Astral Chain 2022 Review | The BEST Hack N' Slash Action Game No One Talks About

[@jimsface]

It sold reasonably well and Kamiya wants to do a sequel, it’s just that for one reason or another people forgot about it. Game is phenomenal and deserves all the love it gets

[@astrothsknot]

I don't think it helps that it's for the switch. If it was for the PS whatever or the xbox, it would likely be far more popular.

[@blackqueen5330]

@@astrothsknot I disagree i don't think it would matter.

[@dangunheadachron1603]

@@blackqueen5330 Oh it does matter. Nintendo fanboys would play Pokemon or other games made for 6 year olds over AC.

[@notimeforcreativenamesjust3034]

@@dangunheadachron1603 what? That's not true the game sold well.

[@dangunheadachron1603]

@@notimeforcreativenamesjust3034 Then why I never heard anyone besides Happy Console Gamer talk about it ?

[@harrys1946]

Currently playing through Astral Chain and with each chapter it just gets better and better. One of the only games on switch where I look at it and go "..You deserve better :'("

[@harlingaming6905]

Haha absolutely agree. Thanks for watching

[@houragents5490]

There is hope. Despite there not being much discussion about the game online it actually was able to sell 1 million units, so we might actually get that trilogy the director wants to make. If we cross our fingers hard enough we might even get s character in the next Smash which would really help it's popularity, it sure helped Bayonetta.

[@DudeinaCanoe]

I feel like this game is highly slept on and unlooked at it's great to see other people talking about it.

[@mohamedaboulatta2054]

Power Rangers+Pokémon+JoJo seems like an ideal combo

[@harlingaming6905]

Thanks for checking out the review and leaving a comment

[@maroXUprising]

Astral Chain is still one of the best new IP’s that were developed for the switch. It’s a hidden gem. Still go back to replay the game quite often. Always great to see reviews pop up every now and then for this game. Very thorough review. Hopefully Astral Chain does get some sort of sequel or spiritual successor down the line. But…As of lately, I’m worried about PG’s future… With how Babylon’s fall has gotten horrible reception…and PG* being open for discussion of being acquired by a publisher. On top of several strange changes happening within the company. I fear the future of PG* and thus, the future of IP’s like Astral Chain & Bayonetta if PG goes down under, who else will be able to make those games, and heck worse case scenario…PG* gets bought out by a restrictive company that won’t allow for PG to shine and flex their true talents. Oh well, I’m probably worrying too much, lol.

[@harlingaming6905]

Agreed, but here's to hoping that Bayonetta 3 does well and sets back on the right track. Thanks for commenting

[@ThaTrueEgyptino92]

Even though I’ve been enjoying Astral Chain on my OLED Nintendo Switch, I do hope that Astral Chain comes out on the PC one day. And hopefully Platinum Games will come out of their financial slump soon. But if they don’t, I think Nintendo buying them out would be a great idea. Just that if that does happen (which I don’t think it will, but maybe it could), that Nintendo allows them to put AC on PC. But yeah, that’d make the game going on PC even less likely lol. But maybe not, who knows.

[@paperluigi6132]

@@ThaTrueEgyptino92Nintendo has full ownership of AC, so don’t expect a PC version anytime soon. But still, been doing a second playthrough, and I’ve noticed how well optimized the game really is. Load times are 15 seconds max, and it manages to stay at 30 99% of the time.

[@mattparkent440]

Astral Chain is an amazing game. If you like Platinum style action and can put up with some Anime melodrama, then you will love this game.

[@harlingaming6905]

I normally don't enjoy the anime melodrama, but was completely down for it in this game. Thanks for leaving a comment!

[@KingVentus]

Just saw this video to get an idea of whether or not to buy it, and I’m definitely convinced. You did a great job on all areas, awesome video man

[@harlingaming6905]

Appreciate the encouragement! Really hope you enjoy the game!

