Nordcurrent’s latest PlayStation 5 title, “Chains of Freedom,” delivers an exhilarating turn-based tactical adventure that’s evidently inspired by classics like XCOM and Mutant Year Zero. Set within a gritty, dystopian Eastern European state, it explores a world irrevocably altered by the arrival of EDEN—a mysterious substance from space. As the commander of a high-caliber military team operating under the Sovereignty, you’re tasked with solving a dark enigma before catastrophe strikes. Years prior, Earth endured a catastrophic asteroid impact that brought with it the enigmatic EDEN crystals, turning people into vicious mutants.
Thankfully, the Sovereignty emerged to restore a semblance of order, developing a serum to render people immune to the crystals. Yet, not everyone is willing to accept this enforced cure, fueling rebellion and the rise of a new regime. Having previously reviewed games like Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden and Miasma Chronicles, I’ve been eagerly anticipating what “Chains of Freedom” would bring to the table.
Players can choose their path with three distinct difficulty settings: Story, Adventure, and Challenge. Those opting for Story mode can dive into the narrative without facing overwhelming opposition, enjoying weaker enemies and more abundant resources. Conversely, Adventure mode provides a balanced experience, while Challenge mode ramps up the aggression and introduces strict limits on turn-based actions.
Navigating the game involves controlling your characters with the left stick, employing the right stick to manipulate the camera for better viewing angles. Sprint with the R2 button, interact using X, and swap characters with L1 and R1. The Circle button grants you access to your inventory where you can outfit your squad with weapons, bandages, and rations—essential supplies that can significantly alter the course of battle.
Food rations double as health boosts and regeneration tools, vital for ensuring your team’s survival. Strategically splitting your team or scouting ahead can gain you a tactical edge. By using the Triangle button, you can separate or regroup them, and preemptively engage enemies by pressing Square to set up advantageous combat scenarios.
In the thick of battle, each squad member can be individually commanded, their choices impacting the flow of combat. Action Points (AP) are crucial, spent on maneuvers or heightened attack accuracy. Skills like Fidel’s Uppercut—a melee attack with potential to stun—require tactical deployment due to cooldowns, while Corgan’s Overwatch skill offers protective coverage on the battlefield.
Maximizing cover in fights prevents taking unnecessary damage, offering an evasion bonus depending on the level of cover. Be vigilant of enemy flanking attempts, signaled by a red icon, which could leave you exposed to full-scale attacks. Enemy reinforcements often challenge security, so adaptability is key.
As you traverse these hostile lands, you’ll gather crafting materials that facilitate the creation of new items like ammo and healing supplies, necessary for survival. As you advance, these options will expand, even allowing you to harness the power of EDEN Biocrystals. While they significantly boost your squad’s abilities, they might come with harmful side effects, adding layers to your strategic considerations.
Throughout your journey, the game rewards your accomplishments with trophies. From locating critical plot items to mastering combat scenarios and exploiting your team’s strengths, each achievement brings you closer to the coveted Platinum.
In closing, “Chains of Freedom” stands out as a compelling turn-based experience on PS5, beautifully blending tactical action with an engrossing narrative. It thrusts players into a conflict-ridden world, shaped by unexpected science fiction elements. It’s available now, ready to test your strategic mettle in this post-apocalyptic reality.
Please note that this review is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Nordcurrent.
