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. FrenchAussie
    Sep 12, 2019
    10
    Excellent combat mechanics, beautiful graphics, wonderful soundtracks, intriguing story, beautifully made futuristic world, this game has it all! Honestly there's hardly a single bad box. The only thing I could say about the game is that the side quests are a bit too easy. But that's not really a concern, as that could also be interpreted as a more casually pleasant experience. Since IExcellent combat mechanics, beautiful graphics, wonderful soundtracks, intriguing story, beautifully made futuristic world, this game has it all! Honestly there's hardly a single bad box. The only thing I could say about the game is that the side quests are a bit too easy. But that's not really a concern, as that could also be interpreted as a more casually pleasant experience. Since I can't really say anything bad about it, I can only give it a 10. Bravo Platinum! You blew my mind once again. Replay-value is high!… Expand
  2. Reed618
    Sep 12, 2019
    9
    This is probably platinum's second best game after nier automata. It gets a lot of things right and is easily one of the best games to release this year.

    Pros + excellent combat + fun sidequests + great worldbuilding + fantastic art style + surprisingly good story + lappy Cons - some camera issues - switching between legions isn't smooth enough. I'd prefer just having four    This is probably platinum's second best game after nier automata. It gets a lot of things right and is easily one of the best games to release this year.

    Pros
    + excellent combat
    + fun sidequests
    + great worldbuilding
    + fantastic art style
    + surprisingly good story
    + lappy

    Cons

    - some camera issues
    - switching between legions isn't smooth enough. I'd prefer just having four and then switching with the d-pad or something like that
    - silent protagonist (this really undermines a lot of the key scenes in this game)
    - the final bonus chapter is kind of a big waste of time
    - platforming sections can be frustrating

    Overall it's a really excellent game. The biggest complaint is probably the silent protagonist but it's definitely worth playing in my opinion :).    … Expand
  3. Collaps666
    Aug 31, 2019
    10
    This game for fans! This game for fans! This game for fans!! This game for fans!
  4. Dushy
    Sep 12, 2019
    10
    A fantastic game. I really enjoyed it from beginning till the end. A must have for action game fans.
  5. SirPunk
    Sep 11, 2019
    9
    Astral Chain overall is a great game with only a problem here and there. The game play is fun and rewarding. The bosses are epic but when the soundtrack kicks in, its just the cherry on top. The story is where it falls short. It become very predictable very quickly. I hope Nintendo let's Platinum make a sequel so they can build off this great foundation.
  6. GAGMR
    Sep 11, 2019
    6
    This game would be great, if the camera wasn't complete and utter dog **** It's moving constantly where you don't want it & sometimes goes up ur arse or ur enemies arse. Platinum really screwed the pooch on this one. It doesn't help when ur trying to chain enemies & the camera screws up & makes it impossible. The combat in this game is also mixed bag, because you have to control 2This game would be great, if the camera wasn't complete and utter dog **** It's moving constantly where you don't want it & sometimes goes up ur arse or ur enemies arse. Platinum really screwed the pooch on this one. It doesn't help when ur trying to chain enemies & the camera screws up & makes it impossible. The combat in this game is also mixed bag, because you have to control 2 characters & one is constantly doing stuff you don't want them doing since it's AI controlled. Then there's the jank platforming which is so fricking bad you will constantly fall just because of the games physics not knowing if you landed on the platform or not. I used so many healing items just cause the game kept throwing me off a cliff even though my chimera was on the ground. Then theres this one boss fight where the guy is sonhuge you can only see his feet & the camera freaks out the entire time, trying to chain his feet/arms was so infuriating because the camera just kept rotating along with me which makes you unable to move properly. I was really hoping this game would be better than bayonetta 2 but because of how bad the chain system works due to the **** camera it's not. It's just a failed attempt to try something new. I am almost certain that all these positive reviews are from people playing the game on casual or unchained mode, which makes the game playable with one hand. If you like Platinum games you'll probably still enjoy this but if not then definitely skip it, unless you just want to play it on baby mode the entire time. If they fix the camera issues, janky platform system & the AI of the chimeras it would be a lot better. It's also pretty generic in terms of side quests, most of which involve fighting, sneaking or finding something. There was one quest where you "play a video game" and I thought it was gonna be an actual retro game but it was just you in a suit with a retro filter on top. Performance is also pretty bad, & can dip into the 20 FPS range or lower. Lots of pop in as well in clustered areas, especially late game. Don't get me wrong, I like the game but it has too many flaws to recommend it to anyone else but platinum game fans. Nier Automata, Bayonetta or even Metal Gear Rising are all superior to this one, though. Your character also has no personality & is basically just an empty husk for you to kill stuff with. They could have done something with the character considering they've done so with past games. Like I said & keep saying, it's a good game but they've done better.… Expand
  7. Drawnimo
    Sep 11, 2019
    8
    Astral Chain is not perfect. But if you're looking for an action game with solid mechanics, nice game-feel, a well-paced story, and stellar graphics? It's about as perfect as you can currently get.

