Chains of Freedom

This isn’t the game that revolutionizes the genre, but it’s that kind of indie title that could entertain you for the hours needed to complete the main story. Frankly, I had hoped it would be much more, but overall I had fun, and it works well—especially if you lower your expectations a bit. A decent indie that does its job and is worth considering if you enjoy tactical games.

Nordcurrent’s Chains of Freedom isn’t an outstanding turn-based tactics game for me, but some of its core systems are genuinely good and – depending on your personal tastes – it might be one you will greatly enjoy.

Chains of Freedom is a turn-based action game with incredible art and good storytelling, but its gameplay may be too familiar, missing opportunities to make its combat more exciting or original.

The main problem with Chains of Freedom is that it never stakes its own claim. It doesn’t carve out territory that feels unique and often feels more like an imitator of other games than something with its own personality. While the core mechanics are largely serviceable, without a unique angle, there are far greater entries in the turn-based tactics genre to spend your time with. Ultimately, the predictable narrative delivered by dull characters and the repetitive combat make this a difficult recommendation for all but the most die-hard fans of the genre.

Aggressively average and ultimately forgettable, Chains of Freedom is neither bad nor good, it just is.

Quotation forthcoming.

The sins of Chains of Freedom are on a completely different plane: its ending is not a reward, but a long-awaited release from the monotony of life. And the further you progress, the more tedious and lengthy the endless battles become.