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Space combat games, a genre as old as gaming itself, have seen their share of ups and downs. From the retro simplicity of Space Invaders to the complex, 3D universes of modern titles, finding the perfect balance between engaging combat and compelling narrative is a challenge. Chorus, developed by Deep Silver Fishlabs, attempts to strike this balance, offering a thrilling space combat experience while also exploring themes of redemption and self-discovery. This review delves into the strengths and weaknesses of Chorus, examining its captivating gameplay, stunning visuals, and narrative shortcomings.

Nara and her sentient starship, Forsaken

Chorus follows Nara, a skilled pilot haunted by a dark past. Once a devoted follower of the Circle, a powerful cult led by the enigmatic Prophet, Nara was responsible for the destruction of an entire planet. Consumed by guilt and seeking redemption, she joins the rebellion against the Circle, embarking on a journey of atonement and revenge. Accompanying her is Forsaken, a sentient starship with unique abilities, forming a bond crucial to Nara’s fight for freedom.

A Feast for the Eyes and Ears

Chorus boasts breathtaking visuals that truly capture the vastness and beauty of space. From vibrant planets to intricately designed space stations, the game’s environments are a constant source of wonder. The visual spectacle extends to the combat sequences, with explosions and laser fire illuminating the darkness of space, creating a cinematic experience that is both thrilling and immersive.

The stunning visuals of Chorus

The game’s soundtrack further enhances the immersion, featuring a captivating score that blends electronic music with orchestral elements, perfectly complementing the game’s epic narrative and intense action. The cutscenes, rendered in high-quality 3D, are a significant step up from many other space combat games, showcasing impressive character animations and facial expressions that effectively convey the emotional weight of the story.

Streamlined Gameplay, Intense Combat

Chorus excels in its streamlined gameplay, focusing on the core elements of space combat while minimizing unnecessary complexities. The controls are intuitive and responsive, allowing players to effortlessly maneuver their ship and engage in thrilling dogfights. The arsenal of weapons, including rapid-fire Gatling guns, powerful lasers, and devastating missiles, provides a satisfying variety of offensive options.

Forsaken's unique drift mechanic

Forsaken’s unique abilities, such as drifting and teleporting, add another layer of depth to the combat, allowing for tactical maneuvers and strategic positioning. These abilities also play a role in the game’s puzzle elements, offering a refreshing break from the intense action. Despite its streamlined approach, Chorus offers a challenging experience, requiring players to master the combat mechanics and utilize their skills to survive against overwhelming odds.

Various weapons at your disposal

Narrative Shortcomings and Missed Opportunities

While Chorus shines in its gameplay and visuals, the narrative falls short of its potential. Nara’s frequent monologues, while intended to explore her inner turmoil, often feel forced and detract from the overall experience. The pacing of the story is also uneven, with a slow start that takes a while to pick up momentum. Furthermore, the limited customization options for both Nara and Forsaken feel like missed opportunities.

Nara contemplating her past

The progression system, while functional, feels somewhat uninspired, borrowing elements from rogue-like games without fully embracing the genre’s mechanics. The lack of traditional leveling and the limited impact of upgrades leave something to be desired.

Upgrading Forsaken

Conclusion: A Solid Space Combat Experience with Room for Growth

Chorus delivers a thrilling and visually stunning space combat experience, with intuitive controls, engaging combat, and breathtaking visuals. However, the narrative shortcomings, uneven pacing, and limited customization options prevent it from reaching its full potential. Despite its flaws, Chorus offers a satisfying space combat adventure that fans of the genre will likely enjoy. With some refinement in future installments, Chorus could easily become a standout title in the space combat genre. If you crave fast-paced action and stunning visuals, Chorus is worth checking out.