    Pros: - The Legion mechanic is both creative and fun. The control scheme takes a decent while to get the hang of, but once you do, controlling two characters in tandem becomes second nature.    Astral Chain is not perfect. But if you're looking for an action game with solid mechanics, nice game-feel, a well-paced story, and stellar graphics? It's about as perfect as you can currently get.

    Pros:
    - The Legion mechanic is both creative and fun. The control scheme takes a decent while to get the hang of, but once you do, controlling two characters in tandem becomes second nature.
    - Unlike other action games, Astral Chain REALLY takes its time. If you're impatient and just want to beat things up, this might be an issue for you. But the investigation segments of the game provide a nice break from the combat and make the combat segments feel special.
    - The story is pretty decent. It won't blow your mind and it's nothing particularly masterful or flawless. However, it provides a reason to engage in combat and gives certain story segments heart-pumping tension when it needs it.
    - The game's soundtrack is absolutely amazing. No complaints, it fits the theme and general style of the game perfectly in my opinion.
    - The grading system found in other Platinum games is altered for the better. The damage you take isn't a factor, and you are graded on pure style. This encourages effective use of all your options and tools. Getting consistent S+ ranks is extremely satisfying, and switching between weapons/abilities is just as satisfying.
    - This game is both style and substance. Some areas honestly look like they belong on a Playstation 4. This isn't due to the texture quality or fidelity, but just the pure aesthetic these select scenes display.
    - (SLIGHT SPOILER) Post-game content is generous, as well. Not only are bonus missions provided, but you can play the game again on a new difficulty that offers a challenge, even with all your Legions fully leveled.

    Cons:
    - The game runs at 30fps. This isn't a glaring issue and is almost not even worth mentioning when playing through the calmer moments of the game, but it does become noticeable in combat. There were also a couple of dips from the time I played.
    - The duration of Astral Chain isn't as long as you'd expect. My first playthrough took roughly fourteen hours. Granted, I skipped some side missions and read some dialogue quickly. But even so, the game could have had one or two more areas without the game getting stale.
    - Enemy attacks are often hard to read (this is accentuated by the 30fps cap) and enemy stagger felt inconsistent when I played. Once you unlock the Perfect Call ability, this issue is less severe but is definitely noticeable. Doing no-hit runs on bosses or mob fights is more frustrating than its worth.
    - The Pt. Ultimate difficulty is not selectable when starting a new game. I thought I just had to unlock it by finishing the game once, but the Pt. Ultimate difficulty is accessible exclusively through a save file where you already beat the chapter you want to play. Pt. Standard isn't challenging enough for subsequent fresh playthroughs (personally), and a tough-as-nails challenge would have been greatly appreciated. However, I understand this decision due to the sheer difficulty of Ultimate, but it would've been fun to attempt regardless.
    - Dark Hero isn't played enough even though it's clearly one of the best soundtracks in the entire game (this is a half-joke half-serious point)

