Review: Chains of Freedom on PlayStation 5

Nordcurrent’s Chains of Freedom offers an engaging turn-based tactical adventure on the PS5, drawing inspiration from classics like XCOM and Mutant Year Zero. Let’s dive into this intriguing title in our review.

Set in a dystopian Eastern European state, the world in Chains of Freedom has been transformed by the ominous spread of EDEN. You guide an elite military squad, acting under the Sovereignty’s orders, aiming to solve a critical mystery before it’s too late. The backstory involves an asteroid crash years ago that brought with it EDEN crystals, leading to people turning into deranged mutant creatures.

Despite the chaos, the Sovereignty stepped in to restore order, creating a medicine to shield people from the EDEN crystals’ effects. However, resistance arises as some citizens refuse this imposed immunity, sparking a rebellion. Having reviewed titles like Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden and Miasma Chronicles, I was eager to explore what Chains of Freedom has in store.

You have three difficulty levels to choose from: Story, Adventure, and Challenge. Story mode lets you savor the narrative with reduced combat difficulty, more resource drops, and no turn limit for reviving allies. Adventure mode strikes a balance, offering a standard challenge and a three-turn limit for reviving allies. The Challenge mode caters to seasoned players, featuring tougher enemies, stricter turn limits, and a more demanding pace.

Exploring the game world, you’ll maneuver characters using the left analog stick, adjusting the camera with the right. Sprint using R2, interact by pressing X, and switch characters with L1 and R1. Your inventory, accessible with the Circle button, allows you to equip weapons and items such as bandages or field rations. Bandages heal and stop bleeding, while food rations offer a more substantial heal and regen effect.

Strategic management of your team is crucial. You can separate characters for tactical positioning or scouting by pressing Triangle and regroup them by doing so again. Engage in combat on your terms with the Square button for a strategic advantage.

During combat, select characters and choose between moving or taking action with the D-Pad. Weapons can be switched with up or down on the D-Pad. Every action consumes Action Points (AP), but they replenish each turn, allowing you to employ special skills effectively.

Each squad member has unique abilities vital to your success. Fidel, for instance, can use an uppercut to stun enemies, and Corgan’s Overwatch ensures he covers areas vigilantly, attacking any enemy that ventures within.

Positioning is key, with cover granting evasion bonuses. Enemies also use cover, and positions marked with a red symbol indicate you’re flanked and vulnerable. Expect reinforcements during battles, which can shift the tactical landscape.

Collect resources while exploring and craft items through the crafting interface. As you advance, you’ll unlock new crafting options, starting with essentials like ammo and bandages. The crafting system becomes invaluable as you progress.

EDEN Biocrystals add another layer of strategy, offering passive and active skill boosts. But beware, they may have negative side effects. Equip them wisely; for instance, the Maiming Thorn prevents missed shots by inflicting partial damage even on missed hits.

The game boasts a full trophy list, rewarding you for milestones like finding the missing pilot, completing battles, and achieving gameplay objectives. Play through various scenarios, solving puzzles, and perfecting your strategies to achieve platinum.

Chains of Freedom is a compelling turn-based tactical game for PS5 fans of XCOM and Mutant Year Zero. Set in a dystopian realm altered by EDEN, you’re at the helm of a squad unraveling mysteries under the Sovereignty’s command. The game launches today, promising an intense and strategic experience.

This review is based on a PS5 copy of Chains of Freedom, kindly provided by Nordcurrent.