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. Timenick
    Jan 13, 2021
    10
    Probably the best new IP of this year. A must play for every hack n slay fan that own a Switch.
  2. Lighty
    Dec 27, 2020
    10
    Absolutely amazing and the best Switch game of 2019. Great story, good narrative/writing, amazing level design, beautiful visuals and graphics, fast and fun gameplay, fun side activities, good exploration, and a killer soundtrack
  3. IMR707
    Dec 26, 2020
    10
    Pros
    + Charming Setting and Character. Can't help but love those vending machines. :)
    + Legions design reminds me of Gundam 00, my favourite anime robot series + Gameplay is super awesome and unique, able to control two character and make super combo with legion swap. Some parts even surpasses other games as they implement core gameplay on a intense scene instead of a Quick Time Event    Pros
    + Charming Setting and Character. Can't help but love those vending machines. :)
    + Legions design reminds me of Gundam 00, my favourite anime robot series
    + Gameplay is super awesome and unique, able to control two character and make super combo with legion swap. Some parts even surpasses other games as they implement core gameplay on a intense scene instead of a Quick Time Event
    + The boss fight is super awesome and unique too
    + Music has awesome mixes of technos and epics
    + The settings is unique combination of dystopia and futuristic
    + Very nice graphic for switch

    Cons
    - Occasional stutter on FPS
    - The story is kinda ehh. However, gameplay characters and environment really helped carry this game a lot.
    - Control is hard to master because of deep learning curve. Took me awhile to get used to while playing at PT Standard difficulty. Not too friendly to beginners to action game unless you played lower difficulty which feels less rewarding.
    - Too much reliance on using IRIS Scanner. It feels like you can easily missed out things if you do not use it and if you do use it all the time, you cannot enjoy the environment as much. For example it hard to differentiate the other red effect with the collectible Red Matters without using IRIS.

    Overall 9/10. A must play if like action games like Devil May Cry or Nier Automata.    … Expand
  4. Ibal
    Jun 13, 2020
    10
    Great game! While its story is generic, narrative is good in the game, visuals are gorgeous and it runs extremely well. Only a few framerate issues from time to time but nothing that ruins the experience.
    Totally recommended for any Switch owner.
  5. Rixh
    Dec 20, 2020
    9
    The Platinum Games people once again show why they are the masters of hack n 'slash. The combat is intense and frantic very much in the style of the company, having touches throughout its existence that will remind of other titles such as Rising Revenge or Nier: Automata, but introducing the legions as a very unique touch.
    On this occasion instead of having several buttons for our    The Platinum Games people once again show why they are the masters of hack n 'slash. The combat is intense and frantic very much in the style of the company, having touches throughout its existence that will remind of other titles such as Rising Revenge or Nier: Automata, but introducing the legions as a very unique touch.
    On this occasion instead of having several buttons for our character to attack, we will have to control the attacks of our protagonist with one trigger and with another the legion -you can alternate between four different determined mapping options- and the combos are based on the synchronized movement between the two characters, adding variables by turning the stick, waiting a moment before pressing the trigger again, keep pressing the trigger, etc. If things are done well, the result is a beautiful deadly dance between the main character and his legions to destroy everything on the screen, pay attention to the tutorial and I recommend practicing in the training area. This depth is introduced by passing the first two operations and then by improving the weapon of the main character and the legions. The difficulty in normal mode is not very high, although sometimes it may take a while to achieve that desired S + and the hard difficulty that is added to each operation after completing it, offers quite a challenge.
    The game also introduces other mechanics, which almost all enrich the experience, such as a little platform or acting as detectives -remember that in the end we are cops-, however others, such as espionage missions, could well have been saved or left in the section of secondary missions where, although the variety is nothing awesome, but it's ok, these can range from just helping a child with his lost balloon to making puzzlee of parking cars, some of these may not want to hear from them again -that of cars will possibly fall into that category-, you can also ignore them or have a good time doing them to obtain an extra reward or complete the game one hundred percent and it must be taken into account that whether or not to perform these do not affect the final qualification of the operation.    … Expand
  6. eschano
    Dec 16, 2020
    8
    Battle is pretty good and something unique, wish it was longer and has more character customization.
  7. Toniolo
    Dec 15, 2020
    9
    Awesome history, gameplay and world building. Bought last week and i don’t regret
  8. Jessu
    Dec 1, 2020
    10
    Una obra de arte en toda regla, platinium, nintendo, nueva ip, se ve de escándalo tanto en portátil como en sobremesa
  9. Arfon
    Nov 30, 2020
    9
    Looking for an action game with an anime art style and that you can play anywhere you want? This is the game for you. The combat and its mechanics are great, but I must say the game is not very difficult until the very last missions. But that doesn't mean it isn't fun to play, after all it was made by Platinum Games. Plus, the art style looks sick on the Nintendo Switch, play it!
  10. frezzz14
    Nov 20, 2020
    10
    Astral beauty and a solid chain for a friend! Nice game with well chosen music!
  11. sgg108
    Nov 11, 2020
    10
    Acción exquisita, gráficos impecables, una historia que te atrapa. Astral Chain es mi juego favorito de Nintendo Switch, un imprescindible!
  12. Anr0
    Nov 3, 2020
    10
    Obra maestra de Platinum Game, juego tras juego se superan sin duda son los reyes del Hack and Slash.
  13. Schteinbrenner
    Oct 28, 2020
    10
    Очень понравилась игра. Необычный стиль киберпанк. Чем-то напоминает фильм Призрак в доспехах. Не пожалел, что купил игру. Очень рекомендую.
  14. bersi84
    Oct 26, 2020
    8
    For me Astral Chain is an 8.0/8.5 out of 10. As usual I follow my gut to whether rounding it up or down and this time concluded myself to an 8. The story beyond Astral Chain is somewhat innovative but feels also like a bland mix of already seen sequences newly arranged. For what the Switch can contribute in terms of graphical power the game is fairly impressive although besides the mainFor me Astral Chain is an 8.0/8.5 out of 10. As usual I follow my gut to whether rounding it up or down and this time concluded myself to an 8. The story beyond Astral Chain is somewhat innovative but feels also like a bland mix of already seen sequences newly arranged. For what the Switch can contribute in terms of graphical power the game is fairly impressive although besides the main focus of battle nothing is particular detailed or interesting. Due to the plot itself the color palette is kind of cut and a bit monotaneous.

