Astral Chain

Astral Chain

Humanity’s last chance against an interdimensional invasion is a special living weapon called the Legion. As a rookie officer in the elite police task force Neuron, you and your Legion will work together to solve cases and save humankind.

The ASTRAL CHAIN game gives you full control over two characters at once for thrilling Synergetic Action, courtesy of PlatinumGames. Alternate between several Legion types and skills to save the world your way.

ASTRAL CHAIN features character designs by the acclaimed manga artist Masakazu Katsura (ZETMAN, Video Girl Ai), and marks the directorial debut of PlatinumGames’ Takahisa Taura (designer of NieR:Automata). Hideki Kamiya, director of the Bayonetta game and writer/supervisor of the Bayonetta 2 game, provides supervision.

FEATURES:

  • Players can control the protagonist and a special weapon called a Legion simultaneously, building stylish combos by using both characters in tandem
  • There are multiple Legions in the game, each with different combat styles and abilities. Players can even strategically change between Legions at will during real-time battles
  • This apocalyptic setting is full of intricate details and interesting characters, including citizens and suspects you can interact with in the city, others in the special police task force, and your twin sibling
  • Use the abilities of the Legion not only in battle but also for investigating cases and solving environmental puzzles
  • Uncover the secrets of the alternate dimension called the Astral Plane, where the mysterious invaders originate
  • ASTRAL CHAIN is directed by Takahisa Taura, known for his work as the game designer on NieR:Automata, and supervised by Hideki Kamiya, creator of the Bayonetta series

Astral Chain Review

Astral Chain takes place in the year 2078, with humanity close to extinction after the invasion of extra-dimensional creatures called Chimeras. The remains of the populace are now housed in a mega-city on an artificial island called The Ark. It’s still not a fully safe heaven, however, as Chimeras cause damage to The Ark by invading through gates from their home in the Astral Plane, often kidnapping people and spreading corrupting Red Matter that causes people to turn into Chimeras. Players start the game choosing one of a pair of twin siblings — brother and sister — who are new recruits of Neuron, a special force within The Ark’s police that handles Chimera-related incidents. Neuron makes uses of Legions, Chimeras that have been turned to the side of humanity and are controlled with a psychic link and spiritual chain to their officer.

The game has a decent, albeit not a standout, cast. The twin that players control effectively takes the role of silent protagonist, while conversely the other twin becomes the character in the game that gets the most plot focus. Astral Chain isn’t afraid to be melodramatic in its events, particularly towards the end of the game. While the game reaches a somewhat satisfying conclusion, it leaves some major questions, such as the exact nature of the Astral Plane and Chimeras, wide open and fails to offer any critical examination or background to its antagonists’ motives.

Astral Chain is a very welcome addition the Nintendo Switch’s library and PlatinumGames’ portfolio. Some areas are stronger than others; the combat and style are both excellent, but platforming sections are less engaging and the game’s doesn’t make full use of its interesting premise and setting by preferring to go into more straightforward anime melodrama. It’s one that’s well worth checking out for RPGamers and non-RPGamers alike.

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Summary
Astral Chain's shortcomings don't overshadow what it does best. It's an incredible execution of a fresh take on Platinum Games' foundation, standing among the stylish-action greats. And its own anime-inspired swagger makes fights all the more exhilarating.
Good
  • Inventive, gratifying combat system that gives you so many fun tools to work with
  • Variety and pacing through the lengthy campaign keeps things fresh from start to finish
  • Slick manga/anime-inspired presentation comes to life in motion with unrelenting style
Bad
  • Movement can sometimes be imprecise and cause occasional frustrations
8.3
Great
Gameplay - 8.4
Graphics - 8.2
Audio - 8.3
Longevity - 8.4

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