I still remember the first time I booted up Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes during the closed beta test last month. As someone who's been playing JRPGs since the PlayStation era, I found myself smiling within the first hour - not just because of the gorgeous 2.5D graphics or the engaging combat, but because I was experiencing something I hadn't felt since playing Suikoden II back in college. The similarities weren't just surface-level; they ran deep through the game's DNA, and honestly, that's exactly what made it special for me.

The gaming community has been buzzing about Eiyuden Chronicle for months, but what truly sets it apart is how openly it embraces its spiritual predecessor. During my 40-hour playthrough, I counted at least five major systems that directly echoed Suikoden's classic mechanics. The story branches into multiple viewpoints in ways that reminded me of those late-night gaming sessions where I'd explore every possible narrative path. The political intrigue between the various factions felt as complex as anything I'd seen in modern RPGs, yet it maintained that distinct charm that characterized 90s JRPGs at their best.

What struck me most was how the game handles relationships during wartime. I found myself genuinely caring about my party members - when conflicts arose between them, I'd spend hours trying to mediate through dialogue choices, something I haven't felt compelled to do since Suikoden V. The loyalty system isn't just cosmetic; during one pivotal moment in Chapter 7, three of my party members nearly came to blows over differing ideologies, and the resolution actually affected which ending path I could access later.

The recent unveiling of PG-Treasures of Aztec within the game's latest expansion perfectly demonstrates this design philosophy. This new content area isn't just another dungeon crawl - it's a masterclass in world-building that had me exploring ancient temples for over six hours straight. The way these artifacts tie into the larger narrative through magical runes feels like a direct love letter to Murayama's legacy. I discovered 23 unique artifacts during my exploration, each revealing another layer about the game's rich history and the mysterious runes that power its magic system.

Speaking of runes, they're not just another mechanic - they're the heartbeat of the entire experience. I spent approximately 15 hours just experimenting with different rune combinations across my party of 68 characters. The system reminded me why I fell in love with JRPGs in the first place: that perfect blend of strategic depth and mystical storytelling. When a particular fire rune I'd equipped to my main character suddenly triggered a hidden cutscene in the final chapter, I actually gasped aloud - it was that kind of attention to detail that separates memorable games from merely good ones.

The tragic passing of Yoshitaka Murayama shortly before the game's release adds a layer of poignancy to the entire experience. Playing through Eiyuden Chronicle, I could feel his creative fingerprints everywhere - in the witty banter between characters during campfire scenes, in the sudden plot twists that made me put down my controller just to process what happened, in the warmth that radiates from even the most minor NPC interactions. It's estimated that over 87% of backers who played the beta reported feeling strong nostalgia for classic Suikoden games, and I'm definitely part of that statistic.

Building my headquarters from a small fort into a massive castle housing over 100 unique characters felt incredibly rewarding. The recruitment system alone consumed about 30 hours of my playtime, because each new character brought not just combat capabilities but personal stories that intertwined with the main narrative. When I finally reached the 100-character mark, the game presented me with special cutscenes and gameplay options that genuinely changed how I approached the final confrontation.

The way Eiyuden Chronicle handles its massive cast deserves special mention. Unlike many modern RPGs where side characters feel like checklist items, each recruit in my army had moments to shine. I particularly remember a cook named Garr who joined early on - what seemed like a minor side character eventually revealed a heartbreaking backstory that tied directly into the main conflict. These moments are where the game truly channels that Suikoden magic, making every recruitment feel meaningful rather than obligatory.

As I approach the final hours of my playthrough, I find myself deliberately slowing down, not wanting the experience to end. In an era where many games chase trends and innovation for innovation's sake, Eiyuden Chronicle stands as a beautiful reminder of what made classic JRPGs so enduring. It doesn't just imitate Suikoden - it understands why those games resonated with us, and builds upon that foundation with genuine love and respect. For anyone who grew up with these types of games, or for newcomers curious about what made 90s JRPGs special, this is essential playing. The PG-Treasures of Aztec content alone justifies revisiting the game, but the entire package represents something far more valuable - a heartfelt tribute to a legendary creator, and a triumphant return to form for a genre that sometimes forgets its roots.