Chained Together
- June 19, 2024
- Anegar Games
- 5h median play time
"Chained Together" is a challenging platformer where you're chained to your companions in a race to escape hell. Traverse diverse worlds with unique obstacles in local multiplayer for up to 4 players, with realistic chain physics adding an extra layer of difficulty. The game offers three difficulty modes, including a beginner option with teleportation assistance. Your teamwork and coordination will be tested as you climb through the treacherous depths of hell.
Reviews
- humor811 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in "Chained Together" is a standout feature, with players consistently reporting that the game is hilariously chaotic, especially when played with friends. Many reviews highlight the blend of frustration and laughter that arises from the game's cooperative mechanics, leading to memorable moments of shared hilarity and bonding. Overall, the game is described as a comedic experience that can turn even the most serious gaming sessions into uproarious fun, making it a must-play for those who enjoy lighthearted multiplayer chaos.
“It’s the ultimate test of love, patience, and the ability to laugh at yourselves when things go hilariously wrong!”
“Playing with friends had me laughing until my stomach hurt, and clearing the courses as a solo player has been, personally, very rewarding.”
“We were continuously laughing the entire time.”
“You're not funny!”
“Not funny”
“Not funny”
- gameplay525 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 69 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Chained Together" is characterized by its innovative core mechanic of players being physically linked, which necessitates precise coordination and communication to navigate challenging puzzles and obstacles. While the game offers a variety of mechanics and engaging cooperative experiences, it can also lead to moments of frustration due to its steep learning curve and occasional bugs. Overall, it provides a unique and entertaining multiplayer experience, though some players note a lack of depth in mechanics and potential repetitiveness over time.
“The game's core mechanic—being physically chained to your friends—requires precise collaboration, making each jump and movement a test of both skill and patience.”
“Chained together offers a fresh and innovative approach to cooperative gameplay, delivering an experience that's both challenging and deeply rewarding.”
“The puzzles are cleverly designed to make full use of the chain mechanic, requiring players to think creatively and communicate effectively.”
“The cooperative mechanics are designed to test your ability to communicate effectively, but more often than not, they just lead to heated arguments and finger-pointing.”
“Its frustrating gameplay mechanics and brutal level design create an experience that is as maddening as it is challenging.”
“After roughly the first 10 minutes of the game, my friend and I were already yelling at each other, which we first passed off as just the game being quirky and silly with the mechanics; this, however, is blatantly not true, the controls of the game are horrible and the soundtrack is so forgettable that I truly forgot it was there after 5 minutes of playing because of how boring it was.”
- graphics303 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players praising the charming art style and vibrant visuals that enhance the gameplay experience, while others criticize the lack of polish and optimization, leading to performance issues and repetitive designs. Many appreciate the unique aesthetic and immersive environments, but some find the graphics to be underwhelming or inconsistent, particularly for a game priced at $5. Overall, while the visuals can be engaging and enjoyable, they may not meet the expectations of players seeking high-end graphics.
“The hand-drawn art style exudes charm.”
“Beautifully designed levels: the game features stunning visuals and well-thought-out level designs that keep you on your toes.”
“The graphics are stunning, creating a visually captivating world that draws you in from the very beginning.”
“Its just a co-op only up clone made by inexperienced devs. The graphics are lackluster and due to the lack of optimization, you will likely have to run it at lower settings and resolution.”
“While it’s understandable that not every game can have AAA-level visuals, 'Chained Together's' graphics are not just simple; they're downright ugly.”
“The art style is inconsistent and amateurish, making it difficult to discern important elements from the background clutter.”
- story184 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as simple and sometimes predictable, with some players finding it engaging while others feel it lacks depth and character development. However, there are positive mentions of emotional moments and plot twists that enhance the experience, particularly when played with friends. Overall, the narrative varies significantly in quality, with some players appreciating its immersive elements while others criticize its underdeveloped aspects.
“As a player who appreciates both brain-teasers and storytelling, I found myself drawn into this indie gem.”