    The sound design feels pretty good on a decent home cinema system. The surround could ve been a little bit better still feels fairly well in comparison to other titles. Overall the world design is very uninteresting whereas the combat system can be interesting or simply painful button mashing. You can use numerous types of beasts and 2-3 weapons with which a combo-combat-system will drive the game forward. I liked the system a lot. Sometimes it felt a bit overwhelming but the game did a good job with introducing and forcing you to use dedicated stuff to get a grip onto it.

    Story and characters felt okay-ish. Acting and voicing is mostly available and good, which is plus, but the quality is so-so. I enjoyed the campaign and did a lot of side-stuff driving me to nearly 20hrs of gameplay but some of the game loops are very un-entertaining and feel very lengthened without any fun and necessity. It was hard to score this game. Sometimes it felt like a weak 7 but then the combat was driving and the boss monsters are well designed pushing it to a higher 8. Overall 8 seems fitting. The game is recommendable but the price tag might be a bit high.    … Expand
  15. AngelDavid123
    Oct 25, 2020
    10
    Una verdadera obra de arte sinceramente me a sorprendido un juego de este calibre para Switch
  16. EdwardG
    Oct 20, 2020
    7
    Astral Chain is a cool linear action game with a unique combat system and strong presentation.

    The game is made up of 11 story files and it took getting through a few of these before I really started to enjoy myself. The first chapter is a stylish opening but your combat options are quite limited at first and it initially feels like the gameplay lacks depth. After you progress though    Astral Chain is a cool linear action game with a unique combat system and strong presentation.

    The game is made up of 11 story files and it took getting through a few of these before I really started to enjoy myself. The first chapter is a stylish opening but your combat options are quite limited at first and it initially feels like the gameplay lacks depth. After you progress though it's clear that there's more to the combat, and after a couple files of getting used to it, and getting better at it, I enjoyed it a fair bit.

    The bulk of the gameplay is solid. The combat has enough depth to be engaging, and although some encounters were a little frustrating, the action always looks really cool and feels different from other games in the genre. You control a Legion attached to you by a chain, and this presents some interesting and unique opportunities in combat. Where the combat falters slightly is in the ranking system which incentivises treating enemy encounters as checklists of things you've got to do. If you want to get an S+ rank you don't necessarily have to play brilliantly, but you do have to tick off a number of boxes. This means you can get a good rank without needing brilliant reflexes or needing to completely avoid taking damage, but it also means you've gotta treat all encounters quite similarly. So, my opinion on it is quite mixed.

    On the other hand, visuals and music are definitely a positive in Astral Chain. Environments are well designed, and there's some really nice fine details in the futuristic cities and in the Astral Plane, the alien realm that you frequent during the game. There are some colourful and impressive effects too. The UI is also really pleasing, and it, like your character and Legions, can even be customised. Characters faces aren't great however and in comparison to other great visual aspects certainly seemed to be of lower quality. There are some really catchy and enjoyable tracks in the OST, including the one in the main base of operations, Neuron HQ.

    The worldbuilding is pretty good but the story is nothing special. There aren't any fleshed out characters or anyone to get really attached to, and the villains aren't that compelling either.

