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. CDizzness
    Apr 12, 2020
    10
    This game is so flipping cool, awesome storyline, gorgeous graphics, flippin' sweet action, thumping mesmerizing soundtrack. Platinum games makes THE best games, and I am so glad they have a good reputation with Nintendo.
  2. donmopa
    Apr 9, 2020
    6
    I could not find the awesomeness that everybody found in this game. Thematic is interesting and also the legions gave new mechanics. However, the camera is a total disaster and fights at some points feels like smashing buttons with no contemplation,
  3. DigaHole
    Apr 8, 2020
    9
    I have no words for this masterpiece. It was the first Platinum title I have ever played, but the studio is already in my top 5. Epic story, brilliant combat, touching scenes, big monsters and perfect music. Best new IP of 2019.
  4. Cougargames
    Apr 8, 2020
    9
    Imagine another game from platinum games with the amazing combat that you would expect but improved with an even more fun combat that forces you to pay even more attention to the game so that your mind never is bored.

    This is a must buy for any platinum games fan and switch owner considering what they are offering and the (little spoiler warning ahead) the long and fun endgame    Imagine another game from platinum games with the amazing combat that you would expect but improved with an even more fun combat that forces you to pay even more attention to the game so that your mind never is bored.

    This is a must buy for any platinum games fan and switch owner considering what they are offering and the (little spoiler warning ahead)

    the long and fun endgame content they are offering.    … Expand
  5. Tafi
    Apr 6, 2020
    10
    Dudava si comprar-me lo o no ya que no havia oido a hablar mucho del juego però lo veia muy chulo. Decidí comprar-lo y estoy contento de haver-lo comprado creo que es un juego muy bueno y muy infravalorado. Si estais dudando si comprar-lo os animo a que si!
  6. IvanEscoto
    Apr 5, 2020
    10
    This game made me put a lot of attention on the controls, that made the combat system immersive and I loved it, as for the investigations pre missions, well it was repetitive but I loved to see the Ark and its people.
    If u want a great experience and great visuals for the switch u have to play this game.
  7. Camer6
    Mar 31, 2020
    9
    El juego mas original de platinum games hasta la fecha, complicado de dominar, una historia que cumple y personajes que te llegan. Graficamente es de lo mejor visto en switch a dia de hoy, el único pecado que comete? ser exclusivo de switch y por lo tanto tener la nota que tiene en esta pagina, es una pena que la gente no sea capaz de valorar si un videojuego es bueno o no según para laEl juego mas original de platinum games hasta la fecha, complicado de dominar, una historia que cumple y personajes que te llegan. Graficamente es de lo mejor visto en switch a dia de hoy, el único pecado que comete? ser exclusivo de switch y por lo tanto tener la nota que tiene en esta pagina, es una pena que la gente no sea capaz de valorar si un videojuego es bueno o no según para la compañía que salga.… Expand
  8. OwtDaft
    Mar 29, 2020
    7
    + Legions make the game combat and exploration very unique.
    + The game has a great sound track.
    + Graphics are very good, for the Switch. + The game play has variety to it. +- The story is alright, it's a great idea but they didn't do much with it. +- Investigations are a good idea but they're too basic. - Controls are a bit clunky and take some getting used to. - Large amounts of    + Legions make the game combat and exploration very unique.
    + The game has a great sound track.
    + Graphics are very good, for the Switch.
    + The game play has variety to it.
    +- The story is alright, it's a great idea but they didn't do much with it.
    +- Investigations are a good idea but they're too basic.
    - Controls are a bit clunky and take some getting used to.
    - Large amounts of the game are set in environments that look the same and look rushed.
    - Boring side quests. It's like watered down juice when the side quests are so low effort.
    - Camera is awkward at times while using a Legion.
    - Using Legions to leap gaps is buggy.
    - Got sick of collecting red shards very quickly.
    = The game feels fresh enough to be worth playing but the game is a bit rushed in places.    … Expand
  9. LaloNS
    Mar 28, 2020
    8
    This game makes a lot of references to some anime classics, like Evangelion, as a story of 2 brothers working for an investigation robopolice department, it sound interesting to play.
    The city, and all the places in this world, are surrender with fights between "kimeras", soundtrack kick ass, you have to solve some puzzles and more stuff in all files. I really enjoy it for a christmas    This game makes a lot of references to some anime classics, like Evangelion, as a story of 2 brothers working for an investigation robopolice department, it sound interesting to play.
    The city, and all the places in this world, are surrender with fights between "kimeras", soundtrack kick ass, you have to solve some puzzles and more stuff in all files. I really enjoy it for a christmas present, the difficulty its a little bit heavier than you think, I recommend it to star at the beginig with easy mode, and later if you love the game, you can then later change it for getting an s ranking.
    Platinum games have made some interesting fighting games and Astral Chain really makes a thrilling battle using the sword,arm,axe,beast, and sword legions trough te whole game.
    Really worths it, but the story later its so predictable and kinda disapoints at the end. But anyway its an A- game for the Nintendo Switch system.    … Expand
  10. Garchomp64
    Mar 27, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The graphics, UI, animations, mechanics, character & legion customization, soundtrack, and gameplay are all phenomenal. The bosses of this game are fun and provide just the right amount of challenge (if you’re playing on Pt Standard) and it’s very satisfying once you beat them. As far as story goes, I think it’s a bit mediocre and cliche, but it’s far from the worst thing ever. Some characters are cool in my opinion, like a couple of the neuron officers, Hal, and the Hermits, but the rest of the characters would benefit more from better writing like Yoseph and Jenna. Aside from a few character and story issues, this this a pretty high quality game, is very fun to play, and I could tell that a lot of time and dedication was put into this game.… Expand
  11. The_Final_Boss
    Mar 26, 2020
    10
    Character customization's (Including their name, your twin will always be Akira though). Fun and interactive combat style. Visually nice graphics. Soundtrack is great too with an Anime like opening and ending. In the interview the game's director mentioned they were going for an Anime vibe.
  12. PokeProX
    Mar 22, 2020
    10
    A few weeks before this game was released, this game suddenly intrigued me with its gameplay and visuals. When I got to play this game, it was a great experience and quite challenging too.

