Astral Chain

 Switch
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 92 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 89 out of 92
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 92
  3. Negative: 0 out of 92
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  1. M3
    Sep 22, 2019
    70
    Astral Chain is a different take on Platinum Games action formula and deserves a chance if you're a fan of their previous work. Although the battles never quite reach the same level of finesse and variety as in Bayonetta, there are still a occasions in the game that come close. The interaction between our character and its Legion is the big draw, but unfortunately there are times when we are forced to fight without it. Half of the times because our Legion attacks straight on, the other half because we ourselves fumble around with the right stick. But if you have plenty of patience, Astral Chain works superbly at least until it's time for Bayonetta 3.
  2. RPG Site
    Aug 29, 2019
    70
    I think Astral Chain is a special game. There’s not anything else that’s quite like it and I admire how much it shakes up the PlatinumGames formula. It doesn’t fully succeed at everything it sets out to do, but the foundation is solid enough to improve upon. Astral Chain is an exhilarating ride that never let go of me once it clicked. If it ever sees a follow-up that irons out its problems, then PlatinumGames may truly have another new classic on the horizon.
  3. MGG
    Aug 26, 2019
    65
    It's tough not to consider Astral Chain something of a small disappointment, especially when you know Platinum Games' talent for beat 'em ups. We not only highly commend the fight mechanics in this latest title from Takahashi Taura, but also its universe — original and supported by a high-class artistic direction. However, the overall game is pulled down somewhat by a structure of missions that doesn't match the studio's desire to mix the beat 'em up and investigative genres, and further by large approximations and other technical problems — all of which have a significant impact on the enjoyment of the game.
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  1. Eurogamer
    Aug 26, 2019
    Sprawling, varied and constantly stylish, Astral Chain is a very different breed of action game that ranks with Platinum's best. [Eurogamer Essential]
  2. Kotaku
    Aug 26, 2019
    I came into Astral Chain expecting a nice action game with a pleasant anime aesthetic, a a scoop of ice cream with a cherry on top. Platinum Games gave me a giant sundae piled high with whipped cream and sliced fruit and chocolate sauce. And nuts. Pecans. Love those pecans. What I wanted is there, and it’s good. There’s just so much more, and I love it all.
  3. Mashable
    Sep 2, 2019
    If you’re not into all the side cases, you can skip a lot of them and still have a good time, but you'll risk missing out on some nice upgrades and fun combat scenarios and puzzles.
  5. Polygon
    Aug 26, 2019
    What begins as a dark meditation on collecting pocket monsters gradually becomes a blunt, but effective, soap opera about life in shitty times. Astral Chain is about the urge to inspire good, not just by hurting the enemy, but through helping those around you. It’s also wonderfully welcoming, an action game for everybody that provides an escape to a world on fire where good people can do right. Forget Game of the Year. Astral Chain is a game for this moment. [Polygon Recommends]
  6. The Verge
    Sep 2, 2019
    Astral Chain tries to be so many different things that it can be hard to describe what it actually is. But that’s also what makes it so interesting. It’s flawed and confusing, heartfelt and electrifying. It’s the kind of thing you can’t put a label on — or a name that lets you know what you’re in for.
  7. Vice
    Aug 26, 2019
    It’s not that there are no original ideas in Astral Chain, no bright spots or brief respites from the boring loop. It’s that for nearly 30 hours, the ones that show up are either underdeveloped or else go uncultivated in favor of something fundamentally rehashed and reheated.

Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best Switch Game of 2019
2
#2 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2019
70
#70 Most Shared Switch Game of 2019

User Reviews

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User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 3468 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3,079 out of 3468
  2. Mixed: 143 out of 3468
  3. Negative: 246 out of 3468
  1. ps3fan2
    Aug 30, 2019
    4
    Fantastic graphics but everything else is really mediocre or outright poor. Go buy Devil May Cry 5 or Bayonetta for a true action gameFantastic graphics but everything else is really mediocre or outright poor. Go buy Devil May Cry 5 or Bayonetta for a true action game experience. Gameplay is worse than NieR Automata's.… Full Review »
  2. Sijun
    Mar 11, 2021
    10
    I finally got my hands on Astral Chains and I will try to give you a good resume. So here are my pros and cons so far before I write down myI finally got my hands on Astral Chains and I will try to give you a good resume. So here are my pros and cons so far before I write down my verdict. If you are looking for some feedback to decide weather or not to buy it yourself, here are my thoughts.

    Pros:
    - stunning graphics and visuals
    - awesome soundtrack
    - very unique and fun game mechanics
    - complex combat system
    - very action packed but not the typical buttom masher
    - great eye for details in the surrounding world
    - the city feels very much alive
    - interesting story
    - great and epic boss battles

    Cons:
    - 30 fps
    - most sidequests are boring

    Verdict:
    The true nature of this title is a wonderfully made action game. It has everything I asked/hoped for and even more.
    The boss battles are well directed and challenging. The city feels very much alive and the scenery is just beautiful and eye-pleasing.
    To me this game is one of the best games I've played in a long time and I hope for a sequel.
    The only downside I can see is the 30fps the game is running on. While I dont recognize it all the time, on rare occasions I had the feeling that I saw some frame drops but it was really minor.
    If you are into action games and loved Nier:Automata and Bayonetta, you for sure will love this game to death.
    Iif you asked yourself if you should buy this game, at least I can highly recommend it at this point of time.    … Full Review »
  3. Jax360
    Aug 31, 2019
    10
    Presentation. 100/100
    Graphics TV. 98/100
    Graphics Handheld. 99/100 Music. 100./100 Controls. 100/100 Content & Replayability. 90/100    Presentation. 100/100
    Graphics TV. 98/100
    Graphics Handheld. 99/100
    Music. 100./100
    Controls. 100/100
    Content & Replayability. 90/100
    Gameplay. 98/100
    Funfactor. 98/100    … Full Review »
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