Astral Chain

I have to admit that this game grew off me a bit. I think it's at its best when you're exploring the hubs in each chapter doing side quests, but the problem is that they're of extremely variable quality and they tend to get repetitive. They also make the already long (and honestly shitty) story even longer than it already is. I still recommend it for the fun gameplay and combat... the platforming and puzzles are half baked at best though... kinda mixed overall, but when I had fun with the game I had a looot of fun. Just wish the pacing, writing and voice acting were better.

Really loved this, especially the odd Shenmue-esque side quests which broke up the action well. The pacing is a bit odd though given how slowly critical skills and moves are doled out to you; I remember thinking the second mission was brutally hard. Then I got sync attacks and went back and wooped the boss there. There were lots of parts like that, to the point where I could see others being turned off by it. But stick with it and you are blessed with what might be Platinum's best combat system yet.

Given how much plot is left unresolved at the end and how much potential a sequel has, I hope Platinum is working on one for the Switch successor.

Astral Chain is a marvel of an action-rpg with a deep combat system, stellar visuals, and endearing writing. Normal difficulty is a bit on the easy side, but thankfully there are harder modes. The combat system is so deep it’s a shame it won’t see multiplayer use.

Jena Anderson is, visually, Samus.