Nordcurrent’s “Chains of Freedom” for PS5 serves up a thrilling turn-based strategy experience reminiscent of beloved titles like XCOM and Mutant Year Zero. Let’s dive into the gripping narrative and dynamic gameplay that make this title stand out.
Set in an imagined, bleak Eastern European state ravaged by the mysterious EDEN crystals, the game’s story kicks off years after an asteroid collision changed everything. These crystals have turned humans into crazed mutant beasts, promising a chaotic adventure. You are put in charge of an elite military squad under the Sovereignty’s command, aiming to solve the enigma before everything spirals out of control.
Thankfully, Sovereignty offers a semblance of order, crafting a potion to counteract these crystals’ effects. Unfortunately, not everyone is on board; dissenters refuse the cure, preferring autonomy over compliance. Having reviewed similar games like “Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden” on past platforms, I was eager to see how “Chains of Freedom” would evolve.
The game offers three difficulty modes: Story, Adventure, and Challenge. The Story mode allows players to absorb the narrative with minimal resistance. Enemies are less fierce, and you have ample resources. Adventure mode delivers a balanced test of skills with a three-turn cap on reviving comrades. The Challenge mode, on the other hand, is for seasoned players seeking rigorous enemy battles and tight constraints on reviving teammates.
Gameplay involves maneuvering through areas using the analog sticks for movement and camera angles. You can interact with game elements via the X button, switch characters with L1/R1, and access your inventory with the Circle button. Equipping your squad with extra gear, like bandages that heal a portion of health and stop bleeding, is crucial.
Strategically splitting your team to better position them can give you a tactical edge. By pressing the Triangle button, you can ungroup and regroup your squad. Initiate combat on your terms with the Square button to potentially gain a strategic advantage.
In battle, navigate through actions using the D-Pad. Spend Action Points (AP) on movement and attacks. Smart usage of AP for focus aim can enhance shooting accuracy. Special character skills, like Fidel’s melee Uppercut or Corgan’s Overwatch, add layers of strategy. Utilizing these skills effectively while managing cooldowns can turn the tide in your favor.
Don’t forget to make good use of cover, which provides a valuable evasion boost. Be wary of red symbols indicating you’re flanked, leaving you vulnerable. Watch out for enemy reinforcements, meaning you’re not as safe as it seems.
Crafting is another vital element, where items like ammo and bandages are made from resources found during exploration. EDEN Biocrystals discovered early in gameplay allow for character stat boosts and skill additions. Be mindful of their potential drawbacks.
The trophy system rewards progression, from finding missing pilots to complex battle achievements. Among the objectives are completing sequences at different difficulty levels and mastering character skills.
“Chains of Freedom” offers a rewarding tactical experience, laced with the intensity of a sci-fi setting. If you’re ready to take on a world reshaped by EDEN, it’s an adventure well worth embarking on.
This review is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Nordcurrent.
