Summary
Chains of Fury carves out its own space in the boomer shooter genre with its distinct comic-book style and penchant for destruction. It’s loud, brash, and unapologetically focused on mayhem. However, it falls short in key areas like fluid gameplay and intuitive mechanics, especially when compared to Forgive Me Father 2 or Dusk. The clunky controls and occasional cheap enemy spawns can detract from the fun, but for those seeking a mindless shooter to blow off steam, Chains of Fury fits the bill.
Overall, Chains of Fury is a fun but flawed experience. While it’s not on the same level as the best in the genre, it’s still worth playing if you’ve already worked through the modern boomer shooter library. For fans of the genre looking to unleash some destruction without too much commitment, this game will scratch that itch—just don’t expect it to go down in boomer shooter history.
Developer – Cobble Games
Publisher – Fulqrum Publishing
Platforms – Xbox One, PS4,Nintendo Switch,PC (Reviewed)
Review copy given by Publisher
The recent resurgence of boomer shooters has brought a wave of nostalgia for fast-paced, over-the-top first-person shooters. Games like Forgive Me Father 2, Dusk, and Mullet MadJack have set a high standard with their violent gameplay, retro aesthetics, and heart-pounding action. Now comes Chains of Fury, a comic-book-style FPS that revels in chaos and destruction.
But how does it stack up against the competition? In a genre dominated by heavy hitters, Chains of Fury isn’t here to save the world—it’s here to smash it to bits. However, does it rise above the chaos, or is it just another brick in the (destructible) wall? Let’s dive in.
Gameplay and Visuals
At its core, Chains of Fury follows the formula that has made boomer shooters so beloved: fast-paced combat, over-the-top destruction, and vibrant comic-book-style visuals. The game’s art style, heavily inspired by comics like Hellboy and Lobo, is undeniably unique. The destructible environments are a standout feature, adding a chaotic flair as you smash through walls and leave carnage in your wake. It’s more about unleashing mayhem than getting lost in an intricate plot—and that’s exactly what it delivers.
However, Chains of Fury doesn’t feel as responsive as its competitors. The controls can feel a bit stiff, and the double jump mechanic is often frustrating, especially during platforming segments. The game also introduces its signature “Chains of Fury” mechanic, but it’s far from intuitive. While it sounds cool in theory, in practice, it feels clunky and awkward to use, often slowing down the fast-paced flow rather than enhancing it.
Visually, the game stands out, but in terms of gameplay fluidity, it falls short when compared to the likes of Forgive Me Father 2, which nails both atmosphere and smooth gameplay in a way Chains of Fury struggles to match.
Performance and Polish
On the technical side, Chains of Fury shines. In an era where even big-budget games launch with bugs and glitches, Chains of Fury is a breath of fresh air. It runs smoothly with no crashes, graphical issues, or noticeable bugs. The solid performance ensures that the action never grinds to a halt due to technical hiccups, allowing you to focus on the carnage.
That said, the enemy AI can feel a bit cheap at times. Enemies often spawn in out of nowhere, catching you off guard in ways that feel less like strategic surprises and more like lazy tricks. While this adds to the chaos, it can feel frustrating, especially when you’re trying to maintain momentum.
Sound Design & Music
The music in Chains of Fury is a mixed bag. While the ambient, creepy sci-fi background tracks create a fitting atmosphere during normal gameplay, it’s when you enter Fury Mode that the soundtrack really comes alive. The heavy metal guitars kick in, fuelling the adrenaline and turning every battle into a pulse-pounding frenzy. It’s a great touch, but you’ll find yourself wishing for more of that intensity throughout the rest of the game. Still, when those guitars hit, it’s hard not to feel like an unstoppable force of destruction.
Engagement Factor
Chains of Fury is great for quick, chaotic gaming sessions. If you’re looking for a shooter that lets you jump in, blow stuff up, and log off after 30 minutes, this is your game. However, its simplicity might be its downfall in terms of long-term engagement. The combat, while fun, doesn’t offer much depth, and the platforming can become tedious due to the frustrating double jump mechanic. In contrast, games like Dusk and Mullet MadJack offer more complex level design and strategic variety, giving them the upper hand in replayability.
Value
At its price point, especially during sales, Chains of Fury offers decent value. Its short campaign (around four hours) is packed with fun, brainless action that’s perfect for stress relief. But once you’ve kicked down your last door and taken down the final enemy, there’s not much left to keep you coming back. If you’re a fan of boomer shooters and have already played through the bigger titles, Chains of Fury is worth checking out. Just don’t expect it to dethrone the genre’s titans.
Overall Impression
Chains of Fury carves out its own space in the boomer shooter genre with its distinct comic-book style and penchant for destruction. It’s loud, brash, and unapologetically focused on mayhem. However, it falls short in key areas like fluid gameplay and intuitive mechanics, especially when compared to Forgive Me Father 2 or Dusk. The clunky controls and occasional cheap enemy spawns can detract from the fun, but for those seeking a mindless shooter to blow off steam, Chains of Fury fits the bill.
Overall, Chains of Fury is a fun but flawed experience. While it’s not on the same level as the best in the genre, it’s still worth playing if you’ve already worked through the modern boomer shooter library. For fans of the genre looking to unleash some destruction without too much commitment, this game will scratch that itch—just don’t expect it to go down in boomer shooter history.
