Astral Chain

 Switch
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
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  1. Rashood55
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Great game really enjoyed it The combat is fun nice story and graphics for a switch
  2. Ziffy1
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    This game, in my opinion, is a gem to play. You do not just fight and go through a story you perform investigations, answers quizzes on what you found, you solve puzzles to get information and to get to new areas. Things you miss due to not having a certain legion are accessible afterwards as you can replay every single level and refight every boss all over again as often as you want.This game, in my opinion, is a gem to play. You do not just fight and go through a story you perform investigations, answers quizzes on what you found, you solve puzzles to get information and to get to new areas. Things you miss due to not having a certain legion are accessible afterwards as you can replay every single level and refight every boss all over again as often as you want. There are post-game levels to unlock new items and armors and to challenge yourself. The fighting system is incredible. You can switch weapons mid-attack, chain together sync attacks, have a friend play as either the person OR the legion, and even the legions have their own unique battle abilities. The game takes risks in its style due to it being insanely unique, and it succeeds in every single area. It is easily one of my favorite games at the moment and among the best games i have on SWITCH. Those review bombing it probably have different gaming tastes, aren't used to the battle style because it is new and it is difficult, or simply are salty because it is a SWITCH exclusive. Console wars, how ironic. People get cocky when they have exclusives for their consoles then review bomb a good game because they don't have the console for it. It is hypocritical, moronic and utterly immature. If you don't have it, too bad, GO GET IT! This game is AMAZING. Or, just shut up and go enjoy your other game systems and their exclusives… Expand
  3. Lunarstill
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    One of the best action games around, a Switch must-buy title for sure! The average user score is only here because of stupid fanboys. Luckily, I can afford all consoles and I can say I'm all too happy Nintendo got this exclusive!
  4. Deathcripter
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    Какие то озлобленные дебичи, дрочащие на свою одну единственную платформу порвались от того что эта игра экслюзив.
    Похожая история была с рдр2, наспех придуманные минусы высосанные из пальца и оценка 0. Неужели вы настолько наивны что думаете будто ваше нытье что то сделает этой действительно хорошоей игре. Ситуация максимально тупая. Ставлю этой игре 10, просто потому что. Хотя очевидно    Какие то озлобленные дебичи, дрочащие на свою одну единственную платформу порвались от того что эта игра экслюзив.
    Похожая история была с рдр2, наспех придуманные минусы высосанные из пальца и оценка 0. Неужели вы настолько наивны что думаете будто ваше нытье что то сделает этой действительно хорошоей игре. Ситуация максимально тупая. Ставлю этой игре 10, просто потому что. Хотя очевидно что у нее есть свои минусы и плюсы    … Expand
  5. Sai_Asakura
    Sep 3, 2019
    8
    It's not the best platinum game, but it's really enjoyable to play, maybe a lot of people hate this game, but this game didn't deserve score below 5, just think about it, how bad can be the game that deserve 0-4, whoever give scores below 5, they hate it just because they can't play the game, either they're suck at playing game, or they didn't have Nintendo Switch.
  6. Serg_Svetashev
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Great game. New sensations and experience. Managing two heroes at the same time is very interesting! Thanks a lot, Hideki Kamiya! :)
  7. GamerXGamer
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    One of the best action games ever period. In the era or remakes and remasters, platinum games coming through with an original IP with an amazing and innovative gameplay. the gameplay itself if enough as price of admission but platinum has gone up and beyond. (Minor spoiler: ability to prioritize helping civilian and doing detective works actually puts you in a position e mindset,One of the best action games ever period. In the era or remakes and remasters, platinum games coming through with an original IP with an amazing and innovative gameplay. the gameplay itself if enough as price of admission but platinum has gone up and beyond. (Minor spoiler: ability to prioritize helping civilian and doing detective works actually puts you in a position e mindset, appaualding a game which penalize you for vandalism in 2019 is rare). And for the 60fps argument, this is a tactical action game, and 30fps does justice to it. More over platinum knows what they are doing. KUDOS PLATINUM GAMES.… Expand
  8. Diediegogo
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Un juego de acción desbordante , con muy buena trama , acción y un balance tremendo
  9. SergeSGO
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Fantastic... it is greate, surprised me in a very good way. necesary to play the game to confirm how good it is. forget the bad reviews from haters.
  10. Bucketninja
    Sep 3, 2019
    9
    Well worth the wait. A complicated, but fantastic combat system, a cool artstyle and hype as hell boss battles. It's Platinum Games at it's best. Shame about the review bombing made by fanboys with too much time on their hands on this website. Feels good to be able to play gamds on multiple platforms. Stop being so bitter, you guys.
  11. DatSchnizzle
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    This game is pretty much one of the highlights this year... it may be my favorite game next to Three Houses and Devil May Cry 5 this year.

    If you are a Fan of a fast paced Bayonetta like game then you are really well served with this game. The variety of combos and fighting possibilities with all your Legions and your Weapons are pretty cool. Everything works out well... the Graphics,    This game is pretty much one of the highlights this year... it may be my favorite game next to Three Houses and Devil May Cry 5 this year.

