Multiplayer: Yu | Year of manufacture: 2019
I was on the verge Astral chain from the day the first trailer came out until a few hours into my playthrough. It all felt too generic, almost a paint-by-numbers execution of an action game. I shouldn't have been so worried, as this is one of the most original games from Bayonetta developer PlatinumGames in years.
In a future where the world is under constant attack from creatures that exist on another plane of existence, you play as a special forces officer who fights this threat. The trick of the game is that you can tame these creatures and turn them into Legions that can be used in battle. During battles, you simultaneously control your character and the Legion to deal with waves of mobs and larger, more complex enemies. In addition to combat, you'll use your Legions to solve crimes and navigate the environment.
Astral chain is closely tied to detective work, platforming puzzles and combat – too close if I'm being critical – with the game divided into cases that serve as chapters. The story starts off well enough but quickly turns into a mishmash of different anime types, including unexpected twists and plotlines taken straight from some very famous shows and movies. Still, the minute-by-minute gameplay is enough to keep you engaged through the roughly 20 hours of the main campaign and some pretty significant end-game content.
Does Astral chain reach heights Nier: Slot Machines? No, not at all, but its combat system and environment can often surpass what is, overall, probably my favorite game of this generation. It often sells for under $50 these days and is well worth it.