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. Rhein
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    This game is sick AF. The never before seen combat style and animation, the awesome story and side quest, as well as the Legions are amazing! Definitely my GOTY contender along with Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Nintendo is GETTING it this year! Imaging not owning a switch in 2019 lol.
  2. snakekill321
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Its the bayonetta 2 situation again: PS4/Xbox owners are mad that Platinum games made such a beautiful game exclusive to a Nintendo console
  3. Farnathex
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Excelente game witch fuse mechanics from xenoblade cronicles 2, bayonetta, devil may cry and Nier automata. It's really enjoyable and that cyberpunk touch really gives that essences..
  4. JAngelo
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    The game is wicked fun. Smooth quick combat! And I love the art style. Great Game!
  5. Hedliniv
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    I. The creativity that the creators had really impress me. Fun game. Unique gameplay. I can tell that I will be playing this for a long time with many revisits in the future. This will definitely hold me over until Bayonetta 3!
  6. Bigtotem
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    I'm only four hours in but having a blast so far! Platinum games did it again.
  7. QuechoG
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    I feel like this may totally be the best Platinum Games creation, didn’t expect it to be as great as Bayonetta but it’s even better. It’s smooth, it mixes investigation with hack n’ slash in a perfect way... LOVE IT
  8. AdvengerTime
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    The game is immensely entertaining, music is wonderful, the art is very good and really gives this game a beautiful look while running very well on Nintendo Switch at the same time. Such a worthy action game.
  9. Jakd
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Absolutely beautiful and amazing gameplay. I'm gonna be the coolest anime cop on the whole street!
  10. ZeLegend
    Aug 30, 2019
    0
    Awful, awful. Do not recommend. The combat is not as cool as the trailers made it seem. Characters are boring and uninspired. The controls are hit and miss. Do not buy.
  11. Allme223
    Aug 30, 2019
    7
    Story is great but the controls hold it back in so many ways. Never felt like I was truly in control, almost as if i would play and hope that the camera would center since the R stick was used for targeting. Just wasnt as fun as the reviews stated in my opinion.
  12. jasquare
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Amazing game! Platinum does it again. Everything from combat to story. 10/10
  13. ShiroiFenrir
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Probably my favorite combat from Platinum Games. The story is kinda corny sometimes but everyone is charming and the characters are very good. My favorite game of 2019 so far, and will remain as one of my favorites of all time.
  14. BigChubbyGuy
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Great game. played 10 hours and still enjoying it. Yeah and dont care about the review bomb ppl are being salty because its an exclusive
  15. Indielist
    Aug 30, 2019
    9
    Platinum and Nintendo have truly added a brand new must have franchise to their names. Astral Chain is a happy surprise on Nintendo Switch.
  16. Salocin0
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Gorgeous game with ingenious game mechanics!! If you have a nintendo switch Astral Chain is a must buy!! If you don't I am sorry for you!!! 10/10
  17. sorrex
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Such a great game! Great action, surprisingly engaging story. Sits among the best Platinum Games have produced
  18. BentoBox
    Aug 30, 2019
    9
    Stylish action? Check. Stylish soundtrack? Check. Beautiful story? Again another check. Astral Chain hails in at being easily Platinum Studios best game to date. While seemingly dropping their usual humor, (not to say it doesn’t have jokes), and opting for a more story driven experience seemed to be the right move for the new IP. While admittedly, I haven’t finished the game yet,Stylish action? Check. Stylish soundtrack? Check. Beautiful story? Again another check. Astral Chain hails in at being easily Platinum Studios best game to date. While seemingly dropping their usual humor, (not to say it doesn’t have jokes), and opting for a more story driven experience seemed to be the right move for the new IP. While admittedly, I haven’t finished the game yet, it’s given me the drive too. I haven’t felt like this game is a chore, even with the small missions here and there within the story missions themselves. While technically yes, the missions are linear, having those small side missions help to fill the void of a missing over world, it helps create the illusion that the missions themselves aren’t linear, and it definitely helps to create a more living world within the one which Platinum has created. The only real negatives I have had this thus far with Astral Chain is that the voices are not the same speed as the subtitles, which can be a little distracting at some points, but it definitely does not ruin the experience. The story has been well crafted to where it actually builds upon and finish plots, it takes its time getting us used to our characters and gives us the opportunity to learn more about them individually if we so please, and this being a story drive game, that is a huge bonus. A strong point Astral Chain has on its side is that it’s combat feels rewarding. You struggle at first, trying to learn tricky but tight controls, and eventually learn to grow and get better with the character you choose to play as. While learning and progressing, you can physically tell the protagonist becomes more confident in who they are and what they can do by the way the story is presented, which is really cool in my defense. Gaining access to other powers along the way is a nice way to keep battles fresh, it literally lets you decide what move set you’re most comfortable with. On top of different move sets, the game offers you different play styles (easy, medium, or hard), and tons of customization options, from the hud color, to outfits/outfit color, to legion color, different abilities and skills to equip... you can literally have hours of fun experimenting with what the game gives you. Astral Chain is definitely a hidden gem. If you love Devil May Cry and Bayonetta, definitely consider picking this Nintendo Exclusive up. Whether you play it at home, or on the go, its definitely an adventure worth the experience. I can’t wait to get more of this game. If it gets enough love and attention to garner a sequel, then by all means make it an open world, that’s what would make this one perfect. Nintendo’s choice to partner up with Platinum is definitely a choice that keeps on giving.… Expand
  19. Pokk_Gon
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    A Masterpiece. Platinum Games give the best experience in this game, with the action and investigation. Is like two games in one. The soundtrack and the visual style are really amazing. My GOTY of the year so far.
  20. chihiwo
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    What can be said about this incredible game that hasn't been said already. If you're on the fence about it just take the plunge and get it, I promise you wont regret it. Truly another masterpiece from Platinum and Nintendo
  21. zazabar
    Aug 30, 2019
    9
    This is a pretty fun game. It has your typical JRPGish story with good music and mechanics. Combat is polished and there are multiple difficulty settings for people who want to go at it hard. The only reason I'm not giving it a 10 is because of the co-op controls.