    Story: 9/10 “The story almost motivated me to play more.” Gameplay: 9/10 “Yeah, I guess it's somewhat repetitive. But the graphics and the gameplay itself might still motivate you to play some more.    A few weeks before this game was released, this game suddenly intrigued me with its gameplay and visuals. When I got to play this game, it was a great experience and quite challenging too.

    Story: 9/10 “The story almost motivated me to play more.”
    Gameplay: 9/10 “Yeah, I guess it's somewhat repetitive. But the graphics and the gameplay itself might still motivate you to play some more.
    Graphics/Visuals: 10/10 “Stunning and beautiful, just how I expected it to be.”
    Music: 9/10 “The music is worth listening to and it’s very “anime”!”
    Difficulty: 8.5/10 “It’s quite challenging, that’s it. And a few bosses are complex.”
    Characters: 9/10 “Hm... The cast of characters is respectable and probably memorable.”

    This game was quite phenomenal for a “Nintendo Switch” game! And one of the quite memorable ones, too. Though it’s repetitive at times, that doesn’t stop me from playing more! Now, the score is, 9.4! [10]    … Expand
  13. weskergamer
    Mar 22, 2020
    10
    I am very surprised that i haven't review this game yet when i just beat it 1 month ago, but what can i say about this game. Well, this game is perfection in every detail: music, story, gameplay, graphics... The people in Platinum Games are really masterminds, i'm so ready for what's next from them.
  14. Aerrihn
    Mar 20, 2020
    8
    Firstly, I have only completed the game once, in a 15 hour runthrough. Astral Chain is a game with a very high mechanical ceiling, however it does offer an "Unchained Mode" which basically fights the fights for the player should they choose so.

    The combat has got the be the strongest point of this game. It is action combat where the player is connected by an astral chain to a Legion.    Firstly, I have only completed the game once, in a 15 hour runthrough. Astral Chain is a game with a very high mechanical ceiling, however it does offer an "Unchained Mode" which basically fights the fights for the player should they choose so.

    The combat has got the be the strongest point of this game. It is action combat where the player is connected by an astral chain to a Legion. The player avatar is capable of using three different weapons, a baton, a pistol and a sort of greatsword. These weapons can be upgraded at the headquarters of the player. The player is also capable of using potions, grenades and a few other consumable weapons. When chainining multiple basic attacks, a prompt will appear for a split second which allows players to pull of sync attacks with their legion.

    The player has access to five different types of Legions that they will unlock as part of the story throughout the game, this includes one with two blades, one with a bow and arrow, one with two large fists, one in the shape of a very large wolf and finally one that uses a very large axe. The Legion will automatically attack an enemy if it is near one, but the player can also choose to assign two different skills for the Legion to use. The player can also unlock skill trees for each legion as well as attach passives to each legion. These passives can be picked up as drops from enemies or rewards from missions. The Legion can be commanded to attack different enemies or commanded to interact with the player. Each Legion has a unique interaciton with the player as well as with the environment. The astral chain itself can also be used as a weapon to bind enemies or slingshot charging enemies.

    Both the player and the Legion can be customised in terms of colour. The player can also be customised with a small selection of outfit choices. The colour variations need to be unlocked through mission rewards.

    The graphics are very stylised. The atmosphere is somewhat dark and gritty feeling. A little reminiscent of the Batman Arkham series but with a more scifi and modern feel. The animation work is definitely my favourite part of the game. When sync attacks are pulled off it looks awesome, running around looks cool, and the way enemies move is intriguing as well.

