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. btl630900
    Sep 1, 2023
    9
    Astral Chain Is an excellent new direction and IP showing how platinum can grow and an amazing action game for the switch. The dual combat is really unique and leads to tons of depth and potential with abilities, setups and a ton of potential. The world design is amazing with anime and cyberpunk like places in the arc that feel rich and fun to play in. This game has tons of content andAstral Chain Is an excellent new direction and IP showing how platinum can grow and an amazing action game for the switch. The dual combat is really unique and leads to tons of depth and potential with abilities, setups and a ton of potential. The world design is amazing with anime and cyberpunk like places in the arc that feel rich and fun to play in. This game has tons of content and variety with "cases" separation of combat and fun adventures really making you feel like a police officer. So many good elements like bosses, enemy design, style, fun quests and completion, motorcycle segments, the chill investigations and iris, the cats and toilets', the music being fantastic. This game is an absolute gem. While story craziness at end, and not as tight platforming elements and a few other elements like switch locked 30 fps could hold this back from perfection, it cant be overstated how much of a triumph this is. You can pet the beast legion! There is even an great challenge postgame with bosses and tough cases leading to one of the best secret and tough bosses I've fought ever. This game is special, Absolutely one of the best switch games of all time.… Expand
  2. juanlobo
    Aug 24, 2023
    7
    the investigation parts are horrible, the action is nice, the chimeras world is bland and boring. Not a bad game, but not that great
  3. QuimeraDsaille
    Aug 17, 2023
    10
    Es un Juegazo, deleite visual. Una banda sonora atrapante. Que no te engañen los "ceros" que hayan aqui. Lo mejor es jugarlo y disfrutarlo de primera mano.
  4. jelikey
    Jul 29, 2023
    8
    Here is my HONEST, 100% Non Biased review of The Game Called Astral Chain: “Astral Chain reminds me a lot of games like Nier, Bayonetta, Devil May Cry, and much more. And with this game, I believe it takes all of that inspiration and evolves it into what we have now. This game is really good, The Characters, The Story, all pretty much flow very well. The Combat is pretty damn good, as wellHere is my HONEST, 100% Non Biased review of The Game Called Astral Chain: “Astral Chain reminds me a lot of games like Nier, Bayonetta, Devil May Cry, and much more. And with this game, I believe it takes all of that inspiration and evolves it into what we have now. This game is really good, The Characters, The Story, all pretty much flow very well. The Combat is pretty damn good, as well as the graphics. Now I do want to point out that yes this game is 30 frames per second, but I believe that doesn’t diminish the overall picture for this game. I do also want to point out a couple of things: The legions and being to switch between each of them with ease is really awesome, u can call out your legion to perform pretty sick combos or use your legion to navigate places that are harder to reach on your own… Expand
  5. bohalaa
    Jul 15, 2023
    8
    Too much talking and tasks, wish it was more fights just like bayonetta.
    The camera not really good especially when I control the robot.
    Overall it's a good game
  6. Abelardo14
    Jul 13, 2023
    8
    La mecánica de combate de este juego es ÚNICA e increíble, por lo cual vale su compra solo por este punto. El hecho de que controlas a tu personaje y a su legatus al mismo tiempo es de aplaudir.

    Los diseños de los personajes de este juegos son sacados de un manga excelso, y los diseños de los legatus, DIOS! son lo mejor, son como pequeños Evas, de Neon Genesis Evangelion, un diseño    La mecánica de combate de este juego es ÚNICA e increíble, por lo cual vale su compra solo por este punto. El hecho de que controlas a tu personaje y a su legatus al mismo tiempo es de aplaudir.

    Los diseños de los personajes de este juegos son sacados de un manga excelso, y los diseños de los legatus, DIOS! son lo mejor, son como pequeños Evas, de Neon Genesis Evangelion, un diseño excelso. Así también los demás personajes de la historia son uy carismáticos y con personalidades bien marcadas.
    En cuanto al apartado artistico y sonoro, en lo personal me parecio sobresaliente... pero solo las primeras horas, puesto que pasado un tiempo, la paleta de colores te satura y hace que los lugares donde se desarrolla la historia caigan en repetitivos o que se parezcan mucho, lo mismo con la música al pasar de las horas cansa un poco. No quiero que se mal entienda, los gráficos de este juego fácilmente están en el top de la Nintendo switch, pero mi critica va mas a lo artístico.

    Y por ultimo solo queda decir 2 cosas la primera y lo peor de este juego: las partes donde haces de detective, son lentas y repetitivas, pero puede que a alguien le guste esta mecánica; y el otro punto es el movimiento fuera de batalla, es un tanto ilógico, por que llega a ser muuuy torpe.