“The story unfolds gradually, revealing the secrets of an ancient civilization.”
“Engaging story: the narrative is compelling and keeps you invested in the characters' journey.”
“The game does not feature a strong story or overarching plot, which may be a drawback for players who prefer games with rich narratives and character development.”
“The plot was painfully predictable, and the characters lacked depth and development.”
“Also, the story, while humorous in parts, feels a bit underdeveloped and might leave you wishing for more depth.”
- optimization135 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has been widely criticized, with many players reporting severe performance issues, including low frame rates and high CPU/GPU usage even on minimal settings. Despite its fun gameplay, the lack of optimization has led to frequent crashes and inconsistent performance, making it nearly unplayable on lower-end systems. Overall, players are calling for significant improvements to the game's optimization to enhance the experience.
“Good graphics, good lore, good optimization, good controls and physics!”
“It's a really fun game and very well optimized!”
“Additionally, the remarkable CPU optimization has completely eliminated any lag or stuttering, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the game without any technical hindrances.”
“This game is so poorly optimized that even with all my settings set to the bare minimum, I only get roughly 15 fps.”
“Horribly optimized game; with the latest expansion, it doesn't put my GPU and CPU over 60°C, but this game, however, puts both above 75°C.”
“The game suffers from poor graphics optimization, making it barely playable on the Steam Deck, and it lacks adequate controller support.”
- emotional121 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is described as an emotional rollercoaster, eliciting a wide range of feelings from laughter to tears, often in the same session. Players report intense emotional experiences, including frustration, joy, and deep connections with friends, highlighting the game's ability to provoke strong reactions through its narrative and gameplay mechanics. Overall, it is praised for its emotional depth and the profound impact it has on players, making it a memorable and engaging experience.
“This game was an emotional journey!”
“The relationship between the two protagonists is at the heart of the story, and the dialogue is well-written, adding emotional depth to their journey.”
“It has deeply moved me to the point where I find myself on the verge of tears, overwhelmed by the emotional journey it offers.”
- stability103 mentions
- 3 % positive mentions
- -1 % neutral mentions
- 98 % negative mentions
The game's stability is widely criticized, with numerous reports of bugs, glitches, and performance issues that significantly detract from the overall experience. Players have encountered everything from visual glitches and hitbox inaccuracies to severe lag and freezing, making gameplay frustrating and inconsistent. While some users find humor in the chaos, the overwhelming consensus is that the game is plagued by technical problems that need urgent attention.
“The game runs incredibly smoothly, with minimal bugs or glitches that disrupt gameplay.”
“I appreciate how stable the game feels; I can focus on enjoying the experience without worrying about crashes.”
“The updates have consistently improved stability, making for a seamless gaming experience.”
“This game is laggy, buggy, and all in all the worst rage baiting game I have played in a long time.”
“Moreover, bugs and glitches are rampant, further breaking any immersion and making some puzzles nearly impossible to complete.”
“Constant freezes, couldn't really get past the lobbies, 1-10 fps constantly and no support from devs in Discord to help resolve.”
- music100 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players appreciating its ambient and immersive qualities that complement the visuals, while others find it repetitive and uninspired. Many noted that the soundtrack adapts well to gameplay, enhancing emotional moments, but a lack of variety can lead to irritation over time. Overall, while some players enjoyed the music as a relaxing backdrop, others felt it was forgettable or even maddening.
“The ambient soundtrack complements the visuals, immersing you in the adventure.”
“Coupled with a delightful soundtrack that adapts to the gameplay's tempo, the audiovisual elements create an immersive and enjoyable atmosphere.”
“The music ebbs and flows with the gameplay, heightening tension during challenging puzzles and providing a soothing backdrop during moments of respite.”
“The sound effects and background music are equally maddening, with repetitive tunes and annoying sound bites that loop endlessly, adding to the overall sense of irritation.”
“The soundtrack, a monotonous drone that could lull an insomniac to sleep, mirrors the thrill of watching paint dry.”