    Another thing that may have needed some work is the mission structure. A lot of files suffer from bad pacing - there's sometimes too many side objectives that just aren't compelling at all. Many are thinly written and others are just mindless combat encounters. I much preferred the main objectives which felt more focused. File 08 in particular felt like a drag as there was no sense of urgency for most of it. There might be a bit too much padding in Astral Chain, and some of it is annoying to play through.

    Overall though, I liked Astral Chain. It's a good game with a cool world and flashy combat, but it suffers from bad pacing and a lack of a compelling story. There's some really interesting worldbuilding going on in Astral Chain, but the story just never does enough with it. It's quite silly and is stuffed with flat characters. It's a shame too, because this could have been a really great game if it had a gripping narrative, and it seems like one wasn't too far out of reach. As it is, this is still a solid game with tons of style that's worth checking out.

    This is just about a 7/10 for me.    … Expand
  17. Impulse
    Oct 18, 2020
    10
    As someone who's always kinda liked Platinum's games but thought they were usually a bit rough around the edges, this is the most fully-realized and polished game they've put out. Tons of stuff here for both newcomers and genre veterans, and tons of surprisingly good side content and worldbuilding on top of the usual excellent combat and presentation.
  18. LukieB
    Oct 8, 2020
    9
    Astral chain has a great concept and plot. The gameplay is very fun and engaging. It is also different from other games I have played. The story was a bit lackluster as the concept was good, but the execution a bit poor. It did not make me feel the emotions it was attempting to show. I still had a fun time with the quests and exploring. It is almost a 10 but due to the story, it is loweredAstral chain has a great concept and plot. The gameplay is very fun and engaging. It is also different from other games I have played. The story was a bit lackluster as the concept was good, but the execution a bit poor. It did not make me feel the emotions it was attempting to show. I still had a fun time with the quests and exploring. It is almost a 10 but due to the story, it is lowered IMO. I might come back to change it to a 10 if I replay it and like the story more. However, as of now, it remains a 9 that was so close to becoming a 10, but it failed to become one due to a average story.… Expand
  19. Luxox412
    Sep 25, 2020
    7
    Although it is a very innovative game, with its own characteristics, it is a very predictable game, the levels become tedious over time, the main and secondary missions become very repetitive, so it does not become very replayable when finishing it, despite that it has an operations selector, in addition the secondary characters are not very influential in the story so empathy with them is lost.
  20. Bro2006
    Sep 20, 2020
    10
    I had never played one of Platinum's games before but it looked cool so I bought it. It is really amazing. It's one of my favorite switch exclusives and I'm not the biggest fan of hack and slash games. The graphics are awesome and the style they used is really cool. The story is great and the case solving idea is very unique. I love the music as it fits the game nicely. Finally, theI had never played one of Platinum's games before but it looked cool so I bought it. It is really amazing. It's one of my favorite switch exclusives and I'm not the biggest fan of hack and slash games. The graphics are awesome and the style they used is really cool. The story is great and the case solving idea is very unique. I love the music as it fits the game nicely. Finally, the gameplay is super smooth. I never had an issue with hitting enemies or dodging. And i love the legions because it allows you to stand back a little which gives two different ways to play. Platinum Games truly made an amazing game, and I hope they make an Astral Chain 2.… Expand
  21. polynekros
    Sep 11, 2020
    5
    +
    • decent for the N-indie-ntendo Switch
    • graphics are good and easy on the eye, even on handheld • packed with action, most if the time • soundtrack reminded me of Nier Automata in some parts • ideal for newer casual gamers - • story is meh at best, disappointing, never delivers • action camera us awful, for a couple of hours it will give you a headache • gets repetitive really quick,    +
    • decent for the N-indie-ntendo Switch
    • graphics are good and easy on the eye, even on handheld
    • packed with action, most if the time
    • soundtrack reminded me of Nier Automata in some parts
    • ideal for newer casual gamers -
    • story is meh at best, disappointing, never delivers
    • action camera us awful, for a couple of hours it will give you a headache
    • gets repetitive really quick, same actions, same stages, same cliché dialogue
    • platforming with the chain is mf-ing awful
    • side quests are a joke
    • upgrading is pure simplicity • mediocrity on the go    … Expand
  22. Yaroslav5
    Sep 7, 2020
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Хорошая игра. Минусы есть, но игра отличная, я полностью доволен.… Expand
  23. DaVinciGhost
    Sep 7, 2020
    7
    The game as a whole is interesting enough. The graphics are good and the story is interesting. My biggest issue is with it feeling so repetitive. Every mission follows the same formula. The combat isn't very great. Yes if you take the time to learn every bit of it you can do better combos but ultimately feels pointless. Most of the game can be played with one legion. As a whole it's worthThe game as a whole is interesting enough. The graphics are good and the story is interesting. My biggest issue is with it feeling so repetitive. Every mission follows the same formula. The combat isn't very great. Yes if you take the time to learn every bit of it you can do better combos but ultimately feels pointless. Most of the game can be played with one legion. As a whole it's worth a playthrough but I couldn't sit with it longer than an hour before I got bored.… Expand
  24. lorddiego
    Sep 1, 2020
    10
    Excellent new IP from Platinum Games. Amazing combat, as expected. A decent plot, with lots of charismatic characters and amazing locations and set pieces. Looking forward to a sequel.
  25. pgualtieri
    Aug 31, 2020
    9
    Great game! I hope they come out with an awesome sequel. Graphics, gameplay, and level design were all amazing. It would have been nice to have the side quests carry a little more significance but overall a must play.
  26. Nisverah
    Aug 30, 2020
    6
    The game is pretty mediocre. The puzzle elements and platforming seems out of place and unintuitive while the combat itself has ups and downs. Larger enemies especially were lackluster. I heavily suggest playing any other Platinum game such as Bayonetta or Nier, as this is definitely the worst of the 3, as all I could feel was disappointment and frustration in its design choices.
  27. Denriquez
    Aug 30, 2020
    9
    It’s a fantastic hack and slash game. Very original and unique. I recommend this game
  28. nusco
    Aug 29, 2020
    8
    Whatever it does, Astral Chain does a lot of. The weirdly original combat is just as complex as other Platinum games'. There's a seemingly limitless amount of side missions, mini-games and fetch quests. The internal achievements-and-rewards system is large enough to be annoying to scroll through. The skill trees and upgrade system is so vast that you'll probably have only scratched itsWhatever it does, Astral Chain does a lot of. The weirdly original combat is just as complex as other Platinum games'. There's a seemingly limitless amount of side missions, mini-games and fetch quests. The internal achievements-and-rewards system is large enough to be annoying to scroll through. The skill trees and upgrade system is so vast that you'll probably have only scratched its surface by the time you finish the game. This is a game that really wants to be triple A, and one of the very few big budget third-party Switch exclusives.

