9 /10 24

Astral Chain stands as PlatinumGames’ most accomplished modern action title, introducing “Synergetic Action”—a revolutionary dual-character control system that feels alien at first, then becomes second nature. Released in 2019, the game garnered critical acclaim for its ability to seamlessly blend stylish combat with investigation mechanics, creating a cohesive action-adventure experience. This review explores what makes Astral Chain’s unique gameplay philosophy work, how its intricate combat system rewards mastery, and why its visual presentation and soundtrack remain standout achievements on Nintendo Switch.

How to Play Astral Chain

Astral Chain centers on controlling both a police officer and their Legion—a living weapon connected by a chain—simultaneously. The dual-character focus creates layered combat depth where players manage positioning, timing, and synergy between both entities. Combat feels overwhelming initially due to the tutorial load, but becomes intuitive through consistent play.

1. Controls – Players manage the protagonist with standard movement and attack buttons while directing their Legion independently using triggers and shoulder buttons. The learning curve is steep; early chapters feature extensive tutorials introducing new mechanics gradually.
2. Progression – Players advance through police cases in the Ark, with each chapter introducing new Legion types and combat styles. Investigation sequences break up action with dialogue-driven detective work.
3. Combat/Mechanics – Core gameplay revolves around Legion types (Sword, Bow, Hammer, Arm, Rifle), each with distinct attack patterns. “Sync attacks” trigger when both characters coordinate actions, creating devastating combo strings. Players can switch Legions mid-battle based on enemy types and situation.
4. Tips – Master one Legion type before switching frequently. Invest time in the tutorial chapters; the complexity pays dividends. Use the Legion for both offense and puzzle-solving exploration. Chain mechanics work both offensively (binding enemies) and defensively (blocking attacks).

Who Should Play Astral Chain

Astral Chain appeals to players seeking mechanical depth and stylish combat with a substantial narrative wrapper. The investigation mechanics and visual novel segments differentiate it from pure action games, creating a broader appeal than traditional PlatinumGames titles. Anime fans particularly connect with its cyberpunk aesthetic and character designs.

• Action Enthusiasts – Players who love Bayonetta, Devil May Cry, and Nier: Automata will find familiar DNA recontextualized through the dual-character system, rewarding stylish play and ranking-based replays.
• Anime and Sci-Fi Fans – The game draws inspiration from Neon Genesis Evangelion and Ghost in the Shell, featuring striking character designs by manga artist Masakazu Katsura and a cyberpunk-noir narrative tone.
• Switch Exclusive Collectors – As a Nintendo Switch exclusive with no planned multiplatform release, this remains essential for those seeking quality exclusives on Nintendo’s hardware.
• Skip if – You prefer simpler, button-mashing action without precision timing. Silent protagonists (the main character doesn’t speak) may frustrate narrative-focused players. Investigation segments break combat momentum, which some find tedious.

Astral Chain Platform Performance

As a Nintendo Switch exclusive, Astral Chain demonstrates impressive technical achievement on hybrid hardware. The game maintains solid frame rates during intense multi-enemy encounters despite visual complexity. Docked and handheld modes both perform competently, though some players report occasional frame dips during visually dense boss fights.

Astral Chain System Requirements

As a Nintendo Switch exclusive, Astral Chain has no PC system requirements. The game launches and plays on all Nintendo Switch models—original, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED—though handheld mode resolution differs from docked play. Storage footprint is minimal compared to modern standards.

Similar Games to Astral Chain

Astral Chain pulls inspiration from PlatinumGames’ extensive action catalog while introducing mechanical innovations. These comparable titles share either the action-focus or the character-action emphasis, though none replicate Astral Chain’s dual-character synergy system. Players seeking similar experiences across different platforms will find these alternatives valuable.