    With co-op mode, you have to use the twin joysticks, no questions asked. Being able to use a pro controller for one player    This is a pretty fun game. It has your typical JRPGish story with good music and mechanics. Combat is polished and there are multiple difficulty settings for people who want to go at it hard. The only reason I'm not giving it a 10 is because of the co-op controls.

    With co-op mode, you have to use the twin joysticks, no questions asked. Being able to use a pro controller for one player and a different controller for the other would make co-op play so much easier. Instead, me and my wife have to cramp our hands on the tiny joy-cons. Hopefully this is something they patch later.    … Expand
  22. 22446688Bb
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Awesome game with an excellent story and a world of drawing and attractive gameplay is simple but distinctive and inclined to Action
  23. Berlin1968
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Absolutely blown away. So far this game has been exceeding my expectations by far and the critic reviews were absolutely not misleading. Amazing.
  24. Hyperbeam
    Aug 30, 2019
    0
    It’s a rare occasion that I have complete disdain for something while also heavy admiration for its creators. But here that only serves to heighten my dissatisfaction: astral chain is inadequate because, while not bad*, it has glaring, obvious faults:

    Unintelligible combat - with the acception of some bosses every combat sequence is too busy with enemies acting independently contrasting    It’s a rare occasion that I have complete disdain for something while also heavy admiration for its creators. But here that only serves to heighten my dissatisfaction: astral chain is inadequate because, while not bad*, it has glaring, obvious faults:

    Unintelligible combat - with the acception of some bosses every combat sequence is too busy with enemies acting independently contrasting each other in a cacophony(sic?) of overlapping overlysimple monotony. And the combat mechanics are completely interchangable removing the development or necessity of any skill.

    Horrible dialogue/ voice acting - The characters have no personality or charisma. The lines are often highly illogical with the overal conclusion of each interaction conflicting characters haphazardly built up individualty betraying a sense of vacancy on the writers part. And the voice acting is equally robotic and contrived highlighted by being programmed disjointedly contributing to an overall sense of such flagrant carelessness it’s offensive.

    Bad visuals - the game has an attractive art style, but the environments are extremely repetitive and bland. The only saving grace here is the boss design

    Conclusion: the developers chose a cash grab at the expensive of the customers value. Why play astral chain? Because there’s nothing better to do. But there is

    *(in my opinion for a game to be bad it needs to be nearly empty or extremely sensually abrasive)    … Expand
  25. NintendoGalaxy
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Great game! Could be game of the year! Action Fans have to play it! 10/10
  26. elieldz
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Awesome game. Good designe and creative battle system. One more great game for Nintendo Switch this year.
  27. DarkGemini
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    The game is absolutely fantastic! Loving every minute of it! The combat, visuals, audio, and gameplay is a brilliant representation of Platinum's brilliance. You will enjoy this game!
  28. YokiHurame
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Uno de los mejores Hack and Slash para Nintendo Switch. No te arrepentiras de nada
  29. Razorblade
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Jogo fantástico, cheio de ação e muita aventura, os gráficos do jogo estão lindos, o jogo é bem dinâmico, vale cada centavo investido nessa obra prima.
  30. Octuse
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Absolutely amazing. The soundtrack, the combat, and of course the characters. Please pick up this game!! Support unique concepts that are done well!!
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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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