    If you are a Fan of a fast paced Bayonetta like game then you are really well served with this game. The variety of combos and fighting possibilities with all your Legions and your Weapons are pretty cool. Everything works out well... the Graphics, Art Style, Cyberpunk Theme... its a pretty good synergy.

    I can highly recommend this game for everyone who likes a game with a customizable character, really enjoyable fighting system, fast paced combat (with a few stops because of the counter and parry options), a wide variety of attacks and combos, a pretty good story and pretty good graphics! I think that it is a must buy for Switch players!    … Expand
  12. mknight
    Sep 3, 2019
    9
    No game is perfect, but this one is pretty darn fun. Dazzling graphics with a very unique Blade-Runner-meets-Naruto color palette, fun and varied combat that give me a Devil-May-Cry-meets-Vanquish feeling; fun side- and main-quests, just an overall joy to play, especially in couch mode on a big screen.
  13. josip23
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    One of the best Platinum Games releases, hope they release a sequel as awesome as this game
  14. Phaidros
    Sep 3, 2019
    4
    I am stunned, how the well known sites and reviewers are hyping this game.
    For me it plays like a 10$ game, unpolished and uninspired. Graphics are nice, but that is all.
    Pro:
    - graphics
    Cons:
    - sloppy programmed acting of the characters
    - uninspired story
    - no reason to play it, basically. Predecessors (Bajonetta, Nier Automata) are way better
  15. Pash2x4b
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    First game in a loooooong time that firstly has me excited to play and secondly I can lose several hours to that feels like minutes! I have been struggling to get into ANYTHING on any console for close to a year but this game has reawakened the spark!
  16. Astral6666
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Hermoso juego por donde lo veas, llevo 9 hrs de juego y conforme avanzo mas me gusta y mas adictivo, post data me da risa los hater que le ponen 0 por no salir en su consola osea los ratitas de ps4 pobrecitos los tienen ilusionados con su uberstranding y su FFVII en pedazitos que no saben ni que jugar jajajajaa.
  17. PouncingTigers
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    An truly amazing new Ip from Platinum Games. A worthy new Nintendo title with so much action and fun gameplay. It's worth every penny.
  18. TheeLampshade
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    By far one of the best games I’ve been played. Sick of all this dumb people review bombing such a wonderful game.
  19. SoulkeeperEva
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Don't let the salty Sony fanboy cloud your judgement this game is amazing from art to music I highly recommended giving it a go. Also to any one review bombing it just because it's an exclusive means they have paid to make the game get over your self.
  20. Pinchito
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Un saludo para todos esos haters de Nintendo y todo lo relacionado con la compañía. Masticad esa envidia y expulsad esa bilis de una vez por todas. Cuanto unineuronal suelto, madre mía!! xD....
  21. ErkMcleod
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Imprescindible en tu catálogo de juegos, gráficos excelentes, una buena historia y buenas mecánicas de juego.
  22. Fang805
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Everyone review bombing this should have their accounts banned. This game is great. Story, gameplay, graphics, this game has it all. A great addition to the switch library.
  23. Cunado1519
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    No tengo el juego, Solo quiero Joder a los Sonyers. Pero asi soy mas honesto que los que le ponen 0 y nunca lo jugaron.
  24. Onisoka
    Sep 3, 2019
    9
    First, yes, i played the game, unlike those idiots giving it a 0 (disgusting other consoles fanboys childishly review bombing) or 10 for no serious reasons.
    Second, while the game isn't perfect technicaly speaking, it looks (good artstyle) and runs (stable 30 fps, with some rare drops to 27 fps at worse) fantastic, even without taking in account that it is a switch (for reminder, a    First, yes, i played the game, unlike those idiots giving it a 0 (disgusting other consoles fanboys childishly review bombing) or 10 for no serious reasons.
    Second, while the game isn't perfect technicaly speaking, it looks (good artstyle) and runs (stable 30 fps, with some rare drops to 27 fps at worse) fantastic, even without taking in account that it is a switch (for reminder, a handheld hardware) game.
    Third, the story so far is good (i didn't finish it for now but i'm decently advanced) but i won't talk about it because don't wanna spoil.
    Fourth, NO, the 30 fps framerate doesn't impact the fluidity of the combat.
    Fifth, the combat itself is as good as you would except from a Platinum Games product : intense, with a deep complexity, the possibility of doing stylish combos as always. My only complain about this point is the foe locking that i don't know how to use without making the camera go crazy in a fight against multiple ennemis, especially flying ones. But maybe that's just because i'm really bad xD.
    Sixth, the gameplay diversity is dope, with the police cases that make you explore the various half-open places present in the game.

    In conclusion, a great (but not perfect, of course) action game, and a good addition to the now long list of Switch's classics.