“The repetitive and uninspired music quickly becomes grating, and sound effects are either missing or mismatched.”
- replayability87 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is generally viewed as moderate to high, with many players appreciating its cooperative nature, diverse puzzles, and various difficulty levels that encourage multiple playthroughs. However, some reviewers note that once the levels are mastered, the replay value may diminish, particularly for those not interested in speedrunning. Future updates, such as a player level editor, are anticipated to enhance replayability further.
“The game's replayability is another standout feature.”
“Great replay value: with various difficulty levels and hidden secrets, there's plenty of content to keep you coming back for more.”
“Thanks to its unique mechanics and challenges, 'chained together' offers a high level of replayability.”
“Not really worth it, it's great at first but it's super short and for a non-speedrunner it has no replay value.”
“However, the game’s replayability may be limited by its difficulty and the potential for repetitive gameplay.”
“While the game offers a good amount of content with hidden collectibles and time-based challenges, the replayability is somewhat limited once all levels are completed.”
- grinding41 mentions
- 7 % positive mentions
- 37 % neutral mentions
- 56 % negative mentions
Players consistently highlight the extensive grinding required in the game, often describing it as tedious and repetitive, particularly in solo play. While some find satisfaction in overcoming the challenges after long hours of grinding, many feel that the experience can become monotonous, especially in co-op modes where coordination is difficult. Overall, the grinding aspect is seen as a double-edged sword, providing both a sense of achievement and significant frustration.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“After a grueling 10+ hours grinding lava mode, I have to say, the euphoria of beating it is the best feeling of all time!”
“Overall, this game is not terrible but the precision and coordination required in multiplayer is near impossible, and the gameplay in solo is way too tedious and repetitive. I felt nothing but boredom after reaching the halfway point; the best part was easily the puzzles, but even those were fairly short.”
“Many traps are tedious and repetitive, offering little challenge or variety.”
- atmosphere24 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 21 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its immersive and engaging qualities, featuring a charming hand-drawn art style and detailed environments that evoke a range of emotions. The delightful and varied soundtrack complements the gameplay, enhancing the overall experience with both upbeat and haunting melodies. Players appreciate the surprising depth and beauty of the atmosphere, which effectively combines whimsical elements with a sense of challenge.
“Coupled with a delightful soundtrack that adapts to the gameplay's tempo, the audiovisual elements create an immersive and enjoyable atmosphere.”
“The game boasts a charming, hand-drawn art style that adds to its whimsical yet challenging atmosphere.”
“The environments are detailed and atmospheric, while the music is carefully composed to enhance the emotional experience of the game.”
“The atmosphere/gameplay feels very similar to Ark.”
“The blend of engaging gameplay, charming graphics, and chaotic audio creates an atmosphere primed for both laughter and frustration.”
“The music, composed by Eddie Marianukroh, adds to the atmosphere, making the game both visually and aurally engaging.”
- character development9 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is noted as lacking depth, with some players feeling that the absence of a strong narrative detracts from the experience. However, the character designs are praised for their simplicity and expressiveness, effectively complementing the game's playful tone and helping players easily distinguish between different abilities. Overall, while the central mystery keeps players engaged, those seeking rich character arcs may find the development insufficient.
“- **Art style:** The visuals feature a charming, stylized aesthetic with colorful environments and whimsical character designs.”
“Character development could be stronger, but the central mystery keeps you engaged.”
“The character designs are simple but effective, making it easy to differentiate between the players and their abilities.”
“The character designs are playful and expressive, fitting well with the game’s overall tone and contributing to its appeal.”
- monetization8 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization of the game is widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, with many reviewers labeling it as poorly executed and reliant on hype rather than quality. Despite some appreciation for the game's varied mechanics, the overall sentiment is that it feels like a low-effort, asset-flipped product designed primarily for profit.
“This game is absolutely horrendous AI-generated cash grab garbage.”
“Absolute cash grab off of only ups hype.”
“Bad game, Unity free asset cash grab.”