[@IAMCha0tik]

I just want to come through and say that this video is TOP TIER! Keep grinding dude, your content is worth watching.

[@harlingaming6905]

Thanks a ton for the encouragement! This video is the one I'm proudest of and the one I'm modeling the rest of my content after

[@ManiacMonkboon]

Discovered your channel today. Enjoying your video's and your style. It's a shame Astral Chain hasn't sold 5 million. It's an awesome game and one of my favorites. Underrated like Sleeping Dogs, Spec Ops: The Line, Shenmue, Vanquish and Superman 64. ☺️

[@harlingaming6905]

Thanks a ton for the comment! I really appreciate it. I was thinking I'll cover Vanquish in the future!

[@dmart6436]

Got this on sale because of you, looking forward to playing it, I loved nier automata btw. Hope your channel grows, you got great talent! Good luck!

[@harlingaming6905]

Hey really appreciate the comment and support! I'm not entitled to people's subs so when you do it's a major vote of confidence. Most importantly, I hope you enjoy Astral Chain. It really is a gem of a game

[@outrageouslamp4539]

When I played through Astral Chain I had each of them coloured like a different ranger Sword (Blue) Arrow (Pink) Beast (Yellow) Arm (Green) Axe (Red)

[@theamateurjedi1523]

Just picked this up been waiting to grab it ever since I got my switch, finally getting to play it

[@harlingaming6905]

Enjoy! It's a great one!

[@tzera_rhuon]

It's currently on sale. I do believe your review has inspired another purchase. Well done.

[@scalicali8073]

Truly an hidden gem. My most played Switch game because I spent so much time 100% everything it has to offer and some chests and especially the red matter are really hard to complete

[@chowdaire7343]

On the contrary, this game was successful because it was on the switch. Nintendo didnt just fund this game, they straight up own it and did a lot of marketing for the game before launch. It currently sits at 1.33 million sales so it was no slouch given the genre and developer. In fact, for a platinum game developed for a single console this is their greatest success story outside the initial sales of nier automata, and i would argue that neir's popularity had more to do with yoko taro and square enix than platinums involvement. Most character action games not called DMC, even ones on playstation, struggle to break 1 million, especially new ip.

[@TheSinLord]

I just came across your channel too, watched videos over tales of arise and scarlett nexus, i liked your takes and the details you considered sharing about games. Looking forward to more game reviews and eventually maybe I'll get introduced to fun titles Idk know about or haven't tried...👍

[@harlingaming6905]

Thanks a ton for checking out the content! If I may ask what kind of games are you into?

[@TheSinLord]

@@harlingaming6905 A lot of, hack & slash games gets priority, action games with lot of moves and what not. Fighting games too, souls like, RPGs/JRPGs.

[@harlingaming6905]

@@TheSinLord A man with good taste! Thanks for supporting the channel.

[@Fascistbeast]

Sometimes just walking around the police station and hearing the cool techno music relaxes me. Ohh and talk to the dog police mascot 🐶 Astral Chain is cool 👍

[@andrewowens4421]

This is one of those games I wish got a sequel. Not only were there _a lot_ of unanswered questions there's so much potential for more story to be told. And like you said, the combat is peak and really lets you experiment.

[@ElLoGGe]

Just started it again after stopping playing it on File 5. Still love it a lot and can't wait to play more

[@joeyisabsb1]

"gameplay takes a back seat" shows God of War, one of the best gameplays in recent years

[@nahte123456]

Playing it now in fact, on File 10. Great fun, but bit ineven really. Took a while to really get going and some of the mini games were just not thought out as well as the combat. But overall just a lot of fun.😊

[@TheOshinoMeme]

When i got my hand on a new switch Astral Chain will again be my favorite one, this game is GOOD ! Clearly need a 2 or something for the future !

[@davidjohnston9435]

Love your notes on difficulty in these videos. As someone who has started selecting harder difficulties in new games I'm playing it's always interesting to me. Exception to this: Tales of Arise - the difficulty spikes in even normal mode are crushing me.

