Chained Echoes: Ashes of Elrant

The main pros of the game

• Engaging Lore and Storytelling: The DLC expands on the lore of Chained Echoes and provides a well-paced narrative that adds depth to the characters and world.
• Quality Music and Art Design: The soundtrack is frequently highlighted as exceptional, with many users praising the new tracks and overall art style.
• Fun Gameplay Mechanics: The combat remains engaging, with improvements made to the crystal system and the introduction of a new character with unique abilities. The exploration and battle mechanics are generally well-received.
• Standalone Experience: Players can access the DLC without needing to replay the base game, allowing for a seamless experience even after a long break from the original game.
• Challenging Optional Bosses: Optional bosses provide a good challenge and are appreciated by players seeking more difficult gameplay.

The main cons of the game

• Balancing Issues: Some players feel that the new character is overpowered compared to others, which disrupts party dynamics. Additionally, some bosses and combat encounters were criticized for being uninteresting or tedious.
• Minigame Frustrations: The excavation minigame and fishing mechanics received mixed reviews, with many players finding them tedious or poorly designed.
• Story Presentation Concerns: While the story is generally enjoyed, some players felt it was rushed or lacked the depth necessary to fully explore character arcs and plot developments.
• Technical Issues: Reports of bugs, including game freezes and balance problems, have affected some players' enjoyment of the DLC.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Greater Character Development: Some players wished for more depth and development for the new character and existing characters, feeling that the DLC did not fully utilize the potential for character arcs.
• Improved Gameplay Mechanics: Suggestions for better balancing of combat mechanics and character abilities were common, with calls for more engaging and varied combat options.
• Expanded Exploration Elements: Users expressed a desire for clearer guidance in exploration, as hidden items and side quests felt overwhelming or poorly integrated into the gameplay experience.
• Integration with Base Game: A desire for a more cohesive connection between the DLC and the base game was noted, with players wanting to carry over more elements into a New Game Plus mode.

Summary

• Overall, while *Chained Echoes: Ashes of Elrant* is largely regarded as a solid addition to the base game, it does have its share of criticisms and areas for improvement.

Summary generated on: October 29, 2025