Nordcurrent’s Chains of Freedom offers a captivating turn-based tactical game on the PS5, drawing inspiration from classics like XCOM and Mutant Year Zero. Imagine a dystopian Eastern European state, a world reeling from the chaos caused by EDEN’s spread. Players find themselves commanding an elite military squad under the Sovereignty’s orders, attempting to solve an urgent mystery.
Picture this: an asteroid collides with Earth, leaving behind EDEN crystals that wreak havoc by transforming people into monstrous mutants. However, the Sovereignty emerged with a remedy to protect humans from the EDEN crystals. Yet, as history shows, not everyone is eager to follow orders. Some resist, choosing rebellion and creating their own rules.
Drawing comparisons with previous reviews like Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden and Miasma Chronicles, there was a sense of anticipation diving into Chains of Freedom’s offering.
The game welcomes players with three difficulty settings—Story, Adventure, and Challenge. For those who prefer focusing on the narrative with less intense combat, the Story setting is perfect. Adventure provides a balanced experience, posing a moderate test of skill, while Challenge mode steps it up for seasoned gamers who want to test their strategic prowess with tougher enemies and stricter revival limits.
As you venture through the game, navigation is smooth. Move your character with the left stick while the right stick adjusts your camera view. Sprint with R2, interact with X, and manage inventory with Circle, ensuring your team has everything from weapons to healing supplies like bandages and food rations. Sometimes, tactical advantage might mean splitting the team up or quickly regrouping using the Triangle button. Initiating combat on your terms can provide strategic benefits, easily done by pressing Square.
Combat introduces player choice, using Action Points (AP) to move, engage with enemies, or hone precision by focusing. Each action requires AP, but they replenish every turn, encouraging strategic use for skills and attacks.
Each squad member brings unique skills to the battlefield. Take Fidel’s Uppercut—it’s a powerful melee attack that not only deals significant damage but also stuns enemies temporarily. However, its power is balanced by a cooldown period. Meanwhile, Corgan’s Overwatch skill keeps watchful eyes on specific areas, reacting instantly to any enemy stepping into range.
Tactical positioning is key. Make use of available cover to gain evasion bonuses, but keep an eye on the battlefield for signs of enemy flanking. Reinforcements can change the tide, so stay vigilant!
Resources collected during exploration are vital for crafting. Players can create necessary items like ammo and bandages through the crafting interface, an essential tool for survival. As you progress, you’ll uncover and utilize powerful EDEN Biocrystals, which bestow unique passive and active skills. Choose carefully, as they can also carry detrimental effects.
There’s also a treasure trove of trophies available for trophy hunters, ranging from completing objectives to mastering combat scenarios with specific skills. Achievements like stunning enemies with Fidel’s Uppercut or mastering Corban’s Overwatch skill challenge players to fully explore their tactical options.
Chains of Freedom on the PS5 successfully merges tactical gameplay with an engaging storyline. With its strategic depth and a compelling sci-fi twist, it’s a must-play for fans who enjoy immersive tactical games. Get ready to dive into this adventure as it launches today on PlayStation 5.
Note: This review of Chains of Freedom is based on a PS5 copy graciously provided by Nordcurrent.