    A little sidenote : the Switch exclusivity is perfectly logic considering Nintendo litteraly funded and helped the developpement of the game...    … Expand
  25. Hoodie78
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    What a fantastic game! Extremely stylish with varied, slick gameplay and awesome customization options. Most of the bad reviews seem to be from people who are mad it isn’t available on their platform- another testament to the quality of this game. Great work Platinum! And thank you Nintendo for supporting new IP.
  26. jakemoxx
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Love it, action packed, extremely polished. The lighting is ridiculously good, docked and handheld are both top notch. 10/10
  27. AngryyDog
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Best action game on Nintendo Switch, can’t wait for Astral Chain 2, thanks Platinum Games for this beautiful game
  28. DNC64
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Sadly much members of the site that played Astral Chain give a ridiculous review for game. No game desierves one zero. But sadly there are haters and the fact that a game does not have a version for your console its enough for a bad review.

    Astral Chain it´s a great game, not perfect but great
  29. biajfm
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Just because your broke ass can’t buy a Switch you shouldn’t downvote an exclusive I don’t owe a Switch either, but I won’t judge a company for making a great game to use as marketing, that is how they make money dummy
  30. Boilefthand
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Great game nice combat as expected from platinum duh. A must buy it is oh and it is one of the best looking switch games out there i hope beyo3 turns out as good as this game maybe even better so yea good game
  31. Shaedowhunter
    Sep 3, 2019
    9
    Not boring, the graphics are great in portable mode, docked mode shows some graphical flaws (like jaggedness and resolution) but the game play feels solid. After moving from Warriors games this feels very fleshed out, as there are more things to do other than just hack and slash. The combat has depth and variety to it. Different Legions provide different strategies, and the dual-characterNot boring, the graphics are great in portable mode, docked mode shows some graphical flaws (like jaggedness and resolution) but the game play feels solid. After moving from Warriors games this feels very fleshed out, as there are more things to do other than just hack and slash. The combat has depth and variety to it. Different Legions provide different strategies, and the dual-character control doesn't feel repetitive no matter how many fights you're in.… Expand
  32. Panda25
    Sep 3, 2019
    9
    Es un gran juego, con mecánicas solidas y un gran aporte al catalogo de switch, grande platinum
  33. link_danirojo
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Creo que merece un 9, pero le doy un 10 debido a la cantidad de ceros sinsentido que tiene. Es un juegazo que mezcla una historia anime con toques de los mejores como Evangelion con unas batallas marca de la casa Platinum muy frenéticas y con unas mecánicas muy profundas que convierten cada batalla en una experiencia increíble. Aunque sus fases de investigación y secundarias son algo másCreo que merece un 9, pero le doy un 10 debido a la cantidad de ceros sinsentido que tiene. Es un juegazo que mezcla una historia anime con toques de los mejores como Evangelion con unas batallas marca de la casa Platinum muy frenéticas y con unas mecánicas muy profundas que convierten cada batalla en una experiencia increíble. Aunque sus fases de investigación y secundarias son algo más flojas, cfeo que esos cambios de ritmos no le hacen ningún mal a un juego que, en casi todo, es excelente. Lo he acabado en 28h y he flipado en casa misión.… Expand
  34. AlexConnor1
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Nintendo Switch need more title like This!
    Awesome.
    People giving bad reviews only want the game on other platforms.
  35. Loor89
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Fantastic! The game is perfect! Best game of the century! Who say that is not good is a testa di cazzo!
  36. nyenye
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    It's a really great game, not a 10, but easily an 8.5, Just giving it a 10 to try and balance out all the Sony fanboys.
  37. mrasos
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    This videogame is the best title of 2019, it's no just Tha other gamer make bullying to this grat videogame.
  38. Slarson4
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Love this game. Unique plot, fun battles that make you feel like a total bad***. Cool music, great voice acting.
  39. Kherti
    Sep 3, 2019
    9
    I'm only in the first chapters, but it is one of the best game on switch. A good story telling and a really good and fun gameplay. The mechanics are simple but with the legions you can do a lot of things
    (sorry for the bad english but i'm italian)
  40. edutorello95
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    This game is amazing! Don't listen to these Sony fanboys (I'm ashamed cuz I am a Sony fanboy too). Its one of the best action games from this generation. Is it better than Nier Automata? Probably not, but it is still a 9, 10/10 game. If you own a Nintendo and like PlatinumGames, this is a must buy.
  41. Yacron
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Good game, juego buenísimo, lastima que la mayoría de usuarios de ps4 hagan review bombing.
  42. BaconPancakes
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    The controls feel really natural. I might not have known how i did a lot of it right away, but awesome regardless. Love the music and the anime style graphics. It sucks this and fire emblem are getting review bombed. The sales they are making will luckily cancel those out.
  43. Clearwolf
    Sep 3, 2019
    9
    A fantastic experience, with gameplay making me want to play more after completing the story, so I will be attempting to 100% the game.
  44. Itsphil6007
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Great game. Too bad it's being review bombed by incels. The game is a 9. It has deep and layered mechanics. It has great music and nicely written story . Great addition to my switch liberty.
  45. SamuraiKid
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    BEST GAME EVEEEER. Sooo many cool ideas from Platinum. Why are people upset about it only being on the switch? Just get a switch, man!! Don't take out your anger on this masterpiece, plz guys!!
