Review of Chains of Freedom for PlayStation 5

Nordcurrent’s game, Chains of Freedom, is a captivating turn-based strategy experience available on the PS5. Drawing inspiration from similar titles like XCOM and Mutant Year Zero, this game takes players to a dystopian Eastern European setting where the world has been upturned by a new threat known as EDEN. You’re at the helm of a top-tier military squad working under the Sovereignty’s directive, trying to uncover the underlying mystery before disaster strikes. The world’s upheaval started when an asteroid collided with Earth, unleashing crystals filled with EDEN. Unfortunately, these crystals are highly infectious, morphing normal humans into savage, mutation-filled monsters.

Despite the chaos, there is a silver lining. The Sovereignty emerged to bring order amidst the chaos and engineered a serum to shield people from the dreaded crystals. However, conflicts arise as some individuals resist the enforced immunity, leading to uprisings and the establishment of new regimes. Having previously dived into similar territory with games like Mutant Year Zero and Miasma Chronicles, Chains of Freedom was a must-try for me.

The game offers three distinct difficulty settings: Story, Adventure, and Challenge. Opting for Story mode allows players to experience the narrative with simplified combat. This choice presents less threatening enemies, a more generous flow of resources, and removes time constraints for reviving fallen team members. Adventure mode is balanced, providing a moderate challenge with a specific three-turn limit for revivals. Challenge mode, however, is crafted for veterans seeking intense gameplay. It ups the stakes by making adversaries formidable, requiring prompt revivals within two turns, and imposing strict time limits for conflicts.

Navigating the world involves using the left stick for movement and the right stick to control the camera, assisting in strategic positioning. By interacting with objects and characters using the X button, adjusting items through the Circle button, and managing your squad navigation with the L1, R1, and Triangle buttons, you can optimize your tactical placements. Bandages restore 30% of health and stop bleeding, while food rations not only heal but also grant regenerative capabilities. Sometimes, it’s tactical to split your squad to gain strategic advantages or ensure survival by exploring ahead individually. Starting combat on your terms gives you the upper hand, achieved by pressing the Square button.

Combat involves strategic decision-making as you maneuver and execute actions using the directional pad. Each action and movement costs Action Points (AP), which are refreshed every turn, encouraging players to leverage potent skills against foes. Skills play an essential role, with each character possessing unique abilities. Fidel’s Uppercut is a devastating melee attack, on cooldown post-use, while Corgan’s Overwatch keeps him vigilant over a designated area, ready to intercept any enemy movement.

Using cover effectively is crucial. Depending on the type of cover, you gain different evasive advantages, yet you’re vulnerable when enemies flank your position. Reinforcements can shift battle dynamics, requiring constant reassessment of strategies.

Resource collection for crafting adds depth and utility to gameplay. Foods, ammo, and medical supplies crafted from scavenged materials improve your squad’s capabilities. As the game progresses, you’ll acquire EDEN Biocrystals, powerful enhancements with both beneficial and detrimental effects. For instance, Maiming Thorn provides a passive boost that ensures attacks that could miss still inflict partial damage.

Strategists will relish the trophy challenges and the path to the Platinum trophy—each requiring tactical finesse and determined exploration. Your journey starts with small achievements and grows into mastering the full breadth of combat and strategic possibilities offered by Chains of Freedom.

Chains of Freedom is an enthralling experience that combines tactical depth and a compelling narrative twist, launching today for PlayStation 5. For those drawn to strategic gameplay with a sci-fi edge, it’s a game worthy of exploration and experimentation.

Disclaimer: This review of Chains of Freedom is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Nordcurrent.