If you’re a fan of games like XCOM or Mutant Year Zero, “Chains of Freedom” from Nordcurrent is probably going to be right up your alley. It’s a turn-based tactical adventure, now available on PS5, that should definitely spark your interest.
Set in a dystopian Eastern European nation, this world is uniquely post-apocalyptic due to the mysterious spread of EDEN. As a player, you step into the shoes of a leader commanding an elite military squad, working under the orders of a governing body known as the Sovereignty. Your mission? To piece together the puzzle of this bizarre world before it’s too late.
The story kicks off with an asteroid crash-landing on Earth. The real trouble begins when the asteroid’s crystals, referred to as EDEN, start infecting people, transforming them into rampaging mutants. The silver lining? The Sovereignty managed to take charge amidst the chaos, promising a semblance of order. They even developed an antidote to protect people from EDEN’s effects. Still, not everyone was eager to play by their rules, stirring tensions with insurgents who aimed to establish their own order.
If you’ve dabbled in games like “Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden” or “Miasma Chronicles”, you’ll likely find “Chains of Freedom” an intriguing addition to your collection.
Let’s talk about gameplay. The game accommodates players of all skill levels with three difficulty modes: Story, Adventure, and Challenge. If you’re just in it for the narrative, the Story mode is a forgiving experience with enemies that won’t pose too much of a threat and ample resources dropping during combat. You also won’t have to fret about a turn limit when reviving allies. Switch up to Adventure mode for a balanced encounter that adds a dash of adrenaline with three turns to revive teammates. Then there’s Challenge mode, ratcheting up the difficulty for experienced tacticians. Enemies strike harder, move faster, and your downed comrades must be revived within only two turns under tight turn limits.
Navigating through this world is smooth and intuitive. You control your squad using the left analog stick for movement and the right for adjusting your camera perspective. Running is as simple as pressing R2, while the X button lets you interact with your surroundings. You can switch characters with the L1 and R1 buttons and access your inventory using the Circle button. The inventory is your hub for equipping weapons or vital items like bandages and field rations – bandages heal and stop bleeding, and rations, a precious commodity, offer substantial healing and a regenerative buff.
During exploration, you might want your squad to split up for strategic positioning or reconnaissance. Press Triangle to separate them and regroup them swiftly when necessary. Initiate combat on your terms with the Square button, skipping into action when you’re ready.
Combat requires strategic thinking, where each character can move or execute an action using your finite Action Points (AP). Whether you’re moving into position or switching weapons, every action burns through your APs. Don’t hold back – your APs are refreshed at the start of every turn, encouraging you to make decisive moves. Special abilities add an exciting layer, with team members boasting unique skills. Fidel’s Uppercut, for instance, is a hefty melee attack that might knock out an opponent and will need a cooldown before it’s available again. Then there’s Corgan’s Overwatch – a vigilant skill that lays in wait to ambush enemies who wander into the covered zone.
Leveraging cover is crucial, offering added evasion based on whether it’s partial or full. But be aware, the enemy can use it to their advantage too. If you notice a red cover indicator, it means you’re in a flanked position – completely vulnerable to an attack. Further complicating fights, enemy reinforcements can appear when least expected, changing the dynamic of the battlefield entirely.
During your journey, you’ll gather materials essential for crafting. The crafting interface gives you the liberty to create items like handgun and rifle ammunition, and first-aid essentials such as bandages. Keep in mind new recipes unlock progressively, nudging you to adapt and upgrade your arsenal as you go.
EDEN Biocrystals are another exciting feature, acting as potent artifacts that empower your squad with new skills or stat boosts, though sometimes accompanied by undesirable side effects. Choosing the right crystal, such as the Maiming Thorn, which ensures missed shots still inflict damage, can considerably sway the tide of battle. But weigh the risks, as some can carry significant downsides, like instant death upon HP depletion albeit with an extra AP bonus during combat.
For all the trophy hunters, “Chains of Freedom” comes packed with a treasure trove of achievements, culminating in a coveted Platinum trophy. The objectives range widely, from investigating a graveyard for loot to using Fidel’s Uppercut frequently. It offers a well-rounded challenge to flex your tactical muscle.
Releasing today on PS5, “Chains of Freedom” invites you to dive into a gripping, turn-based tactical saga. Guide your elite squad through a ravaged world and piece together the mystery of EDEN – before time runs out. Whether you’re a tactical veteran or a curious newcomer, this game’s strategic blend stands ready to test your mettle. Find your tactics, forge your path, and relish the journey.
Just to note, this review was based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Nordcurrent.