  46. Porrovalirio
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Durante muchos años, el poder de la Alquimia regía el mundo de Weyard. Gracias al descubrimiento de ese poder, la humanidad alcanzó la cima de la civilización y el conocimiento. Pero a la vez que el conocimiento y la sabiduría crecían, también lo hacían los sueños y ambiciones. Sueños de conquista, de guerra, de poder ilimitado y de vida eterna. En consecuencia, se empezó a abusar de la Alquimia. Todas estas aspiraciones habrían arrasado Weyard de no ser por unos sabios expertos que sellaron este poder en lo más profundo de las entrañas del Templo Sonne, dentro del Monte Aleph. La consecuencia de esto fue que las luces de los Faros Elementales se extinguieron. Tras esto, Weyard se vio privado de su energía elemental y se empezó a destruir a sí mismo poco a poco, empezando por el norte. Esto provocó el caos en la aldea más boreal de Weyard, Prox, gobernada por el Clan Marte del Norte. Un grupo de emisarios guerreros del Clan Marte del Norte, son enviados por Puel (alcalde de Prox) y el anciano sabio de la aldea, con la misión de informar a los habitantes de Weyard (empezando por los taleanos) sobre el peligro que se cierne sobre el mundo si la luz de los cuatro faros elementales (Mercurio, Venus, Júpiter y Marte) no vuelve a concentrarse en el monte Aleph, ya que mucho tiempo atrás, sus luces fueron selladas para evitar que el ser humano destruyese Weyard, al acumular todo el poder que la Alquimia guarda tras de sí. Entre estos guerreros emisarios estaban Saturos y Menardi, conocidos en Prox por ser los más fuertes. Nadie en Tale les creyó.… Expand
  47. lgdough
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Pure perfection, the only plataform that deserves this masterpiece is the Nintendo Switch!
  48. THE_COCONUT_MAN
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Very cool game - I brought a Switch for it especially. Combat is original but fiddly, however once you get the hang of it it is really satisfying. Cool visuals, love the sci-fi setting and inter-dimensional threat.
  49. linking90
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    A great game and a great switch exclusive.
    Incredible controls, and acceptable graphics.
    An incredible frame rate especially to be the switch
  50. whatisakyler
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Seriously... stop review bombing this... let people review the damn game fairly. And also, I think this game's a ten : )
  51. altalo
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    El juego tiene todo para entretener, el sistema de combate es muy bueno y todo lo relacionado con la candena da un toque de aire fresco a un hack slash mas tranquilo a lo que estamos acostumbrados
    Gráficamente el juego se mueve perfecto en la pantalla de la consola y mejor aun en el dock, siendo en este sentido uno de los grandes de la consola
  52. NanGamer
    Sep 3, 2019
    9
    Não deem ouvidos a esses idiotas que estão acabando com o jogo só porque o mesmo não está incluso no seu videogamezinho do coração. Astral Chain é um doz melhores jogos de ação dos últimos anos, com um sistema de batalhas inovador e uma gameplay que varia entre ação e investigação. Ótima adição ao ja incrível catálogo do Switch. Parabéns a Nintendo e principalmente a Platinum Games.Não deem ouvidos a esses idiotas que estão acabando com o jogo só porque o mesmo não está incluso no seu videogamezinho do coração. Astral Chain é um doz melhores jogos de ação dos últimos anos, com um sistema de batalhas inovador e uma gameplay que varia entre ação e investigação. Ótima adição ao ja incrível catálogo do Switch. Parabéns a Nintendo e principalmente a Platinum Games.
  53. EduardoGarces
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Ya lo ves te jodes pipero le doy un 10 diez en respuesta a tu 0 ceroYa lo ves te jodes pipero le doy un 10 diez en respuesta a tu 0 cero !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!… Expand
  54. thedoc157
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Phenomenal title! I am enjoying this game so much. I have been traveling this week and playing this game on the go is so incredible. Such high quality!
  55. Xingshouaguai
    Sep 3, 2019
    1
    The gameplay is really bad in TV mode,gameplay is worse than NieR Automata's
  56. RickNeto21
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    One of the most impressive games released in this generation. A complete new IP, full of action, imersive story and good variety of gameplay, supported by good controls and beautifull grafics. It's a must buy game!
  57. Ozimandeus
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    An utterly amazing looking game, that makes you believe you are IN a manga film. Without doubt yet another 'must have' reason to buy a Nintendo Switch.
  58. ZXSino
    Sep 3, 2019
    9
    Superb combat and great visuals. Really enjoyable game. Well worth buying a Switch for.
  59. Enil
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    La unica razon por la que escribo y boto actualmente es proque estoy viendo a mucha gente bajandole la nota adrede a Astral Chain con ceros, y yo vine a poner un 10 solo para contrarestar algun 0 de esos, para mi el juego es de 9 > 9.2
  60. mitolxx
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    GOTY!. Do not listen to angry sony fan boys, this game is amazing and simple.
  61. caz85
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    One of the best Nintendo Switch games, full of action, at first a bit complicated to handle the character, but you learn fast. For all those jealous who cry for not having it on their PS4, what they should do is buy a Switch and stop crying.
  62. Dboyfourlife
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Don't listen to the haters. This game looks unreal on the switch and story and gameplay are amazing.
  63. Igledani
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Muy buen juego historia gratificante jugabilidad bastante buena sin duda un juego para la híbrida de Nintendo de los mejores juegos sin duda. Exclusividad obligatoria . Gráficos muy buenos.
  64. Jean84
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Una joya de Nintendo switch, que a muchos les pica por qué es exclusivo.
    Gracias platiniun ganes
  65. Sergmaster
    Sep 3, 2019
    9
    Gracias por el review bombing, ya que la propaganda sea buena o mala nunca le viene mal a un juego tan espectacular como este, porque cuando se da a conocer no puede hacer otra cosa que brillar.

