《ASTRAL CHAIN》是由 PlatinumGames 開發、Nintendo 發行的原創動作遊戲，於 2019 年 8 月 30 日在 Nintendo Switch 平台推出。由曾參與《NieR:Automata》的設計師 田浦貴久 擔任導演，並由《Bayonetta》系列創作者 神谷英樹 監修，是一款主打「雙重動作（Dual Action）」系統的全新IP。

故事背景設定在近未來，人類因異世界入侵而面臨滅絕危機，倖存者被迫集中於巨大人工島「方舟（Ark）」生活。來自異界的怪物「奇美拉（Chimera）」不僅帶來破壞，也讓環境逐漸受到污染。在這樣的世界中，主角是特殊警察部隊「Neutron（NeurON）」的一員，與透過捕獲奇美拉並加以控制而誕生的兵器「Legion」並肩作戰，負責調查事件並對抗威脅人類存亡的敵人。隨著劇情推進，將逐步揭開這個體系背後的真相，包括創造Legion的組織陰謀，以及與自己雙胞胎手足之間的羈絆，呈現出濃厚的科幻警察動作風格。

最大的特色在於其創新的操作系統。需要同時操控主角與Legion進行戰鬥，形成高度同步的「雙重動作」體驗。主角負責近距離攻擊與基本操作，而Legion則可透過自動或手動方式協同作戰，兩者之間以「鏈條」連結，能夠施展如束縛敵人的「Chain Bind」或反彈攻擊的「Chain Trap」等技巧。遊戲中還設計五種類型的Legion，包括擅長近戰的「Sword」、遠距離攻擊的「Arrow」、力量強大的「Arm」、速度敏捷的「Beast」，以及防禦性能優秀的「Axe」，玩家可在戰鬥中即時切換，打造多變的戰術組合。除了戰鬥之外，亦融入調查與探索元素，利用Legion的能力蒐集線索、進行詢問或追蹤異界痕跡，使整體體驗更接近一款結合動作與推理的警察冒險作品。

在市場評價方面，獲得了相當高度的肯定。其將看似複雜的雙角色操作系統轉化為流暢且具風格的戰鬥體驗，被視為動作遊戲設計上的一大創新。同時，由漫畫家 桂正和（代表作《ZETMAN》、《電影少女》）所打造的人物設計，搭配濃厚的賽博龐克世界觀，使整體視覺表現極具吸引力，也充分展現Switch主機的性能潛力。儘管是全新IP，仍在全球市場取得成功，並在動作遊戲愛好者之間累積了穩固的口碑。直到今日，仍有許多玩家期待續作推出，顯示其長期的人氣與影響力。

ASTRAL CHAIN is an original action title developed by PlatinumGames and published by Nintendo, released exclusively for the Nintendo Switch on August 30, 2019. The game is directed by Takahisa Taura, known for his work on NieR: Automata, with supervision from Hideki Kamiya, the creator of the Bayonetta series. It stands out as a new intellectual property centered around a unique “dual-action” gameplay system.

The story is set in a near-future world where humanity faces extinction due to invasions from another dimension. Survivors have gathered on a massive artificial island known as the Ark. Hostile creatures called Chimera not only wreak havoc but also spread contamination across the environment. Players take on the role of a member of the special police task force NeurON, fighting alongside a weaponized lifeform known as a Legion—captured Chimera that have been brought under human control. As the narrative unfolds, players gradually uncover deeper truths behind the organization that created the Legion system, as well as the emotional bond between the protagonist and their twin sibling, delivering a compelling blend of science fiction and police drama.

One of the game’s most distinctive features is its innovative control system, which allows players to command both the protagonist and the Legion simultaneously. This “dual-action” mechanic creates a dynamic and strategic combat experience. While the protagonist handles direct attacks, the Legion can be controlled either automatically or manually to assist in battle. The two are connected by a chain, enabling unique abilities such as binding enemies with “Chain Bind” or deflecting attacks using “Chain Trap.” The game features five different Legion types, including Sword for melee combat, Arrow for long-range attacks, Arm for raw strength, Beast for speed and mobility, and Axe for defense. Players can switch between them in real time, adding depth and flexibility to combat strategies. Beyond combat, the game also incorporates investigation and exploration elements, allowing players to use Legion abilities to gather clues, question NPCs, and track anomalies, enhancing its identity as a sci-fi police action experience.

In terms of reception, ASTRAL CHAIN received strong critical acclaim. Its ability to transform a potentially complex dual-character control system into something fluid and stylish was widely praised as a major innovation in action game design. The visual presentation, featuring character designs by renowned manga artist Masakazu Katsura, blends seamlessly with a cyberpunk-inspired world, showcasing the full capabilities of the Switch hardware. Despite being a completely new IP, the game achieved global success and built a dedicated fanbase. Even years after its release, there remains strong demand for a sequel, highlighting its lasting popularity and impact.