The worst part about ChainStaff is that I’m not as good at it as I’d like to be.
Every now and then, I find myself pulling off impressive attack combos or platforming moves that make me feel like I’m finally getting into a real groove. Then an enemy comes along and makes sure to put me back in my place.
In a way, though, I’m enjoying it. It’s a nice callback to old-school arcade games designed to drain all the quarters out of your pocket. You get better as you progress, but it’ll cost you, literally.
That’s the vibe I get from ChainStaff, whose old-school aesthetics and blazing 80s metal soundtrack are all about being in your face. Thankfully, it’s a game that doesn’t solely rely on style, delivering an addictive and satisfying gameplay experience, even if it’s frustrating at times.
ChainStaff delivers old-school vibes with modern gameplay
Fans of the side-scroller genre will feel right at home. This isn’t some 2D modern Metroidvania/Soulslike hybrid cashing in on today’s popular genres. This is a true, blue 90s gaming expedition. Think Metal Slug meets Maximum Carnage, as developer Mommy’s Best Games puts it.
I mean, that’s the hook that got me interested in ChainStaff to begin with. Surely it will work on other gamers currently pushing 40.
You play as a soldier tasked with saving the Earth from both mutated monsters straight out of a 1970s Saturday morning cartoon. Ironically, you yourself have been infected by a parasite. Don’t worry, though, as this grants you access to various abilities you’ll pick up as you play through the game.
Ultimately, though, there are only two constants in your weapon arsenal: your gun and your titular chainstaff. It’s said staff that helps ChainStaff stand out and feel unique and innovative. At first glance, it’s just a simple weapon that can do more damage than your gun. Over time, you realize the staff is one of the most versatile weapons I’ve ever experienced in a game.
Consider this: you’re fighting a boss who’s shooting at you from multiple angles. Can you nimbly dodge them while firing your weapon? Sure, but that’s annoying. What if you had a staff that could act as a shield, deflecting incoming fire? Good news, you do! How about trying to grapple platform across the level? The staff also serves as a grapple hook, allowing you to navigate these branching pathways with ease!
This is where I don’t mind the game’s frustrating difficulty. I’m having too much fun discovering how I can use the chainstaff to my advantage. Every time a challenging enemy or a difficult-to-reach platform is thrown in front of me, it’s like a new puzzle to solve. It scratches the right portions of my brain in a very satisfying manner that keeps me coming back for more, no matter how many times I die.
The gameplay of ChainStaff is both simple and complex, and the game is better for it
Earlier, I mentioned that you’ll only have two weapons at your disposal. This is true, but you will be able to upgrade and pick up additional technological upgrades along the way. This includes secondary fire options, bonus health, and more. There are also parasitic upgrades that enhance your character’s power, letting you live out the fantasy of becoming an unstoppable killing machine, such as The Predator. Hey, you kinda look like The Predator already!
That will certainly come in handy as you progress through the game and encounter more challenging enemies. Every level is ready to throw something new your way, both in terms of the monsters you encounter and platforming challenges.
Chainstaff’s stages have branching pathways, which means there’s plenty of secrets to discover. However, part of the game’s frustration comes from the camera not being helpful in showing you where you can go. In a game with multiple pathways, I don’t want to be guessing if a leap of faith will lead to my death.
Additionally, the game’s difficulty curve can be erratic at times. Facing off against basic enemies in an early stage that makes me want to pull my hair out isn’t exactly something I enjoy. Again, this harkens back to the days of arcade games designed to have quarters pumped into them. At times, it’s like ChainStaff understood the assignment a little too well.
At the end of the day, though, these are minor complaints. ChainStaff is an absolute blast. It satisfies both my side-scroller shooter itch as well as my platformer itch. A wonderful homage to old Saturday morning cartoons that delivers exhilarating, challenging gameplay.
Score: 8/10
PROS:
- Excellent combination of classic and
modern side-scroller gameplay - Feels straight out of the arcade
- Incredible old-school aesthetics and vibes
CONS:
- Erratic difficulty curve
- Stages can be confusing at times
- Some enemies are super frustrating
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