    No digo que sea perfecto y por tanto la puntuación que le doy no lo es: hubiera preferido una historia más profunda como la de NIER Automata (pero claro, para eso es necesario un Taro. Estoy    Gracias por el review bombing, ya que la propaganda sea buena o mala nunca le viene mal a un juego tan espectacular como este, porque cuando se da a conocer no puede hacer otra cosa que brillar.

    No digo que sea perfecto y por tanto la puntuación que le doy no lo es: hubiera preferido una historia más profunda como la de NIER Automata (pero claro, para eso es necesario un Taro. Estoy deseando ver su próximo proyecto). Sin embargo si que destaca en la jugabilidad (una gran evolución del hack and slash que platinum viene desarrollando a años luz del resto del mercado), el arte anime (que personalmente me encanta) y en la banda sonora. Un juego muy amado y cuidado. Mis felicitaciones.    … Expand
  66. RetroSpider
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    I've been a gamer and Nintendo fan for 28 years and can honestly say that Astral Chain didn't just surpass my expectations, it blew them out of the park. I'm not a hardcore Platinum Games fan so was initially skeptical, however Astral Chain is a total change of direction for the studio. it mixes action with exploration, puzzle solving and character customisation and the dialogue andI've been a gamer and Nintendo fan for 28 years and can honestly say that Astral Chain didn't just surpass my expectations, it blew them out of the park. I'm not a hardcore Platinum Games fan so was initially skeptical, however Astral Chain is a total change of direction for the studio. it mixes action with exploration, puzzle solving and character customisation and the dialogue and music really stand out. Without a doubt my favourite third party release on the Nintendo Switch and a perfect demonstrator for what the console is capable of. My wife's not a gamer but really enjoyed the character customisation aspects and story. A killer app!… Expand
  67. Skyward_Hearts
    Sep 3, 2019
    2
    Let me start by saying, no, this isn't a fake review by a Sony fanboy like a lot are claiming all negative reviews are. I am more likely to be a Nintendo fanboy, my favourite games of all time are Nintendo exclusive, the Switch is my favourite console ever, I pretty much only play Switch and PC these days. Not only that, but I am a huge fan of Platinum Games, who I believe are responsibleLet me start by saying, no, this isn't a fake review by a Sony fanboy like a lot are claiming all negative reviews are. I am more likely to be a Nintendo fanboy, my favourite games of all time are Nintendo exclusive, the Switch is my favourite console ever, I pretty much only play Switch and PC these days. Not only that, but I am a huge fan of Platinum Games, who I believe are responsible for some of the best action games ever.

    With that out of the way, let me express how I think this game is utter garbage. First I will list off the positives, as it will be quite quick to get through them all:

    Pros:
    -Interesting world building full of interesting ideas. This is one of the first Platinum Games original IPs that has an intricate and well thought out world design, that doesn't exist solely as an excuse for bombastic action set pieces.

    -Lots of unique and great ideas with combat and exploration using the game's centric gimmick.

    -A distinct visual style with popping colour design.

    Ok, now that's out of the way, let's talk about the negatives, which, in my opinion, is basically everything else:

    -The combat system. Right, so the opening of the game shows you what the combat system is like without the legion gimmick, and I think anyone who would argue this is in any way good is lying. You have one button for attacks and you can dodge out the way. That's essentially as deep as the core combat of your character is, instead of having a super powerful, quick and stylish playable character that feels constantly fun and rewarding, you have a slow, weak and simple human that can't really do a whole lot. Luckily, you are given a legion near the end of the opening, where combat opens up slightly more. Now you have the ability to summon in an assistant who is chained to you, and control where they move. But that is it for now. You get to tell what looks like a fun character where to attack, while you're still stuck being boring. As the game goes on, you get given more and more abilities for your legion and the chain between you is used as a combat mechanic in various ways that are actually quite clever in concept, One of the most fun examples is the way you can make a chain line that acts as an elastic band to fling charging enemies back and stun them. The first time you use it, it feels pretty fun, but eventually, it just becomes a chore to keep doing. Imagine a significantly slower paced version of The Wonderful 101's mechanics. The other thing is you get legion attacks, which you can activate in certain situations or after your one button combos finish. This never seems to go beyond 'press the button' when you see a flash and only seems to add to the flashy visuals than it does to the gameplay. You can also learn parrying, which works similarly to Metal Gear Rising. The game continues like this, where instead of fleshing out your base combat, you're simply given more and more 'extras' to make it more complicated. There are a lot of clever ideas, but they felt more to me like tacked on gimmicks that got in the way of the fun, rather than enhancing it.The entire time I was playing, I was wishing that I would just play as the legion on its own, that actually looks fun. Why is the game getting to have all the fun while I have to deal with the busy work?