    The game is instanced hub, a little like Monster Hunter. The player gets a mission, which is always the main story, and the player leave the base to go on the mission. Inside each segment of the main story, the player will run through a cityscape or the "astral plane" within which the player can accept sidequest and complete them within the main story segment that they were accepted in. There is only a small amount of sidequests so completionists would have no problems going through them.

    The Legions also have an environmental use. The biggest one that can be used through by every Legion, is the chain jump. The player can move the Legion to another platform and the Legion can then yank the chain to pull the player towards them, effectively crossing a gap. The sword Legion can cut through strings, or laser connections, the arrow Legion can shoot switches, or places of interests that are far away, the arm Legion can carry the player over puddles of poison, the beast Legion can be ridden on allowing the player to run faster as well as jump over small obstacles, finally the axe Legion can cast a shield and protect the player from a gaseous environment.

    The story is not the strongest, and it has many loopholes regarding the greater enemy. The pacing is also not the best but as an action game as the primary focus, it does the job.

    The music is very fitting for the scifi hard action that the game is all about, but not very memorable. It does the job of enhancing the experience in combat or in key story moments, but that's about it.

    Sadly, I feel that there is sometimes a lack of direction from the game. Many of the sidequests I had to rely on googling to find out where I was supposed to go. However, outside of the that the game was a very strong action game for me.

