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. CZechi
    Nov 14, 2019
    10
    I've never thought, that it is possible to make an action game so brutally and addictively complex and fun at once but... Platinum Games made me wrong. Again. They overcame them selves once again.
  2. CleverVirus
    Sep 23, 2019
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Astral Chain is the best game I've played in some time and my first game from Platinum Games. I don't have fun with most games because I get super bored quickly and then just either don't play anything or just try a different game. The story had me hooked and really kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. One thing I wish they expanded more on was the Legion Fusion. They kinda just threw it in without explaining anything and never went back to talk about it. Hopefully they expand on it in the sequel. I just finished the game and really enjoyed the final boss fight against Noah CX. The length of the game was about right, it wasn't long or too short. The replayability factor is definitely there. Once you finish all 11 files you unlock file 12 and are able to do missions that Olive gives you. You can get more premium material and eventually the Raven Armor that Akira has during the story. The combat is super fast paced and fun if you know what you're doing. It's really satisfying when you can consecutively get combos off and mow down enemies. There is one thing that I didn't like about the game, and that is some of the Legion abilities. Some of the equiptable abilities don't really explain their functions properly. I'm talking about Legion Rush primarily. I had it equipt for a good part of the game and was wondering why my Legion would do a super sensitive dash that would constantly throw me off ledges and kill me. I wasn't a fan of a few of the Legions, for example the Beast and Arrow Legions. The Beast Legion would get in the way and push me off ledges because of how massive it is, and the Arrow I just don't really use. You would be on these super tiny platforms in the AstraI Plane and would have to use the Beast Legion and it would just push you off because there's not enough room. I primarily used my Sword Legion which is the only one I got to CX. I gave it a 9 only because of those issues I encountered constantly. I'm really looking forward to the sequel. It's definiteley a must buy if you own a Switch.… Expand
  3. Currid7
    Sep 24, 2019
    9
    Everything I’m astral chain is amazing the story is in depth and the cutscenes are beautiful. The gameplay is something that hasn’t been done before. The only problem I have is with the co-op. Not being able to control everything a character does is annoying.
  4. Bigbark24
    Sep 24, 2019
    10
    This game is awesome in everyway and its definetly one of my top 10 best games I've ever played.
  5. Btmn4life
    Sep 28, 2019
    10
    Just awsome, I get it because it looks really good but it's a master piece! Music, graphics, story and everything in this game is great!!
  6. tati_reviews
    Sep 29, 2019
    10
    A master piece in all areas. This game is one of the best in 2019 for sure. It is superb in graphics and music sounds. All perfect 10 points at least.
  7. JavoVB
    Sep 29, 2019
    9
    Juegazo, rompe todo lo esperado de la switch !!! Jugabilidad increíble, se ve hermosoo, es muy entretenido y bastante difícil (es un juego muy competitivo para uno mismo).
  8. MetaDudee
    Nov 4, 2019
    10
    Es increíble, el combate y la investigación pareciera complejo pero nada de eso, todo fluido y los controles se aprenden con rapidez. Buena historia, excelente gameplay y un arte sobresaliente.
  9. darkphoenixzj
    Sep 30, 2019
    10
    Amazing game, beautiful gameplay, Platinum games you are quality people, keep the good job
  10. tom974
    Feb 3, 2020
    9
    Great games for those who like A-RPGs/ Beat'em all style. Clearly it is not perfect but Platinum Games put a real effort into bringing something original with a universe of its own. The gameplay is somewhat demanding, the game can be hard sometimes for the casual gamers. Nevertheless, I had a good time on it and once you get accustomed to the gameplay, it's really heady.
  11. ToRu12
    Nov 10, 2019
    9
    La historia del juego fue espectacular, grandioso juego, la música en cada batalla lo hace épico.
  12. Nonameplayer
    Oct 2, 2019
    9
    No spoilers here. I hope this game never goes to Sony’s Wokestation. This is an excellent game. The only thing that really gets me is, this could have easily been Bayonetta 3. Platinum Stars knocked it out of the park again.