    The other huge negative is the camera and lock on controls, which in tight spaces, are **** atrocious. Your view is constantly getting obscured by various objects, walls or other enemies. You can't move the camera manually without locking on to another enemy and changing your camera completely, so you're left relying on the auto lock on to focus on the right thing without getting blocked - which is rare. The developers seemed to know this, so they decided to make the vast majority of the games combat take place is barren, flat and open grey and red areas, sacrificing interesting and varied level design to make the camera more bearable. This ties in to the next criticism:

    The mission and area design. The structure of a mission starts with extremely slow paced, ancient-feeling investigative sections in small and samey urban areas. There is nothing interesting about these sections at all other than a few cool little secrets to find. Other than that, they just serve as a blockade preventing you from just getting to action gameplay at a reasonable pace. Which makes the term 'action-packed' for this game feel quite insulting. Once you finally reach the actual gameplay - the levels are all indistinguishable red and grey cubey areas with very basic and slow paced platforming that feels straight out of a bad PS2 era game, mixed with lite and uninteresting puzzle solving, with a few combat encounters here and there. I honestly feel anyone who describes this game as 'action-packed' is spitefully lying to you. It's slow, awkward, clumsy and altogether all these ideas come together in a poorly executed mess.

    Hugely disappointed.    … Expand
  68. AlexRoyal
    Sep 3, 2019
    9
    Este juego es una maravilla. Los que le ponen notas bajas es porque son unos haters y no aguantan que Nintendo tenga grandes exclusivos.
  69. whampirit
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Genial, jugabilidad de 10, graficos geniales, buena historia y un monto de acció que es lo que se espera de uos grandes como platinium games.
  70. Jtplaz3
    Sep 3, 2019
    9
    Astral Chain holds all the elements that make the game worth playing, providing the player with amazing amounts of graphic scenery, mind gripping stories, and large amounts of maps with abilities that you can use to traverse the lands that help envelop the player deeper into the game's story.

    When I first picked up Astral Chain, I was immediately hooked. My first play-through of the    Astral Chain holds all the elements that make the game worth playing, providing the player with amazing amounts of graphic scenery, mind gripping stories, and large amounts of maps with abilities that you can use to traverse the lands that help envelop the player deeper into the game's story.

    When I first picked up Astral Chain, I was immediately hooked. My first play-through of the game was three hours straight and I honestly didn’t want to go to sleep at the end of that night. The game chained me down with its intense stories and dramatic characters and effects that I honestly made me feel as if I were the main character, fighting against the world with my Legions.

    Astral Chain offers a lot of cool and creative ways of playing the game, giving you a decent amount of character creation! Nothing big, but definitely something that'll help you create the character that you desire, whether it be you, an imaginary character, or even some OC 's online. There is even the ability to change your character's Pants, Shirts, Hats and even the ability to change their hair and characteristics after the original creation of the character has already been made.

    When you go out to explore the game, it helps direct you with maps that are simple to navigate but at the same time don't make the game too easy for you. Not allowing the ability to find important items easier, but instead directing you to important events, missions, and characters without you have to spend most of the game trying to figure out where your objective actually is.

    The fighting mechanics were BEAUTIFULLY crafted with the mechanics at first being easy to understand and gradually becoming more and more mechanical. With some true dedication and training, you can pull off HUGE strands and combos that are Dante level kinds of crazy. The UI definitely helps with fighting, being crystal clear and displaying all the necessary information while the sound cues are hear-able, and spot-on when it comes to something important going on in a fight and the utility of the Legions caught me off guard, at first making me think that I would only be allowed to use the Legion abilities in battle, but I was shocked when I discovered that all of the abilities granted to the Legions, were 100% always usable in the world to traverse various types of lands, solve cases and missions throughout the game, and even altering and shifting various amounts of lands and platforms too.

    Performance in the game is AMAZING, you'll notice a small bit of frame dropping when there are hundreds of enemies on the screen at one time, but it usually only lasts just a few seconds, and it then clears up right away. The game feels great in both TV and Handheld mode, and both modes look flawless retaining the graphics for both modes of play.

    The difficulty of the overall game is pretty accurate to its description, Easy, Casual, and Hard modes are given to you and you are allowed to swap and change these modes whenever you please after every "file" or world event is complete, even if you're playing on Normal or Easy mode, you'll still have some difficulties with bosses that should be pretty difficult to regardless.

    To chain everything together, Astral Chain provided me with a breathtaking experience through a Mechanical world, creating a strong bond not only with my Legion, but with the story, and the characters within the game. It created strong incredible scenes that lifted me out of my seat, made me excited, sad, and even sometimes confused and it continuously pulled me in with its amazing plot developments and its executions, chaining me down to my chair for hours on end locking me away with its story.    … Expand
  71. lightw4d
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    The game is a masterpiece. Even as some mentioned with 30fps it is great game. It's far visually better than Nier: Automata, which was poor mostly. Combat system is very different from what most of this kind of games have, but for me it's a good thing. Side quest are good. My friend who doesn't like to spend time with most of the games is constantly playing Astral Chain and enjoys the game too.
  72. ScavengerDragon
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I received this game for a late birthday present for a friend and this game is an absolute masterpiece. I originally wrote this on mobile, so now I can fully explain my reasoning to why this game is so amazing..