• Bayonetta 2 – Same developer, similar stylish combat mechanics with weapon-switching. Lacks the dual-character control; more traditional character action with stronger narrative payoff.
• Nier: Automata – PlatinumGames title blending action with narrative experimentation. Features faster-paced combat but simpler mechanical depth compared to Astral Chain’s synergetic system.
• Devil May Cry 5 – Capcom’s flagship action franchise focusing on weapon-switching, ranking systems, and stylish combat. More refined combat but lacks investigation mechanics and the dual-character hook.
• Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance – PlatinumGames’ action-stealth hybrid with cyborg combat. Similar precision requirements but different genre focus and narrative tone.

Astral Chain vs Competitors

Astral Chain occupies a unique space within the action-adventure genre, distinguished by its dual-character system and investigation mechanics. Direct comparison reveals how synergetic action differentiates it from traditional character-action games. Critical reception validates its innovation, though some players prefer the faster-paced combat of competing titles.

Astral Chain Story and World

The Ark—a massive, prosperous multicultural city—becomes ground zero for an extradimensional invasion when mysterious gates open, unleashing alien creatures and corrupt landscapes. Players join Neuron, an elite police task force, as rookie officers paired with Legion living weapons. The narrative draws inspiration from Ghost in the Shell and Neon Genesis Evangelion, exploring themes of human-machine symbiosis, responsibility, and sacrifice.

Characters feel memorable despite the silent protagonist, and the story escalates meaningfully across nine chapters. World-building happens through both cinematic presentation and environmental storytelling, with the Astral Plane (the dimensional origin of invaders) providing existential stakes. Tone balances noir detective work with anime-inspired spectacle.

Astral Chain Multiplayer and Online

Astral Chain’s unconventional co-op system splits Joy-Con controllers between two players, with one controlling the protagonist and the other managing the Legion. This creates cooperative synergy where both players must coordinate timing and positioning. High-score pursuit becomes significantly more challenging in multiplayer, requiring synchronized mindsets. The system proves remarkably fun despite (or because of) its learning curve, forcing communication and teamwork rather than individual performance.

• Co-op Campaign – Full story playable with two players, each controlling one character. Requires active coordination and punishment for poor timing is immediate and shared.
• Local Multiplayer Only – No online co-op; requires two players in the same physical location with both Joy-Con sets or individual controllers.
• Ranking Mechanics – Post-mission scores reward synchronization; coordinated sync attacks and simultaneous attacks yield higher ratings, encouraging cooperative play.
• Cross-Play – Not applicable; local co-op only on Nintendo Switch hardware.

Astral Chain DLC and Expansions

PlatinumGames confirmed no post-launch DLC for Astral Chain, instead positioning it as a complete experience. The developer indicated vision for a trilogy, suggesting potential sequels rather than episodic content. This stance contrasts with modern live-service expectations but affirms the game’s design as a finished product.

• No Paid DLC – Zero post-launch paid content planned; the 2019 release remains the definitive version.
• Trilogy Potential – Director commentary suggests Astral Chain could be the first in a planned trilogy, with potential sequels rather than DLC expansions.
• Free Updates – Occasional patches addressed bugs and stability, but no meaningful content additions beyond launch.
• Complete Package – The game launched as a finished product with extensive campaign, side missions, and post-game content built-in.

Astral Chain Community and Support

Astral Chain maintains an active community despite its niche positioning as a Switch exclusive. Official support continues through Nintendo’s framework, while fan communities thrive on Reddit and Discord. The competitive ranking system fostered community engagement around high-score achievements and technique sharing.

• Official Nintendo Support – Patches and stability updates released through Nintendo eShop; official community presence on Nintendo Switch social platform.
• Reddit/Discord Communities – r/AstralChain and Discord servers host active discussions on combat optimization, ranking strategies, and community playthroughs. Speedrunning community has developed competitive routes.
• Fan Sites – Comprehensive wikis document all Legion types, combat mechanics, and mission walkthroughs. Video analysis community explores combo potential and advanced techniques.
• Ongoing Engagement – Despite no new content, the community remains vibrant through speedruns, ranking competitions, and technical discussions around mechanical depth.