    Se que tal vez crees que merece una mejor calificacion, pero comparandolo con otros del catalogo de la switch y despues de rejugarlo 3 veces esa es una calificacion a mi parecer mas que acertada.    … Expand
  7. Blackdog22
    Jul 11, 2023
    8
    Great game! I thought the combat was new and interesting. It is hard to get used too, but thats because it controls like no other game. It makes you relearn gaming. Thats kind of Platinums niche, they make you feel like a kid again learning new things.

    My only negative really is information overload and a very long early game process of tutorials and introducing something new and then    Great game! I thought the combat was new and interesting. It is hard to get used too, but thats because it controls like no other game. It makes you relearn gaming. Thats kind of Platinums niche, they make you feel like a kid again learning new things.

    My only negative really is information overload and a very long early game process of tutorials and introducing something new and then tutorials and then something new and then tutorials. It felt like I was barely playing and more learning new things before I had truly gotten down the initial mechanics and it kind of just keeps giving you new stuff constantly when you don't feel comfortable with the old stuff. Then going through the game it doesn't feel necessary to even do the new stuff outside of S Ranks.

    Very fun though, just pacing was bit too much. I kind of like to get the grasp of the game and just go about playing. Simple but hard to master is ideal. This felt a bit convoluted or overdone. Then again would I have had the same feeling of learning and playing a fresh game if it wasn't introducing tons of new things? Maybe not!    … Expand
  8. michmach47
    Jun 25, 2023
    10
    This game is arguably one of the best titles the Switch has to offer. Incredible graphics for the console, amazing combat as per Platinum standards, an okay story, memorable characters... From start to finish it's a thrill ride and an emotional rollercoaster. From replaying files to doing the frankly enormous post game, there's a lot of replay value as well. It's a shame nobody reallyThis game is arguably one of the best titles the Switch has to offer. Incredible graphics for the console, amazing combat as per Platinum standards, an okay story, memorable characters... From start to finish it's a thrill ride and an emotional rollercoaster. From replaying files to doing the frankly enormous post game, there's a lot of replay value as well. It's a shame nobody really talks about it for some reason...… Expand
  9. tonberry_ftw
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Along with Nier Automata, I would say this was the best game from PlatinumGames Inc.
  10. Shrijan1995
    Jun 4, 2023
    10
    Astral Chain is another great Nintendo Switch Exclusive video game with great voice acting , amazing soundtrack and excellent boss fights.
  11. SlayerKarma
    May 25, 2023
    10
    Flawed on some aspects, is one of the best on the genere, a hidden gem with one of the top 50 soundtracks on videogames.
  12. Videogamessuper
    May 22, 2023
    10
    Visualmente impecable, artisticamente sublimeme... me encanta el diseño de enemigos y personajes principales.. una japonesada de aquellas..! a nivel jugable solo puedo decir que es el mejor HACK AND SLASH DE LA HISTORIA.. FACINANTE! GRANDE PLATINUM!!!
  13. DylanJashin
    May 6, 2023
    5
    The worst final boss I’ve had to fight in a long time, how this game is rated this high is beyond me
    And that’s not even mentioning how it’s a game based on giving you so many assets to use during combat, but damn near forces you to use the gun for so many of those combat situations. Disappointed.
  14. mza115
    Apr 11, 2023
    10
    LOVED LOVED LOVED this game.

    Once you get the hang of the gameplay and the buttons (and there are a LOT of buttons in this) you'll fall in love with this game. The storyline is corny in places but ultimately you eventually do care for these characters.

