Chained Together

In the ever-expanding world of co-op experiences, Chained Together from Anegar Games takes things literally. This devilishly clever platformer sees you quite literally chained to your adventuring companions as you attempt a perilous escape from the depths of hell itself. It's a unique twist on the classic jump-and-climb gameplay loop that will push your teamwork and timing skills to the limits.

Two Heads are Better Than...Four Chained Ones?

The core premise is simple - synchronize your movements with your chained partners to navigate hellish landscapes by leaping between platforms. But don't be fooled by the straightforward concept. As more chains (and players) get added into the mix, Chained Together rapidly escalates into a mind-bending, controller-clenching test of coordination.

With two players, communication and split-second timing is key as you both need to precisely jump in unison to make forward progress. But throw in three or four hesitant links, and the chaos multiplies exponentially. One mistimed leap and suddenly you're a tangled knot of flailing bodies plummeting back down into the fiery pits.

It's here that Chained Together shines with its clever physics mechanics. The chains realistically wrap and coil around objects and platforms, providing both hilarious slapstick moments and devious environmental puzzles to overcome. Veteran gamers will certainly get QWOP flashbacks as they wrestle to get their chained ensemble pulling in the same direction.

Escalating Stakes and Scorching Challenges

While the core gameplay loop is simple, Chained Together consistently introduces new twists and obstacles to keep you on your toes. Each new hellish realm you ascend into brings unique platform designs and hazards to surmount as a unified squad. From disappearing platforms to Lava Mode's inexorably rising tide of molten rock, the stakes steadily ratchet up.

The dynamic platforming elements are also consistently clever, often forcing you to leverage characters' individual weights to trigger shifts in the environment. These thoughtful challenges blend seamlessly with the precise chain mechanics for some truly inspired head-scratchers.

Thankfully, Chained Together understands that chains can easily get tangled in knots (both literally and metaphorically).

A handy "rescue" option lets you reset your links if things get too snarled, while frequent checkpoints ensure minimal progress is lost. It's a welcome quality-of-life consideration for an experience that can otherwise grow staggeringly challenging with more players.

Review: 8/10

Chained Together is a shining example of how to take a simple idea and spin it into inspired, endlessly replayable multiplayer hilarity. The genuine challenge of coordinating multiple chains provides an exhilarating co-op experience unlike any other. Be it friendly rivalries competing for speedrun times or the cathartic release of escaping the underworld together, it's an absolute blast...when you're not hopelessly tangled in knots.

Pros:

• Brilliant chained co-op mechanic that demands coordination
• Realistic physics with chains bending around objects
• Frequent new gameplay twists to overcome
• Dynamic platform elements utilize character weights
• Frantic multiplayer is an absolute riot
• Quality-of-life options like chain rescues

Cons:

• Loses some of its spark in single player
• Can be controller-smashingly difficult at higher player counts
• Overall lack of gameplay variety may deter some
• Minimal plot/stronger narrative hooks could elevate the climb