    As I mentioned before, Astral Chain is a wonderfully-crafted game. Even though it's short, every second of the experience is fun and rewarding. There's no fat here - just pure joy smacking monsters around and picking up cans around the city. :D    … Expand
  8. dpruttz
    Sep 11, 2019
    8
    I got Astral Chain after reading and seeing the raving reviews. Great action, great art style, and a great story. I loved playing it! Also for a dad with limited time to play, I found that it also worked well playing it in short bursts. But.... yes there is a but. For all the greatness, for all the over the top action, for all of the videos and screenshots that filled my SD card, I justI got Astral Chain after reading and seeing the raving reviews. Great action, great art style, and a great story. I loved playing it! Also for a dad with limited time to play, I found that it also worked well playing it in short bursts. But.... yes there is a but. For all the greatness, for all the over the top action, for all of the videos and screenshots that filled my SD card, I just found the gameplay got a bit too repetitive after a while. This is a small issue with albeit a great new IP for Platinum Games and a fun action-packed game to play.… Expand
  9. withard
    Sep 11, 2019
    10
    ami me encanta el apartado artistico , de echo si lo juego es por el, pero los controles me abruman, me dan mucha hueva , siento que aporreo los botones, y ademas no me gustan los puzles en los videojuegos q no sean de misterio, a esto me refiero a que me hagan indagar en busca de lasolucion, es decir es un juego frenetico , y que de repente te me corte el royo me pone muy nervioso , esoami me encanta el apartado artistico , de echo si lo juego es por el, pero los controles me abruman, me dan mucha hueva , siento que aporreo los botones, y ademas no me gustan los puzles en los videojuegos q no sean de misterio, a esto me refiero a que me hagan indagar en busca de lasolucion, es decir es un juego frenetico , y que de repente te me corte el royo me pone muy nervioso , eso si reconozco que su concepto es buenisimo… Expand
  10. Hoduy
    Sep 10, 2019
    10
    After I finished 28 hours of this game in digital version, I run as quick as possible to search the Collector's Edition. This game has the best gameplay and amazing soundtracks, this is the rare case of the great gameplay which can support the story to have the better meaning. You're the hero, the savior of human kind, but you're the police also, so you must not be arrogant of civilian life.
  11. GustavoRubio
    Sep 10, 2019
    10
    Nier Automata es sin duda el mejor juego programado por PLATINUM GAMES pero Astral Chain es posiblemente el segundo mejor juego de esta compañia
  12. AuzzyC
    Sep 10, 2019
    9
    I really like this game and I can't really put it into words. I originally had buyers remorse just because of how clunky the combat was at first, but as you start progressing and unlocking more abilities it opens up more than other character action games. Unfortunately the game doesn't really force you to use anything other than just regular moves on the Platinum Standard difficulty, whichI really like this game and I can't really put it into words. I originally had buyers remorse just because of how clunky the combat was at first, but as you start progressing and unlocking more abilities it opens up more than other character action games. Unfortunately the game doesn't really force you to use anything other than just regular moves on the Platinum Standard difficulty, which is kind of a shame, because after you unlock the challenge missions, you really start to see how well put together the system is, but I can understand why a lot of people would put it down before the game opens up or even before the challenge missions do. It's a game that is worth sticking to though. There are a lot of small things that could have been fixed or adjusted, and the story could be a lot better, but generally you play character action games for the action, and when you figure it out, it feels incredible.… Expand
  13. Hateusernames
    Sep 10, 2019
    5
    Once again a game doesn't live up to the hype, or at least my own expectations. This game is dragged down hard by the slow sidequests and investigations. The more I play the more I don't care about collecting thinks or even attempting a lame sidequests. I wanted to like this. But it feels like work not fun.
  14. hime
    Sep 3, 2019
    9
    Очень бодрый слешер-экшн с отличным стилем, прекрасными шортиками, шикарнейшей музыкой и пафосным сюжетом. Одна из лучших игр в этом году, которой совсем чуть-чуть не хватило до 10 и лучшая игра Platinum.
  15. Sandman83
    Sep 10, 2019
    10
    One of the best soundtracks of any game ever made. Easily one of the best looking games on the Switch. Solid action gameplay but also mixes in investigation parts that are an excellent way to giva a bit of a breather between the action heavy parts.
    Would say this is a must buy for any Switch owner.
  16. AceAscendus
    Sep 9, 2019
    4
    30fps... lmao, this game is overrated and mediocre, just another cheap and uninspired side project for Nintendo by Platinum Games. Astral Chain, Bayonetta 3, Babylon's Fall are all being worked on at the same time by B-Team members and are small side projects to scam idiots out of their money, that is why Kamiya is not involved with them. Platinum game has 2 MAIN projects that are both30fps... lmao, this game is overrated and mediocre, just another cheap and uninspired side project for Nintendo by Platinum Games. Astral Chain, Bayonetta 3, Babylon's Fall are all being worked on at the same time by B-Team members and are small side projects to scam idiots out of their money, that is why Kamiya is not involved with them. Platinum game has 2 MAIN projects that are both currently secret and being designed for next generation consoles, these are the real GOOD games we will see from Platinum Games and Platinum Games have stated that they will own these IPs and want to become a proper independent studio, similar to From Software and Capcom. We are going to see great things from Platinum Games. So these two next gen titles will be PC/PS5/XboxScarlet multi-platform games.… Expand
  17. XuFu
    Sep 9, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Honestly, the game stole my heart the moment I got to do Kung fu in dog suit.… Expand
  18. iVadimka
    Sep 9, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Потрясная игра! Свежая, механиками и идеями. Планка даже выше чем у Байонеты) Браво Платинум! И спасибо)… Expand
  19. Fentloozer
    Sep 9, 2019
    9
    Great visuals. Gameplay is amazing and all buttons on the controller are used. Just great.
  20. Joshthe10
    Sep 9, 2019
    10
    Bought it, played it, love it, just made this account to go against bombers
  21. aljirik1992
    Sep 9, 2019
    9
    Экзотика Артура Пирожкова