    Overall, the game is great for players who love high skill ceiling action games as there is a lot of management when it comes to the controls but when played by players who are used to the mechanics and controls of the game, the game looks like a montage of amazing plays.    … Expand
  15. MrsPandora
    Mar 16, 2020
    9
    Fun action packed gamePlay with a ton of characters that you learn too like, but the overall story is a tiny bit of a mess but sounds like it could be a very cool anime show
  16. zaphir
    Mar 7, 2020
    9
    A surprisingly good game. It has great RPG mechanics. Though the gameplay is a bit hard to adapt to at the very beginning, it feels rewarding when you master it and manage to land combos
  17. nirik_prinz
    Mar 6, 2020
    10
    Excellent game-play, very dynamic combat system, Graphics and setting on top. But dialogues ... like in cheap drama!
  18. Alberto_Rahl
    Mar 4, 2020
    7
    Un buen inicio para una franquicia nueva aunque una llegué a adaptarme del todo a los controles.
    También lo encontré un tanto corto. Creo que lo terminé en unas 35 horas. Me hubiera gustado que hubieran explorado más la parte de investigación del juego, que al final se quedó bastante corta.
  19. NegativeFifteen
    Mar 2, 2020
    1
    There's a **** ton of reasons why this game is terrible, but the main issue is that the dodging and camera systems are absolute **** Targeting happens automatically, whether or not I want it to, even if I turn off the target marker. Switching between multiple targets makes me want to put my head through a **** wall with how absolutely terrible the function is.The hitboxes and dodging feelThere's a **** ton of reasons why this game is terrible, but the main issue is that the dodging and camera systems are absolute **** Targeting happens automatically, whether or not I want it to, even if I turn off the target marker. Switching between multiple targets makes me want to put my head through a **** wall with how absolutely terrible the function is.The hitboxes and dodging feel like they asked a toddler to draw a bunch of circles in crayon around the character and then they set the hitboxes to be identical to it. It feels like they TRIED to make the hitboxes bad. On top of all this, even if you manage to acclimate to a terrible camera and a god awful dodging system, even if you manage to get "good" at the game, it still gives you that sweet, sweet C ranking because you didn't use moves and abilities that they haven't even given to you yet. It's like ranking a 2nd grader based on their college algebra skills. So now if you want to make it so that your game file isn't riddled with Cs and Ds, you get to go back and play through each individual mission with your new abilities so that it's actually possible to get a better score. Why can't I just get a good score the first time through with what I have? It's like I progress through the game just so I can go backwards. All in all, ****ty combat, uninteresting dialogue and story, and unremarkable characters that I forget almost instantly, 1/10. Also the female character model looks like someone slapped the face of a crab onto a Hershey's Kiss.… Expand
  20. SirSoil
    Feb 28, 2020
    9
    Astral Chain is a bad ass action game with wild and unique levels and gameplay with amazing music that deserves more prays. The gameplay and the action is so satisfying and stylish, you have diffident ways of attacking and its all well made. The levels are all good in there own way, they always end off with an incredible boss which is awesome. The look of the game can get weird but it’sAstral Chain is a bad ass action game with wild and unique levels and gameplay with amazing music that deserves more prays. The gameplay and the action is so satisfying and stylish, you have diffident ways of attacking and its all well made. The levels are all good in there own way, they always end off with an incredible boss which is awesome. The look of the game can get weird but it’s the style that you must appreciate, the story is also good nothing huge or anything it’s good. The soundtrack though, it’s a masterpiece with tracks that are so epic that every boss feels like the final boss. The open nature of the levels and game make it great to explore and such, however I wish if the extra levels weren’t so hard after you beat the game, the things you get customization wise is cool though. Astral Chain is a must have for action lovers, it’s enjoyable all the way through and the satisfaction you get from beating bosses and completing levels is amazing. (Amazing 4/5) Your Missing Out!… Expand
  21. Redzzz
    Feb 27, 2020
    10
    One of my Favourite switch games, and maybe even one of my Favourite nintendo games in the last ten years. The Combat is increadible and the story is extreamly good as well. Sadly people gave this game bad reviews because its a Switch exclusive
  22. Craigjeffery
    Feb 25, 2020
    7
    Astral chain was not for me. While playing i found myself mindlessly mashing right trigger (right trigger is your combat button) while my legion did whatever he wanted. You auto lock into an enemy, and just spam right trigger. that’s about it. My total play time after beating the game was 20 hours, and what a drag those 20 hours were. I couldn’t wait to beat every level just so i could getAstral chain was not for me. While playing i found myself mindlessly mashing right trigger (right trigger is your combat button) while my legion did whatever he wanted. You auto lock into an enemy, and just spam right trigger. that’s about it. My total play time after beating the game was 20 hours, and what a drag those 20 hours were. I couldn’t wait to beat every level just so i could get it over with. There are lots of collectible items located in the few sections of the game, some which require a bit of back tracking. while easter egg hunting can be fun, in astral chain it gets old and tedious. There are many different styles to play and attributes to give your legion, but i just couldn’t get into it. The game in my opinion was underwhelming, tedious, and boring. These are just my opinions, overall this is a very solid game, but all i can recall of playing this game was that i couldn’t wait for it to be over just so i could say i played it. Watch some gameplay, do your research to see if this game is for you. I wish there were more motorcycle levels, as those were the best parts of the game. Also pretty good music, the main hub music is still stuck in my head. (uwuuuuuuu naniiiiii)… Expand
  23. zeroanime
    Sep 10, 2019
    10
    this game is absolutely masterpiece by platinum games.. i just love the game so much
  24. Guay
    Feb 17, 2020
    10
    Un joc brutal, amb una dificultat molt bona, una història molt entretinguda i uns gràfics impressionants!
  25. JakeyBoy
    Feb 14, 2020
    10
    Made an account to post this review. When I'm not playing this game, I am thinking about the next chance I will get to pick up my switch and hop back in. Seriously fun, satisfying combat mixed with an engaging story and considerable learning curve make for an incredible experience that is well worth your time and money.
  26. OooHesGood
    Feb 9, 2020
    10
    Didn't think it was my type of game, I was wrong. So glad I took a chance and bought this. I usually don't like hack n slash sort of games (Bayonetta, DMC ect.) but this game does it amazing, feels fluid, has depth and variety, it offers a challenge but never feels unfair and you always feel powerful and capable. Visuals are filled with popping colors and neon, music is a bit of cyberpunkDidn't think it was my type of game, I was wrong. So glad I took a chance and bought this. I usually don't like hack n slash sort of games (Bayonetta, DMC ect.) but this game does it amazing, feels fluid, has depth and variety, it offers a challenge but never feels unfair and you always feel powerful and capable. Visuals are filled with popping colors and neon, music is a bit of cyberpunk style but leans more towards rock, CyberRock? (I don't usually like rock but this is good), music during non combat creates a perfect ambience, plenty of customization, more exploration than I expected which is good, I'm usually not very pulled in by stories but this was simple to understand and interesting enough to want to understand. It has it all and does it all very well!… Expand
  27. 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.
  28. Ponchorelo7
    Feb 3, 2020
    6
    As per usual with Platinum games: all style, little substance. Combat is fun, flashy and enough to keep you entertained through it's surprisingly long story. BUT THE STORY. By far the worst part of the game. It felt as though someone wanted to make a crappy, sub-par shonen anime, but decided it would bes best as a game. If you like Platinum games' stuff you will love this. If you're aAs per usual with Platinum games: all style, little substance. Combat is fun, flashy and enough to keep you entertained through it's surprisingly long story. BUT THE STORY. By far the worst part of the game. It felt as though someone wanted to make a crappy, sub-par shonen anime, but decided it would bes best as a game. If you like Platinum games' stuff you will love this. If you're a Switch owner, give it a shot.… Expand
  29. Piligrim380
    Jan 31, 2020
    9
    A wonderful mix of action and metroidvania. Favorite game from Platinum Games.
  30. LeonardoGarciaB
    Jan 26, 2020
    10
    Astral chain que más decir otra obra maestra para Nintendo switch , una excelente jugabilidad(combates muy buenos ) , tremendo juégazo de platinum game para Nintendo switch
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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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