505 Games will publish Rabbit & Bear Studios developed Suikoden spiritual successor Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, announced the company. The Kickstarter-funded RPG is planned to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC in 2022, with a possible release on Switch or other Nintendo’s next generation hardware.
“For many years we have dreamed of developing a game for fans of the genre that also celebrates everything we love and learn as game designers,” said studio leader Yoshitaka Murayama in a press release. “Our team is looking forward to working with 505 Games to bring Eiyuden Chronicle for as many fans as possible around the world. “
Murayama continued, “Eiyuden Chronicle is a throwback to the classic role-playing games that entertained millions and a modern and exciting tale of discovery and adventure with a cast of hundreds of fully realized characters. Given its success and history with titles like Blood stained and Death Stranding, and with the strong personal relationship we have developed with the people there, we feel that we have the perfect partner in 505 Games. “
In a blog post, Murayama said the partnership will allow Rabbit & Bear Studios to “fully control the direction and atmosphere of the game, as well as its rights”.
Here is an overview of the game, via 505 Games:
Featuring a unique setting, a carefully crafted story and a huge cast of characters, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is a celebration of a game genre readily associated with studio leader Yoshitaka Murayama (Suikoden I and II) and director Osamu Komuta. Both parties hope that this title will be the first of many that will come out of this partnership.
Originally announced as a Kickstarter campaign in July 2020, the game exceeded its funding goal on the first day and became the most successful Kickstarter campaign for a video game in 2020. Eiyuden Chronicle will feature a traditional six-character battle system using carefully created 2D sprites and beautiful 3D backgrounds with a deep and intricate story written by master storyteller Murayama-san.
Rabbit & Bear features a team of renowned video game veterans, including: Murayama, Komuta, as well as Junko Kawano, Osamu Komuta, Junichi Murakami, Michiko Naruke and Motoi Sakuraba. These individuals have credits, including Wild Arms, Time Hollow, and Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow, and are considered pioneers in the field of JPRG (Japanese RPG games). These franchises alone consist of several titles and millions of units sold.
Watch the partnership announcement video below.