Between The Wonderful 101 and Bayonetta 2 , PlatinumGames' track record under Nintendo was already at an incredible high. While PlatinumGames would then go on to dedicate roughly two years to lesser titles ( The Legend of Korra , Transformers: Devastation , and TMNT: Mutants in Manhattan ), 2017's...

Astral Chain is a hack and slash action game developed by PlatinumGames, a studio well known in this genre for great titles such as NieR: Automata and Bayonetta. It was directed by Automata's lead designer, Takahisa Taura; with help from Devil May Cry and Bayonetta creator Hideki Kamiya.

Fast-paced gameplay; amazing art style and visual quality; great soundtrack; fun controls

Rare frame rate dips; poor writing

Really good game and good price :) delivery was quick and got a 2 hour slot for when it would arrive.

You know that scary dog trope that shows up in a lot of old cartoons The one that if it got off the leash would definitely attack you Astral Chain takes that concept to the extreme, but this time you're the one holding the leash.

Stylish as heck; Extremely deep combat system; Surprisingly good story; Beautiful aesthetic

Camera problems; A few tedious missions

I'm a big fan of pretty much every title PlatinumGames has developed, but somehow, I didn't even know that Astral Chain was in development. I knew about Scalebound , which has now been canceled, and it looks like from the ashes of the now-canceled Xbox One title, a wonderfully original action title...

Fantastic PlatinumGames-style action; Couch co-op; Diverse score

Action can be overwhelming at first; Graphics are dated

PlatinumGames has a long and successful history of making stylish-action games, and Astral Chain is one of its most accomplished and enjoyable entries to date, giving both Bayonetta and Nier: Automata a run for their money.

Astral Chain is a game that knows what it is. After an extended bout of fast paced, balletic combat, in which my character and its tethered Legion combined forces to reap destruction I find myself back in the Police Headquarters.

She said she's from a quasar Then the toilet fairy came. Then the insane mechanical depth we'd expect out of Platinum. Then I got to moonlight as an office mascot named Lappy who helped out depressed co-workers.

With games like Bayonetta , Vanquish , Wonderful 101 and MadWorld in its back catalogue, it's little surprise that Japanese developer PlatinumGames has gained a reputation for tight, action-packed titles that mix stunning visuals with intricate and rewarding gameplay mechanics.

Every time a new PlatinumGames title releases is a time for celebration. Except maybe that handful of small licensed games it made. But Astral Chain is a particularly special time, for not only are we being blessed with a big-budget Nintendo Switch exclusive, but it is a damn good one, too.