Screenshots & trailers
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (Metacritic) | – | 87 | 20 |
| Creator reviews (2 tracked) | – | 80 | 2 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 94 | 750 |
| Backloggd ratings | – | 77 | 750 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (91)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 90
“Astral Chain is a wonderfully fun and ambitious action title with a great gameplay hook that improves the more you master the basics. It’s yet another example of why PlatinumGames continues to be one of the best in crafting a unique action-adventure hack-and-slash.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“If you ask if something is possible for you or your Legion to do in Astral Chain, most of the time, the answer is yes.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“With its amazing visuals, fantastic presentation, varied gameplay and deep, rewarding combat, Astral Chain could well be PlatinumGames' most accomplished game yet. It mixes detective work with exhilarating battle sequences that are inventive, challenging and, perhaps most importantly, breathtakingly cool. The complexity of the game's myriad systems may prove intimidating for some players, but the inclusion of a co-op play and the ability to automate many of the mechanics via the 'Unchained' mode means that even complete newcomers can still enjoy the ride. Astral Chain isn't just one of the Switch's stand-out hits, it's one of 2019's best video games.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“PlatinumGames has surly shown that they still got it in the action game genre and are still leading game developers there. The two-character combat is bombastic and exciting, the detective exploration system is truly great and the story and characters tie all that together in a nice package no one should miss out on.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Astral Chain is a very welcome addition the Nintendo Switch’s library and PlatinumGames’ portfolio. Some areas are stronger than others; the combat and style are both excellent, but platforming sections are less engaging and the game’s doesn’t make full use of its interesting premise and setting by preferring to go into more straightforward anime melodrama. It’s one that’s well worth checking out for RPGamers and non-RPGamers alike.”
read full review ↗ - 100
“Home to an incredibly immersive world and the best combat on the Nintendo Switch, Astral Chain is a must-play not only for fans of the genre, but the medium as a whole. It is a title that understands the importance of balancing gameplay, story, and style without ever sacrificing substance for anything else. It's more accessible than most PlatinumGames titles without ever having to compromise its core mechanics. The slower start may alienate potential fans but sticking with Astral Chain leads to a surprisingly thematic script, incredibly deep combat, and what might be Platinum's best game to date.”
read full review ↗ - 88
“Once again, PlatinumGames delivers a great action game with a fun and intense combat system. That said, the real reason Astral Chain shines is thanks to the synergistic action game that feels like something fresh and with great potential.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Astral Chain is the most ambitious game Platinum has ever made, and is for the most part a success. It would be tempting to use the old idiom, “jack of all trades master of none” but specific elements of Astral Chain excel far too greatly to refer to Platinum as anything other than masters. The combat, story, and music are some of the best you’ll find on Switch. That being said, there are clearly areas in which less focus was placed. Given your character’s role as a police officer, I found the gradual de-emphasizing of the investigation mechanics to be a tad disappointing. A few areas of the visual design could also use work, but they’ll hardly affect enjoyment of the game. Ultimately, what we’re left with is one of the most exciting and original action games on Switch, if not the most.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Despite the hardware limitations and a handful of odd design choices, Astral Chain is one of the best new IPs to hit in recent years and one deserving the attention of every Switch owner.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“All in all, Astral Chain is a solid and enjoyable action-RPG. It suffers from a lot of Platinum Games' most common problems, such as poor instructions for basic gameplay and an over-reliance on minigames, but the charm and enjoyment of the core game more than make up for that once you get past the rough opening. It's not quite up the highs of a Bayonetta or Nier Automata, but it's worth playing for fans of the company or those looking for a fun action-RPG on the Switch.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Astral Chain is a cyberpunk action-adventure game developed by Platinum Games for Nintendo Switch. This game takes the best ideas behind previous Platinum games and mixes them in a crafty way, injecting all of them in a new concept that links the player to a creature through a chain. A compelling story and a beautiful character design make the rest, even if the level design and the progression system fall short, and this is the biggest downside.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Astral Chain's shortcomings don't overshadow what it does best. It's an incredible execution of a fresh take on Platinum Games' foundation, standing among the stylish-action greats. And its own anime-inspired swagger makes fights all the more exhilarating. You'll come to appreciate the calmer moments in between that add variety and offer a second to relax before jumping back into the superb combat. After 40 hours with Astral Chain, I'm still eager to take on the tougher challenges, and I'll be grinning from ear to ear as I hit all the right moves, one after the other, while watching it all unfold.”
read full review ↗
Pure Nintendo
Slant Magazine
Nintendo Life
PLAY Zine
RPGamer
Cubed3
LevelUp
NintendoWorldReport
ZTGD
Worth Playing
Eurogamer
GameSpot…and 79 more tracked reviews.