ChainStaff Review

A retro revival with a modern edge.

To differentiate oneself from the crowd of retro-themed mini games that are now available, it is necessary to have something truly exceptional. Many video games aim to recreate the excitement of classic action platformers.

Still, only a select few can transform those concepts into something fresh and original. On the other hand, there is the exception of ChainStaff, which was developed jointly by Mommy's Best Games and JF Games.

It does not simply replicate what others have done; rather, it meticulously examines the fundamental characteristics of genre-defining classics and then reconstructs them with a more contemporary design approach.

Clearly borrowing inspiration from well-known titles such as Contra, Mega Man X, and Bionic Commando, ChainStaff  is both a nostalgic tribute to the genre and a fresh spin on it. It maintains the fundamentals of a fast-paced run-and-gun gameplay style while introducing a new primary feature that alters the way players move, battle, and create stages as they progress through the game.

The result is a game that feels old without being a copy, which is hard for many retro-styled games to achieve.

What really makes ChainStaff great is its sureness of who it is. The game does not simply replicate what came before it; rather, it expands upon it in every aspect, from the overall appearance to the gameplay. This distinguishes it from similar experiences, providing you with something both familiar and utterly unique.

The story of ChainStaff  is based on a well-known concept in science fiction, one that appears to have originated in the golden age of pulp science fiction books. The story is about an alien attack in which strange star spores fall to Earth, altering animals and plants and pushing people to the brink of extinction.

The story doesn't just concern itself with defense; it becomes more aggressive when humanity chooses to fight back, directly against the alien threat. You play as Burl, also known as Sergeant Varllet. He is a super soldier revived and chosen as humanity's last hope.

On the other hand, he stands out for the peculiar relationship he has with an extraterrestrial bug attached to his body. The way this connection operates is somewhat analogous to the way relationships function in Venom: it is a combination of cooperation and reliance.

Burl gains improved abilities as a result of the parasite, such as the ability to control the ChainStaff, which actually functions as a living weapon. Despite the novel's terrifying premise, the story's tone is quite different.

The story has a B-movie feel, like old 1960s science fiction. At first glance, it seems dramatic and intense, but it has a sense of humor and self-awareness that keeps it from being too serious. This mix of tones gives the game its own personality, and the story is interesting even when it follows well-known plot points.

The moral choices you have to make throughout the game give it even more meaning.

When Burl sees hurt teammates, players have to decide whether to save them or kill them to get instant benefits. These choices affect not only how the game plays out, but also how the story unfolds, changing how others see you and how events unfold. ChainStaff looks like a normal run-and-gun shooter at first glance, but it quickly reveals a deeper, more complex design.

The main feature of the game is the ChainStaff, which is used for movement, combat, and interacting with the environment. This useful tool is what makes the experience what it is.

It can be used as a grappling hook to help players swing across gaps and move easily through vertical areas. It can also be used as a weapon, delivering both quick hits and powerful charged attacks. With the ChainStaff, it can be used as a defensive instrument to block hits, but also as a utility tool to construct platforms or reach locations they otherwise would not be able to access.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the feature is its seamless integration across every aspect of the game. As a result of the fluidity and expressiveness of movement, players are encouraged to chain together movements such as jumping, grappling, and hitting into a continuous flow. This creates a rhythm that is both enjoyable and fulfilling after you have mastered it to a certain degree.

 The degree of freedom is further enhanced by the design of the levels.

Although the stages are largely linear, they often feature branching paths that encourage player exploration and the discovery of novel elements. These secondary routes often lead to hidden enhancements or alternative routes through the game's environment. These side paths offer light Metroidvania elements to the game without making the main structure too difficult to control. This sense of advancement is bolstered by the ability to return to previous locations with newly acquired skills.

Fighting in ChainStaff involves more than just rushing and shooting at opposing players. Despite the heavy shooting, the game emphasizes planning and location. For each player, the foes are designed to be challenging in their own unique way. To defeat some, you will need to use charged attacks, while others will require careful timing or defensive play.

The boss fights are, without a doubt, the most exciting aspects of the game. Rather than relying solely on reflexes, these circumstances often feel like puzzles. The players are required to search for trends, identify flaws, and make effective use of the many duties offered by the ChainStaff.

The use of this strategy makes the combat more intriguing and gives the impression that victories were earned via more than just luck.

Even yet, the combination isn't always perfect. It is possible that standard enemy battles can feel less dynamic at times and may sometimes interfere with the flow of platforming rather than enhance it. Some parts of the game rely heavily on climbing, which can slow things down and make them feel a little disconnected from the more fluid parts.

The growth system adds an interesting level of choice to the game. Players can temporarily improve their abilities by giving up rescued friends. For example, they can eat hearts to heal themselves or brains to make their attacks stronger. But these advantages only last for a short time. On the other hand, saving friends earns players points that can be used to buy permanent upgrades like stronger shields or better skills. This method sets up a risk-reward relationship that changes how you play.

Do you choose instant power to get through a tough part, or do you invest in long-term growth? This is a smart mechanic that adds depth to the game, but some players might not like the moral consequences or the fact that some upgrades only last for a short time.

ChainStaff is one of the most visually beautiful indie games of its kind. Its art direction is highly influenced by old science fiction, mixing elements of 1960s pulp art with the big, over-the-top style of 1980s rock album covers. The result is a world that is both familiar and new. There is a great deal of attention to detail and variety in the locales. Each level presents a distinct visual experience. Some are bathed in the pale glow of moonlight, while others plunge players into grotesque realms populated by alien life forms.

There are areas of the game that go up and down, which make exploring a larger area feel more profound than in most 2D platformers. The characters' personalities are amplified by their designs. A sense of life and movement is brought to the game by the hand-drawn models that resemble paper dolls, and the enemies' peculiar designs add a sinister appeal. It is also evident that there is a focus on blood and guts, which is a good fit for the game's science fiction horror elements.

Despite containing a few important points, the presentation is not flawless. Performance issues, particularly in pocket mode, can make the experience less enjoyable. Despite the visual package being otherwise very refined, it suffers from frame rate fluctuations and slight slowdowns, particularly in pre-release builds.

ChainStaff has some of the best sound design I've ever heard. The soundtrack is heavily influenced by 1980s rock, with fast-paced songs that perfectly match the game's intensity. From driving guitar riffs to moody pieces, the music is an important part of staying immersed. There are tracks for each level that match its mood and setting, enhancing the overall experience.

The music seamlessly shifts to keep players engaged, whether they're in a tense platforming section or a big boss fight.

 The sound effects are just as well-made. Attacks, the mechanical feedback of the ChainStaff, and the background noises of alien places all work together to make a soundscape that flows. All of these parts work together to create an audio experience as memorable as the gameplay.

ChainStaff is one of the few retro-style games that really knows what it's based on while also staying true to its own path. It takes the basic ideas of old-school action platformers and improves on them with new features, creating an experience that is both familiar and fresh.

The best thing about the game is the ChainStaff system, which gives players many options for movement, combat, and exploration. In addition to creative level design, fun boss fights, and a unique art style, it makes for a consistently fascinating gaming experience.

There are some small problems with the game, like the pace being off, fighting enemies not being very exciting, and some performance issues, but they don't take away from the game's strengths. The experience as a whole is smooth, interesting, and most of all, fun. ChainStaff is a great game for fans of old-school action platformers.

 It stays true to the style of the movies that inspired it while also making important new contributions to the genre. There are many games that look back to the past, but this one stands out because it uses what it finds to create something new.