    Didn't want it to end.
  15. Flounder
    Mar 28, 2023
    8
    I absolutly loved playing through this game, it is pure platnuim charm but with its own unique twist, i love the action gamplay being divided with detective work were you creatively use the same abilities for both action and detective work, also for a game that essentially only has 2 attack buttons their is a lot of variety in the gamplay. My gripes primarily are the story isnt the bestI absolutly loved playing through this game, it is pure platnuim charm but with its own unique twist, i love the action gamplay being divided with detective work were you creatively use the same abilities for both action and detective work, also for a game that essentially only has 2 attack buttons their is a lot of variety in the gamplay. My gripes primarily are the story isnt the best and they barely let you puzzle solve as they constantly have characters just tell you what to do which is a shame cuse when you do puzzle solve it is fun, secondly file 12 is a complete slog to get through just such a boring and repetitive mission sets, this game does not have the enemy variety to fill 71 missions. Other then that tho the gameplay, the set pieces, the variety, the shher ammount of secrets and secret bosses make me love this game regardless.… Expand
  16. darkdale
    Mar 21, 2023
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is not as good as I expected, considering other reviews I've read. It is still a good game. I'll start saying that I've completed most of the game, but not finished it. From the very beginning, the plot made absolutely no sense. So, you start working for the neuron unit and by your first mission you lose your commanding officer. It's more like he decides to suicide for no apparent reason. Then you get promoted to leader of your unit. Why?. There are more team members with much more experience than someone starting the job that very day. Nonsense. With respect to playability, this is just ok. I don't like the way the environments are restricted. You walk until you get a yellow horizontal line that appears preventing you from continuing. And this line appears when you are really close to the border of the area. There are even times when this visual notification is not appearing. The game just doesn't allow to continue through specific paths even though the way is absolutely clear from objects, and that's it. With respect to controls, at first I've found them complex, but as you play you get along with them pretty quickly. Maybe there are too many different actions available at combat. For me this is being in general an enjoyable game, but forgettable.… Expand
  17. laytonalan
    Mar 7, 2023
    10
    Two years ago, if you would have asked me who my favorite video game developer was, I would have to say BGS or Nintendo. It was only upon playing Astral Chain that I realized one studio that I have severely overlooked. Platinum Games. After playing through Astral Chain, I’ve purchased all three Bayonetta games(paid $80 for Bayo 2), and Nier: Automata. This is all to say, Astral Chain is aTwo years ago, if you would have asked me who my favorite video game developer was, I would have to say BGS or Nintendo. It was only upon playing Astral Chain that I realized one studio that I have severely overlooked. Platinum Games. After playing through Astral Chain, I’ve purchased all three Bayonetta games(paid $80 for Bayo 2), and Nier: Automata. This is all to say, Astral Chain is a brilliant game that made me change my mind as to who my favorite developer was. Not is the story engaging and well voice-acted, the graphics are some of the best on Switch. A superb game that is a must-own for any Switch owner with an interest in action games.… Expand
  18. ZYMROD
    Jan 4, 2023
    9
    Astral Chain es una excelente propuesta que logra sacarle el provecho a la escueta potencia de la consola. Y una de las mejores propuestas presentadas en Nintendo Switch.

    LO MEJOR - La historia con un típico futuro distopico pero con una ambientación increíble. - Las legiones que son una criaturas que podemos utilizar para combatir junto a sus respectivas variantes. - El apartado    Astral Chain es una excelente propuesta que logra sacarle el provecho a la escueta potencia de la consola. Y una de las mejores propuestas presentadas en Nintendo Switch.

    LO MEJOR
    - La historia con un típico futuro distopico pero con una ambientación increíble.
    - Las legiones que son una criaturas que podemos utilizar para combatir junto a sus respectivas variantes.
    - El apartado sonoro con una música acorde a cada situación y bastante recordables.
    - El carisma de los personajes que no caen en los típicos clichés.
    - Sistema de combate fluido y con una dificultad bien medida.
    - Los gráficos que sacan provecho a la consola.
    - Apartado artístico notable que te mantiene inmerso en el juego.

    LO MALO
    - Problemas de rendimiento debido a limitaciones del hardware.    … Expand
  19. svonton
    Dec 14, 2022
    9
    just beat this game (with some time gaps) but still can say few words about it. So first what i want to admit excellent graphic quality (except absence of Anti-aliasing - all looks kinda too sharp) and art style that is some kind of cyber or future punk. Epic boss battle and interest story another great pros of this game. and some words about cons: as for me some of side quests are similarjust beat this game (with some time gaps) but still can say few words about it. So first what i want to admit excellent graphic quality (except absence of Anti-aliasing - all looks kinda too sharp) and art style that is some kind of cyber or future punk. Epic boss battle and interest story another great pros of this game. and some words about cons: as for me some of side quests are similar and looks like dev got gyroscope but dont know how to use it (bring tower of boxes from A to B is one type os mission that they bring to the game). another one is mechanic of pulling the main character with chains to the point - if you try to pull not in the center of platform character will fall of every time. in conclusion game great example of non-Mario or Pokemon game on switch with interest story quest and perfect sound and visual but with some small minusess.… Expand
  20. Ansb
    Dec 6, 2022
    4
    No invulnerability frames, sword mode unprecis, enemy who one shot in last levels, dodge useless, etc...
  21. jljosue
    Nov 22, 2022
    10
    A game that impressed me from its story to its gameplay. Totally recommended. I hope they bring out a sequel.
  22. BorisThe_Spider
    Nov 21, 2022
    10
    This is a full action game. I'm really impressed by how PlatinumGames managed to make a game full of action where you control two characters at the same time and you only have to press few buttoms. It's just crazy. One of the best game-plays of all the games in Switch. Also the characters and overall design is gorgeus. It's a must-play on the platform.
  23. sephiroth42
    Nov 17, 2022
    10
    A mi parecer de los TOP 5 juegos de la Nintendo Switch, la atmosfera Cyberpunk es buena, la jugabilidad es increible, combinar los Legions y hacer combos es divertido, los personajes tienen un fenomenal diseño, y que se puede decir de la música es adictiva, tanto el soundtrack como la música con letra.
  24. ali_3410
    Nov 16, 2022
    10
    This game is so good, I would bet anything on the fact that there will be a sequel. Everything about this game appeals to me, the music is great, the character design, the amazing story, the combat style, etc. I loved it. I want more Legions.
  25. Sterrewiggelary
    Nov 12, 2022
    8
    An interesting game that was a lot of fun to play. I especially enjoyed the soundtrack and art style. Could have used a little more content however.
  26. Lugesei
    Nov 1, 2022
    10
    Incredible music and gameplay, very stylish combat. The visuals are just gorgeous, absolutely amazing for the Nintendo Switch. I liked the Story a lot. I have to emphasize on the music, this game's OST is just a masterpiece.
  27. Sensou
    Oct 10, 2022
    7
    The coolest animation on a game. Feels so weird that the game captivate me with its running animation. It's just an animation, come on.