    What makes this so good? Well think of it this way: Bayonetta 1 and 2 + Neon Genesis + Detroit Become Human with a smidge of Pokémon a pinch of Hellraiser and a dash    No spoilers here. I hope this game never goes to Sony’s Wokestation. This is an excellent game. The only thing that really gets me is, this could have easily been Bayonetta 3. Platinum Stars knocked it out of the park again.
    What makes this so good? Well think of it this way: Bayonetta 1 and 2 + Neon Genesis + Detroit Become Human with a smidge of Pokémon a pinch of Hellraiser and a dash of the original Judge Dredd movie = Astral Chain. I would give it a 10/10 but some of the commands in the game towards the end are slightly confusing to what the game expects you to do with a forced static camera angle. So it gets a 9.5 from me. I’ve already beat the game once and now I’m running through it again trying to find everything unlockable that I can. Im praying for a sequel    … Expand
  13. Alexiss
    Oct 4, 2019
    10
    Un gameplay demasiado fluido Con un soundtrack demasiado bueno
    En definitiva uno de los mejores juegos que a producido platinum games
  14. Domn81
    Oct 5, 2019
    9
    Excellent graphics for a Nintendo Switch game. Gameplay is fun and the optional side missions make this a very entertaining game. The only drawback is that sometimes side missions take away from the continuity of the main story, otherwise it would be 10/10.
  15. H4RL3QU1N
    Oct 6, 2019
    8
    A fun action game with a weird amount of simplicity and complexity to the combat for a Platinum Game. The story, on purpose, is "Anime" dumb, but fun. It's packed with references to previous platinum games and anime throughout. The game is locked at 30 and that's probably one of my major gripes about this game, and the way the game looks is very interesting and Anime-Cyberpunk, etc. but itA fun action game with a weird amount of simplicity and complexity to the combat for a Platinum Game. The story, on purpose, is "Anime" dumb, but fun. It's packed with references to previous platinum games and anime throughout. The game is locked at 30 and that's probably one of my major gripes about this game, and the way the game looks is very interesting and Anime-Cyberpunk, etc. but it gets kinda difficult to look at the game sometimes with really bright neon colors on screen. 60 fps, would have made it easier on the eyes for me especially for the combat and timing.
    The different perks you can give your legions (Evangelion-Stand) can be frustrating to manage or could not be there, but luckily there's a sort button and provides variety for other players. I wish I could go back to areas I've been to without having to go through a whole story mission again because there are a bunch that is very long depending if you talk to NPCs and side quests.
    Overall it's another fun action game from platinum and there are moments, gameplay-wise, that reminds me of NieR Automata, mostly this was in the same develope and made by the same team from platinum.
    Another few gripes I had were at least a jump that could be used for easier jump canceling moves besides the use of a legion.
    An option for Blade with the Sword Legion, to be more similar to Rising, use Left stick to move the camera and swinging right stick to slash rather than a button press.
    Maybe some fists weapons and option to aim with the pistol or better target much like in Bayo and DMC... maybe.
    Customize the Other twin to match the Player's Character.
    Those are just my nitpicks, but it's a good game. I'll be honest I haven't played Platinum Standard yet, I wanted to get a better understanding with the legion mechanic and have a reason to come back to play again besides playing as the other twin. I know there is a tone of goodies waiting to be unlocked.    … Expand
  16. Zuldane
    Oct 8, 2019
    10
    Simply one of the best action games of the year and quite possibly Platinum Games's best ever
  17. Lord_Sec
    Oct 11, 2019
    10
    Platinum games are the best delevopers. Astral chain is in my top 5 games ever with nier automata and bayonetta 2. Music is one of best soundtracks with story and gameplay like bayonetta and nier. Masterpiece
  18. MikeyTheWarrior
    Oct 30, 2019
    10
    The game is epic to the new type gameplay mechanics all the way to the story, it is a game I would say to give it a chance since it is so good.
  19. Ginseng-1
    Oct 31, 2019
    9
    Platinum games... u r the best. Nice game with fantastic gameplay and soundtrack. Combat - wonderful!
  20. RC1000Zero
    Nov 11, 2019
    9
    Incredible combat, amazing music, a decent plotline, and stellar performance are making this game one of the best Switch games so far, and quite possible the best action game i ever played