    First off the visual details. This game does not try to be the most graphically impressive game out there. It doesn't NEED to be either. Everything is done with an artistic flair that many games nowadays opt out of in favor of a more realistic approach which kind of stifles creativity. This is why games like Pokémon, Dragon quest, and a few choice other RPG's don't go for a realistic approach but for an artistic one, and this artistic design really makes a difference in terms of visual appeal for someone playing for long periods of time.

    Secondly is the story. While maybe not as in depth and deep as something like say Devil May Cry which has been a video game cultural icon for over what...15 to 20 years now? But it doesn't have to be either. It's a new IP drawing from the experience of the developers of Bayonetta and Nier Automata, both games that have received great praise from players the world over. And it takes those ideas, flips them on their heads and gives you a compelling story that drives you into wanting to find out more about the world surrounding Astral Chain.

    Lastly I'd like to note the gameplay. You'd probably think "Oh it's bayonetta" but really it's not. It has more depth than the Bayonetta series and yet also remains more simplistic. You control your protagonist character/Akira whichever Gender you decide to pick, and the controls feel fluid, the attack is kind of something you adjust to as it's basically ZR, but it's not a game breaker. Holding ZL and the Right stick, shifts control from the camera to your Legion, which is basically your secondary character which remains with you throughout the game. Think of it kind of like your Persona in that it's linked to you, but it's got a much more versatile set of uses that you can take advantage of in game. From jumping platforms which while I wish there was a dedicated jump button I'm not upset with this different mechanic, it makes you feel like the character is more human than other video game characters of the same genre, so what's wrong with needing a little help across a five foot or ten foot gap? Another useful little mechanic is the chain which binds the Legion to you, and this can be used to parkour around the stage, or even bind an enemy for a short time to deliver a flurry of attacks while they're vulnerable. You can also use that chain as a sort of bungie cord to repel enemies back when they try to ram right into you. Mechanics honestly that I never thought would work in a video game but Astral Chain achieves this in ways that make the game feel fluid, more natural.

    Overall I'd say that this game is a must buy for any Switch Owner who loves the game genre's of Devil May Cry and Bayonetta, because it builds on and improves the fluidity of the gameplay of those games and puts us in a right step to where I think the genre could become much more open to the more inexperienced players that find Devil May Cry just a bit daunting.

    I give this game a perfect 10 because I haven't played a game on the Switch this much since a game's release since Breath of the Wild. So if you have a Nintendo Switch and you're on the fence...I personally think that you should at least give the game a shot. It's definitely worth the money that they're asking for.    … Expand
  73. ValeryN
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Bad users score are due to PS4 MORONS who can't accept that this new PlatinumGames jewel is EXCLUSIVE to the Nintendo Switch :))))
  74. Iznax
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    I keep it as simple as possible.
    Wonderful presentation, great story, and amazing gameplay!
    If there is something that might be a con about this game, this is the fact that there is not a great variety in terms of environments. This is perfectly fine with me considering the story and setting of the game, but i can see that it can be an issue for some.
    One of the best Action games ever!
  75. Alextreme80
    Sep 3, 2019
    0
    Un juego.mas del montón de switch en lo personal no me gustó.....eso sin contar a nivel gráfico deja mucho que desear...en fin
  76. PantlessThunder
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    I really love this game. Not really been able to put it down much. It's got an anime feel, with a darksouls combat style, set in a syfi world. Best game I've played in a while.
  77. RoxasIrving
    Sep 3, 2019
    6
    Positive +Gameplay +Music
    +Customization