    The combat moves also feels so slick and awesome. Although most of it is just smashing button but the game provide a more in-depth kind of move-set and combo that you can learn and make the combat more engaging(?) I guess. The exploration is decent,    The coolest animation on a game. Feels so weird that the game captivate me with its running animation. It's just an animation, come on.

    The combat moves also feels so slick and awesome. Although most of it is just smashing button but the game provide a more in-depth kind of move-set and combo that you can learn and make the combat more engaging(?) I guess.

    The exploration is decent, not really that great but good enough to make you attach with certain chapters. The game design is good so you won't get lost while exploring the area but you might miss out several side quests because some of them not live on the map.

    That being said, I understand why some people said its getting pretty tedious as I feel the same way. As you progress in the game, exploring feels more like a chore rather than you explore out of your own curiosity. When in combat, the game always throw you to red places (never pay attention to the naming of that place) which feels that you always keep repeating the combat again and again even thou you are fighting a different monsters in every chapters.

    The rest of it is fine but why every developers follow that kind of trend where the protagonist can't talk? Is it to make it feels like we are them so we can make our own reaction or response to certain situation in the game?

    Finish the game and I don't think I will replay or even revisit every chapter to complete it.    … Expand
  28. GreenMenace
    Sep 28, 2022
    6
    Astral Chain delivers on a game that feels “different” from other games. I stuck by the game and beat it, and while I can say it’s a good game, I’ll also say it’s not the game for me. Platinum games does a very good job developing a system that rewards players for perfecting the game/combat. I’m not into fighting combat perfectly—I just want to fight. And the game had plenty of satisfyingAstral Chain delivers on a game that feels “different” from other games. I stuck by the game and beat it, and while I can say it’s a good game, I’ll also say it’s not the game for me. Platinum games does a very good job developing a system that rewards players for perfecting the game/combat. I’m not into fighting combat perfectly—I just want to fight. And the game had plenty of satisfying mechanics and fights in it. My biggest complaint is how the other dimension looked. The color hurt my eyes and there was little variation in color as I had to puzzle my way through an ugly dimension.

    I was slightly disappointed by the detective side of things since quests felt run of the mill. A good sort of standard, but nothing spectacular. Even then, I can’t hate it because it gave a nice change of pace from the action. This game was a well designed game, through and through—it just didn’t click with me.

    I highly recommend Platinum Games (which includes Astral Chain) if you like a beat em up game with a skill ceiling that rates your progress.    … Expand
  29. ELYS1UM
    Sep 20, 2022
    6
    I think this game had the potential to be great, but just ended up being mediocre. Great gameplay and music, and a very distinct visual style, but this is the kind of game that absolutely NEEDED to have the time to tell its story, which it just did not have. I wouldn't call my experience bad, but it was just completely... unremarkable as a whole. I think if this game got more time to fleshI think this game had the potential to be great, but just ended up being mediocre. Great gameplay and music, and a very distinct visual style, but this is the kind of game that absolutely NEEDED to have the time to tell its story, which it just did not have. I wouldn't call my experience bad, but it was just completely... unremarkable as a whole. I think if this game got more time to flesh itself out more, tell its story, develop its characters, and refine its gameplay, it would be a lot better for me.… Expand
  30. Bdebox
    Sep 16, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Gran juego, el sistema de combate no deja de evolucionar, una historia que te entretiene y te deja con grandes momentos.… 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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