    While the story follows a very anime esque plotline where most twist can be deducted a few chapters prior(or even earlier if you watched certain anime this game draws inspiration from) the plot itself    Incredible combat, amazing music, a decent plotline, and stellar performance are making this game one of the best Switch games so far, and quite possible the best action game i ever played

    While the story follows a very anime esque plotline where most twist can be deducted a few chapters prior(or even earlier if you watched certain anime this game draws inspiration from) the plot itself managed to captivate me in its own way, the mute protagonist being a less then optimal choice from platinums side isnt bad enough to hamper my enjoyment of the, once again predicable but still, good plot.

    The gameplay can be categoriezed into 2 Main categories, Combat, and non Combat.
    The combat system relies on your legion to get the most out of it, using the Titelgiving Astral Chain to controll him from affar, to bind the enemy in place or using him as a ankerpoint to jump to across the battlefield, towards an enemy, or away from it. The legion attacks on its own and focuses on the target you locked on. you have a basic Attack combo, which expands via upgrades to have more situational attacks(a 360° attack, a dash attack) as well as a dodge. Combat consist of evading enemy attacks, bashing on them and using your legion to defeat enemy after enemy, some enemys are as simple as bashing on them till they die, some others need to be binded to have a clear and safe attack window, others are protected by supourt enemys, underground or in the air, or close by and needing to be severd from their compaion via one of the 5 Legions special ability.
    Bosses present the biggest highlight in any platinum game, and AC is not an exception to it, evading, clearing out mobs, binding the enemy, attacking and finishing a combo with a powefull synch attack with your legion, all there while you need to manage not only your health, but also your legions energy, not forgeting to call it back before it runs out and having to wait precios seconds till its full agian, seconds, that can mean the end.

    Non combat is used to investiage areas for hints of what boss you will fight, helping civilian or simply carying boxes or icecream. These missions are hit and miss, most of them are completly optional, only required to 100% the game, or S+ Ranking every mission, and i havent found any mission that is completly garbage, even if having a Gyro sensor carying minigame in the middle of the game was kinda odd.

    The non combat mssion give a well needed break of the combat missions during a File(the games name for Chapter) and arent breaking the pacing in any way.

    The Music is amazing, the Opening, ending and insert songs are phenomenal, the boss tracks are all amazing, and every track was great to listen too.    … Expand
  21. Blackfer
    Nov 8, 2019
    10
    Maravilloso videojuego !! Acción sin parar es igual a diversión , videojuego súper recomendado
  22. Kronos_EVC
    Nov 18, 2019
    10
    Increíble juego! La historia me recuerda a una especie de Evangelion con Bayonetta. Uuufff adrenalina pura desde el primer episodio y los toques de investigación le dan un plus espectacular!
  23. adosantos97
    Nov 10, 2019
    10
    best games to play ever in action mode. good combos. graphics and story. better to get S+ in extreme mode. you must play too in 2 playes story mode
  24. Shaman_evil
    Nov 13, 2019
    8
    Muy buen juego, tiene gameplay fresco y se nota la calidad de Platinum Games, tiene varias fallas como falta de diversidad de escenarios, mas variables en la edicion del personaje, la historia es poco interesante y por los dioses que dolor es jugarlo en los joycon del switch (con el pro controler se disfruta al 100)
  25. Jack1600o
    Nov 14, 2019
    10
    The most technical hack and slash i remember, its combat system is perfect, its artistic section is incredible, but the best, without a doubt, is its soundtrack.
  26. Magenta1991
    Nov 14, 2019
    9
    El gamplay, la musica, y los personajes hacen al videojuego digno de ser recordado como uno de los mejores de Switch. A la historia le falta un poco para estar al nivel de otros videojuegos de Platinum y se toma demasiado en serio. La batalla final es bastante buena aún así y nunca dan ganas de dejarlo hasta terminarlo
  27. space_ank
    Nov 18, 2019
    10
    Despite the game being only 20 hours long they were really good 20 hours due to the fun combat and boss fights. The soundtrack is the best part about it too
  28. NegroSnake
    Nov 15, 2019
    9
    Astral Chain does what DMC5 tried but failed: an actual summoner hack & slash combat. I could talk endlessly about the possibilities of the combat system, how starts slow but reaches exorbitant heights when it "clicks" but it's better to experience by oneself. I feel like this is what V's combat from DMC5 should be and, despite Astral Chain being a much more flawed game than DMC5, I valueAstral Chain does what DMC5 tried but failed: an actual summoner hack & slash combat. I could talk endlessly about the possibilities of the combat system, how starts slow but reaches exorbitant heights when it "clicks" but it's better to experience by oneself. I feel like this is what V's combat from DMC5 should be and, despite Astral Chain being a much more flawed game than DMC5, I value a lot the originality of the combat with Legions. Every battle is super fun and the cyberpunk atmosphere, soundtrack and technical design is top notch.… Expand
  29. WilliamGame
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    Astral chain was an incredibly fun game! I loved the story. The gameplay was phenomenal! It wasn't too hard nor too easy and offered a great challenge. The music was great also. The graphics were also top notch along with the art style! I cannot recommend this game enough!
  30. Bannedalex
    Nov 15, 2019
    10
    Una de las joyas de la Nintendo Switch. Como siempre Platinum Games haciendo juegos de gran disfrute. Esta vez con una estetica anime y un hack and slash que no defrauda.
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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

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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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