    Negative - 30 Frames
    -Boring Investigation
    -Horrible side missions
  78. Virtua
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    The best on switch right now. This is the best game in compartion with other platforms. Great game!
  79. metal1984
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    Es un juego de 8,5 , pero hay que contrarrestar esta practica de moda que es puntuar bajo a otros juegos de la competencia. Platinum Games saca grandes juegos arriesgando mas que otras compañias, hay que apoyarlos o solo tendremos FIFA´s y COD´s
  80. ONIXS
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    Literalmente se le nota empeño que pusieron en el juego que claro tiene fallos pero son o minúsculos o los demás detalles son tan bien recibidos que se te pasa por alto juegazo
  81. Kazex
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    This is an amazing game. It starts as it means to go on, with a great action set piece. There are a ton of collectibles and other things to keep completionists happy. I would recommend this as a Nintendo Switch must buy!
  82. Civ13
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    Great graphics and character designs.this might be my favorite platinum game.fun gameplay and a great story.
  83. CLS1989
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    ASTRAL CHAIN es sin duda el mejor juego de acción no sólo en lo que va del año sino también en mucho mucho tiempo más. Además de tener una jugabilidad brutal, variada e inovadora (lo cual ya es demasiado tratándose de un género como el hack and slash), todo el tiempo sumerge al jugador en el colorido mundo de la cultura popular japonesa, mostrando entornos urbanos colosales, llenos deASTRAL CHAIN es sin duda el mejor juego de acción no sólo en lo que va del año sino también en mucho mucho tiempo más. Además de tener una jugabilidad brutal, variada e inovadora (lo cual ya es demasiado tratándose de un género como el hack and slash), todo el tiempo sumerge al jugador en el colorido mundo de la cultura popular japonesa, mostrando entornos urbanos colosales, llenos de vida y contrastes entre callejuelas y rascacielos. En lo personal, las referencias a animes y mangas japoneses que en su momento amé demasiado me hicieron al mismo tiempo remontarme a diferentes etapas de mi vida mientras jugaba este título: Ghost in the shell, Evangelion, Gantz y Pokémon, están presentes para darle una profundidad mayor a la atmósfera que desde el inicio quería mostrarnos Platinum Games con esta obra. Astral Chain es fantástico. Si te gusta el anime y el manga, la acción frenética, la cultura popular japonesa y tienes una Nintendo Switch, debes jugar este título.… Expand
  84. Ggo
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    Très bon jeu d'action, un belle hommage au manga des années 90, visuellement magnifique et très dynamique.
  85. ReaperXGr
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    Another masterpiece form Platinum Games!It's amazing what they have managed to do with the switch thinking of its low specs.
  86. Zack9010
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    Es un Juegazo si es cierto q los personajes no son muy variados pero la historia y la jugabilidad son muy buenos los controles son precisos y cual juego en 30 fps no tiene caídas.... talvez no sea el tipo de juego que te claves unas 100 horas en el pero el juego e precioso!!!!
  87. DulceLinux
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    Excelente juego, hasta ahora de lo mejor del año. Su historia me ha atrapado desde el principio, su estílo de batalla me parece completo pero súmamente interesante. Los gráficos se ven totalmente imipresionantes en todo momento. Me encanta! lo recomiendo amplliamente, si no tienes Switch, no te preocupes, con Switch Lite estará al alcance de más gente, aunque ya la original ha bajado muchoExcelente juego, hasta ahora de lo mejor del año. Su historia me ha atrapado desde el principio, su estílo de batalla me parece completo pero súmamente interesante. Los gráficos se ven totalmente imipresionantes en todo momento. Me encanta! lo recomiendo amplliamente, si no tienes Switch, no te preocupes, con Switch Lite estará al alcance de más gente, aunque ya la original ha bajado mucho de precio.… Expand
  88. Romangelo
    Sep 2, 2019
    0
    I'm not giving it a zero because "Not on PS4" like some people, but the game literally crashed my Switch. It's unplayable to me.
  89. punkmexic
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great gameplay, great game design, pretty original. This is a good example of how to create a game, good music.… Expand
  90. Bijmanmalianteo
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    Is a sublime game, whit fantastic graphics, fantastic Soundtrack, and a game modality is a delicious, unique in this indusrty of videogames. Is a totally shame what a few of people for envy rated bad this masterpiece. Totally recomended for everyone, a fine wine of game.
  91. SONNYFSG
    Sep 2, 2019
    9
    Overwhelming positive in 'User Reviews'.
    But huge amount of Negative in 'User Score'.
    So who are attacking this game?
  92. CoolK92
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    This should be a neutral page but instead it's just a fanboy **** It's Switch only so pull you that huge buttplug and get a Switch !
  93. Eagle367
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    I've been playing it for a while. It's an amazing game with amazing artstyles, visuals, gameplay and story. Giving it a 10 because of review bombing. This game is much better than a 6.1
  94. coolflare
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    Had to give this game a proper rating because idiots are review-bombing this game.
  95. Kacarotto
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    The Best of Platinum Games. Amazing
    Every Switch owner must have it.
    Thank You NINTENDO.
  96. Poopymcg
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    I created an account to try to offset the ridiculous zero scores created by people that can't stand that switch actually has an awesome exclusive. The game is great and unique and if you own a switch you should buy it.
  97. HikaruHikari
    Sep 2, 2019
    9
    Good game but a little bit sad that the game is run at 30fps and drop sometimes even in dock mode.
  98. YaDante
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    Platinum Games does not disappoint. Amazing action and visuals. A unique experience every Switch owner should pick up.
  99. MareepLoque
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    For goty.
    Switch need more games like this, Nintendo please buy Planitum games
  100. Reybaz22
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    Esta bien bueno esos haters les ponen cero y ni siquiera tienen switch yo lo compre pero alimente y esta buenísimo.
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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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Apr 28, 2020
    85
    This one is more of a crowd-pleaser than a game-changer. [Issue #42 – October 2019, p. 68]
  2. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Feb 28, 2020
    100
    Astral Chain consists of varied genres, but is mostly an action game, which has great ideas and interesting, relaxed humour, that doesn´t spoil its serious plot. [Issue#298]
  3. ZTGD
    Nov 7, 2019
    85
    Despite the hardware limitations and a handful of odd design choices, Astral Chain is one of the best new IPs to hit in recent years and one deserving the attention of every Switch owner.
    Read full review
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