[@harlingaming6905]

I really appreciate this comment. I always feel like difficulty isn't covered as much as I'd like in reviews so I'm trying to create niche around it with my content.

[@davidjohnston9435]

@@harlingaming6905 we'll keep putting it in your reviews and I'll keep watching! Oh, and if you wanna do a combat tips video for Arise I'd probably watch that too 😅

[@ukon2062]

I was just randomly reminded about this game. And I have to say platinum games except for Bayonetta are always a rollercoaster ride. Good stuff are good, bad stuff are bad . And man, were the edges rough around everywhere. Especially for it's clunky controls, I'd say If this game wasn't out during the golden time of Nintendo switch where players are hungry about any decent games, it definitely would failed much harder.

[@davealaya]

People say Xenoblade is more bang for the money. I disagree because you WILL play Astral Chain twice. Xenoblade you can get skill-locked out of progression, and there's no way I'm doing DLC or NG+

[@sentoworf]

Even if you don't do DLC or NG+ the Xenoblade games are very long. My Xenoblade 3 save file had 110 hours even without those by the time I beat the game(still had lots of side content I haven't done). The other 3 Xenoblade games have around the same amount of base content available for a single playthrough.

[@thelastgogeta]

Honestly Hideki Kamiya's games (he supervised this) have been like this for a very long time technically starting with VJ up to The Wonderful 101 and this is just a continuation of that though with more mainstream design. Some things I really liked (music, level design) but others didn't rock with me like RPG elements and default controls. I did love the final boss of the main campaign though.

[@viewtiful1doubleokamihand253]

Props to you for mentioning The Wonderful 101. You know the actually great stuff.

[@Buddhakingpen]

I wonder how many people saying a game is underrated are required before a game isnt considered underrated. I've literally only seen glowing reviews, its on damn near every "best game on the switch" list, and its one of platinum games best selling titles ever... Like what makes it underrated? Is it because its not fortnite level popular?

[@harlingaming6905]

That's a good question. You'll definitely hear different things from different people. Critical reception is definitely a component but so is commerical success and legacy. This game just seems to be forgotten and it's rare you'll meet someone that's actually played it. It's in the same category of lost Odyssey and dragon's dogma for me-- people who play it love it but most people haven't

[@Buddhakingpen]

@@harlingaming6905 Its an anime action game thats a new ip that sold over a million copies. Thats damn impressive to me. Esp considering how saturated the market is, and how niche anime styling is. I definitely agree that the AAA story based action games outperform spectacle fighters though. Niches gonna niche

[@agreedboarart3188]

This game became infinitely better for me when I realized you don't have to clean up red matter to get S+ ranks lol.

[@MahoganyBlack]

Hope this game gets a No More Heroes treatment and gets a PS5/ Xbox release. Shame that games like these aren’t getting the attention it deserves.

[@SamM_Scot]

This isn't like say a No More Heroes or Bayonetta situation. Astral Chain is a 100% Nintendo IP with PG has developers only :-)

[@sentoworf]

It used to be co-owned by Platinum and Nintendo but now the IP is fully owned by Nintendo. Probably means that PS5/Xbox releases aren't in the cards anymore. Could have been like how Fatal Frame games still come out on PS/Xbox even though the IP is co-owned by Nintendo/Koei Tecmo but not anymore :(

[@joearnold6881]

It’s on sale right now. Watching this, it just made me want to start Nier: Automata again. I never did finish it. I might do that instead

[@harlingaming6905]

Why did you stop playing Nier: Automata if you don't mind may asking? I finished it years ago, but don't view the story as the masterpiece many seem to.

