortune-seeking adventurers and merchants from across the world arrive. Among those hoping to find treasure, three star-crossed heroes come together. CJ, the Venerable Scavenger, and Garoo, the Beastman Mercenary, hope to mine the Rune Lens, a source of magic hidden underground. Isha, the Young Deputy Mayor, wants to rebuild her town.

Delve into the ruins and master Rising’s satisfying combat. Dash in quick and strike with CJ’s climbing axes, sling sorcery from afar as Isha, and punish foes with Garoo’s gigantic sword. Topple imaginative bosses by swapping between each character and unleashing devastating Link Attacks combining each hero’s specialty, all while platforming through gorgeous 2.5D environments.

Scavenge dungeons and earn materials to reconstruct New Neveah to its former glory and reap benefits applying to Hundred Heroes when it releases in 2023. Cross content includes special cosmetic items, valuable equipment, and trade goods. Make a personal mark on the world of Eiyuden Chronicle by naming certain weapons and delicacies in Rising that will carry over to Hundred Heroes next year.

Within the Runebarrows hides a deep-rooted conspiracy with shocking ramifications for the Eiyuden Chronicle universe. Prepare for Hundred Heroes’ intricate plot and globe-spanning adventure by playing through the inciting events in Rising.

Well, now, that's curious - weapons and delicacies that will carry over to Hundred Heroes? So, can we get an official Switch port announcement then?

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising launches on Switch on 10th May, and it'll only set you back $14.99 / £12.99. Not bad at all, if we say so! And if you're desperate for Hundred Heroes on Switch, maybe buying it on your little hybrid console will let 505 Games and Rabbit & Bear Studios know.

Will you be picking up Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising? Let us know.