    Если особо придирчивый геймер скажет разработчикам Astral Chain: "У вас есть 15 минут, чтобы меня заинтересовать", - ровно столько же времени со старта игре потребуется, чтобы даже самый ярый противник экзов большой N, как Артур Пирожков, начал напевать: "Зацепила меня", - а в последующем безоговорочно влюбиться в новый IP создателей Mad World, при условии, что    Экзотика Артура Пирожкова

    Если особо придирчивый геймер скажет разработчикам Astral Chain: "У вас есть 15 минут, чтобы меня заинтересовать", - ровно столько же времени со старта игре потребуется, чтобы даже самый ярый противник экзов большой N, как Артур Пирожков, начал напевать: "Зацепила меня", - а в последующем безоговорочно влюбиться в новый IP создателей Mad World, при условии, что аниме стилистика не отторгается уаргонизмом принципиально. Если же идти от обратного, анимешникам, у которых за плечами больше сотни тайтлов, сюжет покажется, отнюдь не оригинальным. Но тут в дело включится выверенный геймплей, с базовым фан-сервисом для подобных эстетов, где градация сложности весьма привлекательна, как для кавайных тянок на стримАх, так и для суровых ронинов, которые изголодались по временам NINJA GAIDEN II. Обобщая, AC - это сериал со средним бюджетом выполненный по высшему разряду, геймплейно являясь хорошей затравкой перед Bayonetta 3.    … Expand
  22. ScurvyDave
    Sep 9, 2019
    10
    This game is fantastic, and has quickly become my favorite game of the year (so far) . If you have enjoyed past platinum games, I'd be surprised to hear you didn't love this.
  23. Exostryker
    Sep 9, 2019
    9
    Graphics: 9.0
    Soundtrack: 10 (is a fcking masterpiece)
    Gameplay: 9.5
    Plot: 7.0 (yep is a pretty generic story but it works)
  24. CrazyEbi
    Sep 9, 2019
    10
    This game is fire! Everything is top notch. The only negatvie is that the lip syncing is a little bit off, but since the voice acting is top notch it isn't enough to take any point off. A must buy for anyone owning a switch!!
  25. EthanML
    Sep 9, 2019
    9
    An all-round excellent and charming-as-hell action game. Packed full of not only awesome combat moments but also a surprising number of fun and often hilarious side activities. If you have a Switch it's a must-buy.
  26. amzngredpanda
    Sep 1, 2019
    8
    it's my honest review from 10 hours++