[@joearnold6881]

@@harlingaming6905 put simply, ADHD. My Steam library of full of half finished games, even ones I really liked. The trouble is that I’m a completionist, so I move slowly through a game like that which means there’s are more chances for me to get distracted. I did the same with Elden Ring. I’m a huge From Software fan, and I put maybe 200 hours into Elden Ring without getting more than 2/3rds through it. If I’m reminded of a game like that I do sometimes go back and finish. I did find the story, or more so the world building and lore, to be quite good in Nier, if slow to get going. I’d played the earlier game back in the day. Very different, but it had that same _feel_ to the world. Plus I had the version where you play the father which made for a touching dynamic.

[@kierenbuckley370]

the game was revealed and released with very little buzz then was very quickly forgotten about because of everything that released in 2019

[@tomb411]

One of the unlockable color palettes is based on Neon Genesis Evangelion!

[@rifatbobos]

One of my friends told me to try this back in 2021 but I didn't really enjoy because it was a little to intensive and too much button input lol But then just about last month, decided to give it a try on my oled switch after bought it used for about $30, and boy how hooked I am. Currently going through file 12 after finishing the story on all difficulties. It is confusing at first, but once you got the gripe, you'll realize how brilliant and careful Platinum is on making this game. It truly deserves a sequel and I really REALLY hope Platinum will turn their attention to this title after releasing Bayonetta 3

[@javonjames4573]

This game is one of my all time favorites!

[@cqllel5186]

Just completed the game! Astral Perfection! 225h+ I wish this game didn't get review-bombed by angry Sony Ponies. This game gets over shadowed by subpar/over rated hack n slashes like NieR or DMC or Bayonetta. It deserves so much better bcuz it rly is the best Hack n Slash out there Hack n Slashes are a hit-or-miss genre You got good ones like Astral Chain or Metal Gear Rising with mechanics like Parrying, dodging, and perfect timing that allow you to insta kill enemies. Using abilities and debuffs and whatever And You got the bad ones that're just Light/Heavy attack, button input combos, floating in the air and juggling enemies, and errything is just a *hit sponge.* All nothing but fancy swipes and slashes

[@latto5933]

Amazing video, i arrive a little late into the Game, but its so good.

[@jessietanner6318]

I like the video! Although your opening of reminding you of Heros defeating evil isn't part of the game though, it's a secret shady task force enslaving creatures to fight other creatures. That's pretty f*cked lol Maybe in a second game it will be revealed that its the humans fault the creatures came in the first place... BUT I get the confusion 😅

[@paperluigi6132]

Finally doing a second playthrough, with my first being 2 years ago. Does anyone know the pins for the locked files?

[@nexustragoon1920]

1125 - the birthday of the protagonist and Akira Howard.

[@markiesenasir5299]

Love the quality of the videos 👍

[@harlingaming6905]

Thanks a ton. Frankly I'm most proud of the Astral Chain review so I'm glad it's resonating with people

[@acheronrecusant]

I would rate Astral Chain an 8.5 out of 10. The gameplay is fantastic and the story is serviceable (which is all that it was really trying to be). The main things that keeps it out of the 9-10 zone for me are the awkward platforming that you have to do a lot of the time, and the sheer amount of "Ah yes, I love rational game design" moments (for example, why does fire immediately reduce your HP to 1?)

[@harlingaming6905]

Pretty much how I feel as well. Thanks for commenting!

[@scalicali8073]

I liked the platforming, the exploration felt rewarding because of it imo

[@SegaMan1991]

This game is pretty much Remember Me (The false advertising and misleading beat em up game that was published by Capcom and developed by Dontnod Entertainment) done right

[@harlingaming6905]

Oh man I literally forgot that game existed until your comment. That would make an interesting review

[@tzera_rhuon]

Nilin had a badass design at least.

