Nordcurrent’s latest title, Chains of Freedom, invites players into a thrilling tactical adventure on the PS5, pulling inspiration from classics like XCOM and Mutant Year Zero. Set in a fictional, dystopian Eastern European state ravaged by EDEN, it challenges you to guide an elite military squad on a mission from the Sovereignty to solve an urgent mystery before time runs out. The catalyst for the chaos was an asteroid that impacted Earth years ago, bringing along crystals, dubbed EDEN, which turned people into ferocious mutant monsters.
The Sovereignty stepped in with a solution, concocting an immunity to the EDEN crystals, but not everyone accepted their authority. Some chose rebellion, eager to forge their own regime and reject the proposed cure. As someone who’s delved into similar realms with games like Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden in 2018 and Miasma Chronicles in 2023, I was intrigued to see what Chains of Freedom would offer.
In Chains of Freedom, getting into the groove of gameplay means choosing from three difficulty modes: Story, Adventure, and Challenge. Story mode sets you up for a relaxed experience, where combat is less daunting and resources flow more freely, sans turn limits for reviving teammates. Adventure mode serves up a balanced challenge, demanding tactical thinking with a three-turn limit for reviving fallen allies. For those craving a steeper trial, Challenge mode sharpens enemy AI and retaliatory aggression, while imposing stricter time constraints.
Navigating this vivid landscape places you in charge of maneuvering your characters throughout varied terrains. The left stick handles movement, the right stick adjusts your viewpoint, and R2 lets you sprint. Interaction with the world around you comes via the X button, while toggling between team members happens with L1 and R1. Your inventory—accessed through the Circle button—holds vital gear like additional weapons and healing items, such as bandages that recover 30% HP and halt any bleeding.
Speaking of supplies, food rations are invaluable, restoring 60% HP while providing a regeneration buff. At times, strategic planning necessitates splitting your team to gain tactical position or scout ahead. With Triangle, you can disperse your squad or regroup them when needed. Ready to start a skirmish on your terms? The Square button lets you launch an attack when advantageous.
As battles begin, selecting your actions wisely is key. Movement and actions use up Action Points (AP), which refresh at each turn’s start, so feel free to leverage powerful skills. Strategically switching weapons with the D-Pad enhances your adaptability in combat. Each team member possesses unique skills that are crucial for survival. Take Fidel’s Uppercut, a melee power punch requiring AP and causing major damage with a chance to stun. Use it strategically, though, as it comes with a cooldown. Meanwhile, Corgan’s Overwatch keeps enemies at bay by covering a specific area—step in, and they’ll be stopped cold.
Utilizing cover can turn the tide of battle, boosting your evasion. The cover’s effectiveness varies by its integrity, partial or full. Beware of red cover symbols, indicating an enemy flank, which leaves you exposed. Occasionally, enemy reinforcements might pitch in, shifting the battle dynamics unexpectedly.
While traversing the game’s zones, collect materials for crafting—an essential survival skill. With the crafting interface, you can produce items like ammo, bandages, and more as the game progresses. At the onset, you’ll craft handgun and rifle ammo alongside bandages, which prove handy soon after receiving your first rifle.
Eventually, you’ll uncover EDEN Biocrystals, which offer significant boosts while introducing risk factors to consider. For instance, the Maiming Thorn grants a Graze ability—a powerful boon ensuring shots never entirely miss, dealing partial damage even on failed attempts. Imagine the trade-off if an EDEN Biocrystal rewarded extra AP but made fallen allies irretrievably gone from the battle.
Trophy hunters will find plenty to keep them engaged with a full Platinum trophy list. From locating your missing pilot early on, winning hand-to-hand combat, and equipping EDEN crystals to completing story milestones and executing specific tactical feats, the challenges promise plenty of action.
Chains of Freedom delivers a strategic PS5 experience steeped in a sci-fi narrative that beckons thinking tactically amid the remnants of society altered by EDEN. Today marks its official debut on the platform, inviting gamers to tackle its challenges head-on.
This review of Chains of Freedom is based on a PlayStation 5 review copy provided by Nordcurrent, promising a robust tactical escapade infused with sci-fi elements.