    it's full action game with complex control, it's a bit weird they put attack on zR and zL buttons. but the gameplay is very good! you even forgot the frame rate when on battle screen, so far so good + the visual is very awesome! music is good! and the scene more like in shonen manga (and of course the story bit shonen too) I give 8 because they are    it's my honest review from 10 hours++

    it's full action game with complex control, it's a bit weird they put attack on zR and zL buttons. but the gameplay is very good! you even forgot the frame rate when on battle screen, so far so good
    + the visual is very awesome!
    music is good!
    and the scene more like in shonen manga (and of course the story bit shonen too)

    I give 8 because they are great but not perfect. I wish I can explore all sector in ARK
    must play game on switch!    … Expand
  27. NeoKurow
    Sep 9, 2019
    8
    Pros
    - Graphics are good enough for a switch game.
    - No slowdowns at all. The game runs at 30 fps but it feels just ok. - The music is good, some tracks are really good but others are meh. - The combat is the best part of the game however you start with almost nothing and it feels very limited at first. You really need to farm points and unlock a lot of skills for the game to get    Pros
    - Graphics are good enough for a switch game.
    - No slowdowns at all. The game runs at 30 fps but it feels just ok.
    - The music is good, some tracks are really good but others are meh.
    - The combat is the best part of the game however you start with almost nothing and it feels very limited at first. You really need to farm points and unlock a lot of skills for the game to get better.
    - Customization is very good and fun addition. Be able to change the character appearance and costume is is great also be able to change the legions colors.

    Cons
    - The really bad camera. This was the major issue with the game up to around 25 hours into it. The game have probably the worst camera that I have seem in a long time in an action game. After enabled the 3 options for the camera that are off by default it got a lot better but still pretty bad compared to other actions games.
    - The enemies attack you off screen and the camera is so bad that it becomes annoying. This is something that platinum need to learn from Devil May Cry 5, in that game enemies never attack you off screen, however, they will try to get into the screen in order to attack you as soon as possible.
    - Platforming was just bad. They tried to put some platforming elements into the game and it was horrible. Every single time that you fight in the astral realm you do it into small platform that if you fall off you will lose around 1/4 of you life bar.
    - The game try to be to many things at the same time and is just a jack of all trades. The investigations, mini games and "lets be the good police" side activities that are always at the start of each mission are just annoying and unnecessary. I would be happy with more action and believe me when I say that there are parts of this game that I don't want to play ever again.

    This game had the potential to be game of the year but the some little mistakes will prevent it. This year are also so many other good games that it doesn't have a chance but still a good game.

    Its a 8.0/10    … Expand
  28. Womble1234
    Sep 9, 2019
    10
    The best switch game released to date.ignore the haters who are review bombing this masterpiece there just a bunch of twelve year olds.
  29. Lifthrasil
    Sep 9, 2019
    9
    Astral Chain is a very good Action game, with great combat and I'm enjoying the story as well. Worst part of the game are the platforming section which there aren't too many so far.

    It's also great fun doing side quests, or picking up cans to throw into the bin, for some reason. If you enjoy action games, this is the game for you.
  30. ProfessorXyZy
    Sep 9, 2019
    10
    I picked my copy up on saturday. And I spent hours enjoying the game. Just everything is so well made for the switch. Even the 30fps are no problem for a action game like this (they really made it work!).
    And the soundtrack is just amazing! Hope it keeps me motivated to revisit it!
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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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