    All that abundance, however, doesn't make Astral Chain a masterpiece. The game is just as plentiful when it comes to shortcomings. The mini-games and side missions can get repetitive and annoying. The camera is a disaster. The story is as silly as most Platinum games, and it sports a double-ending that's as jarring as the first version of Blade Runner. And the characters are generally unlikable and cliche, with the only memorable character appearing in a single mid-game chapter and quickly disappearing forever.

    At times, all the game's kaleidoscopic elements gel together. At those times, Astral Chain is a feast of hectic combat and complex mechanics that are uniquely its own. More often than not, however, all those ideas end up disjointed. After the initial fireworks, you realize that the seemingly open-ended chapters all share the same structure: a first part of pseudo-open world mission hunting, followed by a story-advancing, combat-heavy sequence. The idea of complex investigations based on collecting clues, that sets the template for the first few missions, is quietly dropped in favor of… well, just more and more bland missions and mini-games.

    Astral Chain is certainly a game worth playing, and it must be commended for trying something different–but it doesn't really go the whole nine yards with its novel ideas. It might be those ideas that you came for, but ultimately you'll only stay for the combat.    … Expand
  29. Lupitayoh
    Aug 28, 2020
    8
    Es inovador, tiene buena dificultad, los diseños de las quimeras son muy buenos, y los combates son divertidos...
    Le pondría pegas en que es un poco repetitivo, los escenarios no varian mucho y es un asco jugarlo con los Joicon para alguien con tuner carpiano...Control pro obligatorio.
  30. v4vendetta
    Aug 26, 2020
    10
    This is my first game on a Nintendo console. And its mind-blowing. May be the Nintendo switch is a new platform to me or may be just the game is a Masterpiece, I have not feel satisfied like this in a long time after the Witcher 3.

    Well, witcher 3 should not be compared to Astral Chain as they chase quite different 'RPG element' approach but Astral is just PURE SATISFACTION. Played    This is my first game on a Nintendo console. And its mind-blowing. May be the Nintendo switch is a new platform to me or may be just the game is a Masterpiece, I have not feel satisfied like this in a long time after the Witcher 3.

    Well, witcher 3 should not be compared to Astral Chain as they chase quite different 'RPG element' approach but Astral is just PURE SATISFACTION.

    Played the first two chapters (or called files) in handheld mode and then went for DOCKED mode with a pro controller on a 32" monitor. And it was WOAH !!!

    The graphics do not look bad at all.

    Considering the well written story and the gameplay aspect, its a 10 on 10. One of my favorite games of the generation.    … Expand
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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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