In the boundless void of the cosmos, where interstellar navigation can sometimes feel akin to finding your lost keys in the couch under a mountain of potato chips, comes 'Chorus', a game that aims to take you on a stellar adventure. Developed by Fishlabs and published by Deep Silver, 'Chorus' challenges players to pilot a sentient starship through both thrilling space battles and intriguing puzzles. But is this cosmic journey worth taking, or will it leave you saying 'Bye, Felicia' faster than you can say hyperspace?
'Chorus' features a third-person shooter perspective that is as exhilarating as cracking open a cold soda on a hot day. You play as Nara, a star pilot with more baggage than an airport during the holiday season. Nara’s sentient ship, Forsaken, has more personality than most reality TV stars, and it boasts an impressive arsenal: missile launchers, gatling guns, and laser cannons to obliterate your enemies. The game allows for a variety of combat styles thanks to mod slots for customization, making your ship feel uniquely yours, like that one pair of socks you refuse to throw away. The game universe is open-world, filled with excitement and optional quests that range from rescuing a space kitten (not really) to solving puzzles in ancient temples. And you’ll be collecting aether powers to help you warp behind enemies and perform other nifty maneuvers that will make you feel like a intergalactic ninja. So if you're into strategically blasting your foes into space dust, this game has got your back like a trusty dog. However, navigating the intertwining plots can feel as convoluted as Netflix's original programming schedule. While the combat and exploration are enjoyable, some players may feel overwhelmed by the lore and the sheer amount of quests available – because who really needs a second job, right?
'Chorus' is a visual treat that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into an art gallery filled with scenes of interstellar brilliance. The graphics are crisp and vibrant, with cosmic vistas that make you question whether you should focus on the game or admire the view. The ships are meticulously designed, and the atmospheric lighting gives space a mood more brooding than a teenager lamenting over their last breakup. The smooth animations during combat and exploration add an extra layer of polish, making the battles feel grander than a 10th birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese.
'Chorus' manages to deliver a satisfying space combat experience sprinkled with exploration and puzzle-solving. But it’s not without its hiccups: some players may find themselves lost in its storyline and needing a map to find their way through the gobs of lore. Critics have been kind, with Metacritic placing it at a 73 for the PS5 version, showcasing its overall positivity despite some mixed reviews. So if you're in the mood for an ambitious space opera with stylish ship combat and a dash of exploration, strap yourself in – but keep a map handy, just in case you end up in the wrong galaxy. Ultimately, 'Chorus' invites you on an adventure that can be as unpredictable as your cousin who shows up to family reunions with wild stories and even wilder hair.