Nordcurrent’s “Chains of Freedom” for PS5 is a turn-based tactical game that draws inspiration from titles like XCOM and Mutant Year Zero. In this immersive adventure, players explore a fictional dystopian Eastern European state, devastated by a mysterious substance known as EDEN. As a player, you will command an elite military squad under the Sovereignty’s orders to unravel a gripping mystery before time runs out. Years ago, an asteroid landed on Earth, bringing along crystals, referred to as EDEN, which have the power to transform people into monstrous mutants, craving destruction.
The Sovereignty emerges as a beacon of hope, attempting to restore order by developing a serum to provide immunity from the EDEN crystals. However, not everyone is willing to conform, as dissenters reject the serum and rise against the Sovereignty, forming their own rebellious faction. Having reviewed similar games before, such as “Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden” and “Miasma Chronicles,” I was eager to dive into what “Chains of Freedom” has to offer on this adventure.
Players can choose from three difficulty levels: Story, Adventure, and Challenge. The Story mode offers an engaging narrative with manageable combat, making it ideal for those emphasizing story over difficulty. Adventure delivers a balanced, standard experience with moderate challenges, while Challenge presents a high difficulty for veterans, where quick revives and strategic play become crucial.
Navigating through each area is intuitive. Use the left analog stick to guide your characters and the right stick to manage the camera view. Sprint with R2, interact with X, switch characters with L1 and R1, and access your inventory with Circle. Equip your team with weapons or items like bandages for healing and field rations for energy regen. Bandages heal 30% of HP and stop bleeding, while food rations restore 60% HP and add regeneration to your character.
Strategically controlling your team is essential, and you can split up to position them advantageously for recon or stealth attacks. Easily regroup with the Triangle button and initiate combat to gain an edge with the Square button. Combat involves managing your team’s actions using the D-Pad to switch between weapons or choose actions, bearing in mind each action consumes Action Points (AP). Use AP wisely to move, attack, or execute special skills.
Each team member possesses unique skills crucial for survival. Fidel’s Uppercut is a powerful melee attack that stuns opponents but requires cooldown time. Corgan’s Overwatch keeps him vigilant, attacking any enemy crossing a designated zone. Utilize cover effectively to evade enemy fire, indicated by cover symbols showing safe or flanked positions.
Crafting plays a pivotal role as you explore. Collect materials to create essential items through the crafting interface, accessible via the menu. The game gradually introduces crafting recipes, enabling you to make ammo, heal items, and other useful resources necessary for survival. As you progress, you’ll find EDEN Biocrystals to enhance your squad with passive and active skills. While beneficial, some crystals may carry adverse effects, requiring careful selection.
“Chains of Freedom” also features a comprehensive trophy list, rewarding players for various achievements, from completing battles and equipping crystals to solving puzzles and mastering combat skills. There’s even a coveted Platinum trophy for dedicated players.
Ultimately, “Chains of Freedom” delivers an engaging tactical experience on PS5, weaving a compelling sci-fi narrative with strategic gameplay elements reminiscent of XCOM and Mutant Year Zero. With its launch, gamers are in for a challenging ride through a world fraught with danger and intrigue.
This review is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Nordcurrent.