[@michaelbrent1536]

I currently have the game and I was able to beat it my God the boss is was so hard and I love the music that’s the best part was villain though but the music is awesome

[@belto3149]

Look up Freedom wars on the ps vita. I've just started playing Astral chain and honestly there's so many elements they took from Freedom wars

[@harlingaming6905]

Haha I remember freedom wars. I was so excited for it when it came out and ended up being disappointed

[@belto3149]

@@harlingaming6905 I didn't like it either tbh but it feels like they were inspired from it when creating astral chain. Soul sacrifice delta is my shit tho. Best game ever

[@bonbon_aska]

this one called the successor of Chaos Legion by capcom before. they bring "pets" with their perks. but astral chain is on another level. many smart move has been put inside the game like "binding enemies with chain", finish the puzzle with chained beast and so on. yet chaos legion is like devil may cry with security around him. and Yes astral chain if promote better, it can be sit at higher tier. it just doesnt get the highlight

[@shocknawe]

Yup. Always heard of how great it was. Looked at it and it didn't look like anything very exciting. I was delightfully wrong. The game is indeed great.

[@elijahyoung1963]

I love this game and many of platinum’s games over the years the thing I love the most about this game is its unique gameplay mechanics and combat I mean along with this and all 3 Bayonetta games and Nier automata it feels like you are playing an interactive anime but instead of watching the action you are in control of the action.

[@salz1554]

What games are at 2:00 ?

[@harlingaming6905]

Hello there! Devil May Cry 5 and Bayonetta 3

[@zacharydobbins6267]

Still hold hoped for a sequel

[@kornevink901]

I'd give the game an 8. Though I did play on easy.

[@ChaoticNeutralMatt]

Heard about this from a Chaos Legion video. I'm curious

[@pocketgaming2288]

Bro I feel like the Legions are not being used to their full potentials. Remember that skill the axe legion did when he jabs his axe to the ground and everything in the vesinity explodes? Yeah I see no one using that skill.

[@eenernanis2664]

No one talks about? What? What even gave you that idea? Everyone that's into action games and is worth their salt already knows it, it's just an exclusive to switch, so a lot of people haven't played it, but they're damn sure aware of it

[@dam1rche193]

I bought nintendo switch just for this game and I love it!

[@kermitwithamustache3885]

The gameplay in this game is generational The game in general made the Switch worth getting for me

[@timebandit1266]

Add this game to your library now before its 100$.

[@santiagoruizvalle5668]

i honestly prefer the gameplay of astral Chain before Nier Autómata.

[@RaidThren]

Great game

[@SegaMan1991]

Astral Chain was at least a nice makeup for Metroid Prime 4.

[@AxelFucker]

I think why this game is underrated bcuz it's released ahead of it's time if you look back and compare this year releases you will also think that astral chain should be released this year together with Bayonetta 3 & Xenoblade, bcuz switch on 2017-2019 is I don't know hahaha it's astral chain that caught my eyes to look on switch console on d end of 2019 hahaha & say to myself I will wait for sale & more exclusive AAA like games on switch on then I will buy it and yeah it's year 2022 that I buy my switch oled onsale and now my birth month I have full time to play astral chain yeah!!! Rak&RolL! Legion's!!! 😂 ✌️

[@aymanmohsen4387]

Hello... Does single player require an internet connection to play?

[@harlingaming6905]

Hi! No internet connection needed

[@teneesh3376]

The worst things about this game are that it only runs at 30fps and it's pretty awful accessibility options. Let's talk about that last part. You can't turn off motion controls. Can't change the sensitivity of the motion controls when aiming the bow There are only control presents and there is no full button remapping. This was especially disappointing after nier automata had it. Though these are the worst things about this game, doesn't detract from the game at all. Though I did wish platinum added these accessibility options and made the game run at 60fps, it's still a blast to play this

[@josephpirro5098]

I hope it didn't explode

[@naushadbaig3751]

in 22 ​

[@madnight1553]

majority of switch players is parents and kids who plays family games and casuls. platinum games is too much for switch fanbase but perfect for hardcore gamers. i personally think this game is looks good but thats about it. because i didnt have the luxury to experience it to really know if the game is that good or not. dont own switch and certainly won't bought switch just for this game

[@nunothedudesvideodump]

man, i wish the emulator ran this game at 60fps and not 30