Dive into “Chains of Freedom” by Nordcurrent on the PS5, a dynamic, turn-based tactical game drawing inspiration from classics like XCOM and Mutant Year Zero. This title thrusts players into a dystopian Eastern European landscape, forever altered by the mysterious spread of EDEN. Your mission? Lead an elite squad under the Sovereignty’s command to decipher the enigma threatening to spiral out of control.
The narrative begins years after an asteroid’s catastrophic impact on Earth. But the real peril lay in the strange, deadly crystals it carried, known as EDEN. These transformed everyday people into bloodthirsty mutant monsters. Thankfully, the Sovereignty emerged to impose order, devising a serum that made individuals immune to the EDEN menace. Yet, dissent brews, with factions refusing this compulsory immunity, sparking rebellion and a regime of their own. Having delved into similar titles like Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden and Miasma Chronicles, diving into Chains of Freedom was a must for me.
For those new to the game or strategy aficionados, the game offers three distinct difficulty levels: Story, Adventure, and Challenge. The Story mode caters to those keen on narrative immersion with a reduced combat difficulty, making enemies less formidable and resources more plentiful. Adventure mode presents a balanced experience with moderate challenges and a three-turn limit for reviving allies. The Challenge mode, designed for seasoned players, boasts aggressive foes, sharper AI, and a mere two-turn window to revive fallen teammates.
Game mechanics allow players to control characters using the analog sticks, manipulate the camera for better visibility, and interact with the environment using the X button. Players can switch between team members or dive into their inventory seamlessly. In this menu, tools like bandages, which restore 30% HP and stop bleeding, can be equipped – essential for survival.
Exploration is key, sometimes requiring teams to split for strategic advantages. Engaging enemies proactively is crucial, as surprise attacks can tilt battles. Once combat kicks off, decisions about movement, action point (AP) management, and weapon use are paramount. With limited AP per turn, players must strike a balance between moving, attacking, and using special skills.
Team members come with unique abilities. Fidel’s Uppercut is a potent melee strike that can incapacitate foes, while Corgan’s Overwatch vigilance covers specific zones, ensuring any enemy crossing his path faces immediate retaliation. Leveraging cover effectively is equally critical, providing much-needed evasion bonuses.
Crafting plays a pivotal role in Chains of Freedom. Collecting resources scattered throughout the game world allows players to fashion essential items, enhancing their tactical capabilities. As you progress, crafting options increase, including essentials like handgun and rifle ammo, or healing bandages.
EDEN Biocrystals, collectible artifacts throughout the game, offer intriguing strategic choices. While providing considerable passive bonuses or skill enhancements, they sometimes carry detrimental effects. Weighing the pros and cons of each crystal adds depth to tactical planning.
And for you trophy hunters out there, Chains of Freedom delivers a comprehensive list culminating in a coveted Platinum trophy. Whether it’s mastering Fidel’s melee prowess or Corgan’s tactical overviews, there are plenty of achievements to chase.
Chains of Freedom stands as a testament to the turn-based tactical genre, compelling players to navigate a richly crafted, dystopian world. It’s available now on PlayStation 5 for those eager to test their strategic mettle.
This review of Chains of Freedom is crafted from a PlayStation 5 copy kindly provided by Nordcurrent.
