Comparing ChainStaff to Shadow of the Beast is an interesting start. This wasn’t my thought, but the promotional material for this action platformer from Mommy’s Best Games. On reflection, yes, it looks like it on face value. Back in the day, Shadow of the Beast was the benchmark for ‘blow you away’ visuals. I’d invite friends over to play the game (cheats enabled) to show them just how amazing the Amiga was (and is). In 2026, a new IP that makes that comparison isn’t a winner for me.
In reality, Shadow of the Beast was a bit of a rubbish game. It just looked good. ChainStaff looks good from a retro perspective – like something inspired by the artist Roger Dean and straight from a copy of Heavy Metal. In fact, this was my initial attraction to the game when I first saw it. Sure, I’ll give it a try, as it might be a nostalgic blast and reminisce about the old days. Little did I know that this would be one of the most innovative side scrollers I’ve played in a long time.
This is not exactly a Metroidvania, but it follows those objectives mostly. You play as a marine named. Alien spores have infected the planet, and our hard-bastard hero has somehow been taken over by an alien entity. Fortunately, this doesn’t kill him but unlocks a host of abilities that he can use against the invaders, effectively becoming a super soldier. Steve Rogers is a pussy. Who wants a shield when you can have a ChainStaff?
The staff in question is one of the best mechanical devices in a game. You can use it to spear enemies through light attacks to charged attacks, throw it into walls to create a platform to reach a ledge, use it as a shield to protect you, and better still, swing from ceilings like GrappleDog, all the while blasting baddies. This is a bona fide action adventure that skipped the cinema and went straight to video. ChainStaff is a B-movie through concept and its narrative, but an A-game experience.
There are ten worlds on offer, and without disappointment, they’re all very different. While the staff is your Excalibur, your generic weapon is from your marine days, though it can be beefed up through progress. The standard style of play exists as you’d expect from this sort of game, but there’s a slight twist when it comes to rescuing your fellow man. As you’re conflicted by an alien parasite, you have three options with a rescue: free them, eat their brains, or eat their hearts. Naturally, doing the latter two is fun and will give you temporary destructive power, though it might be in your interest to do the right thing.
Saving the humans will award perk points, which improve your survival options in the long run, as this includes permanent upgrades to your arsenal. That said, based on the visceral claret that spreads across the screen when devouring them, it is just so moreish. Sorry, chums – destruction in this scenario is so much more fun, at the detriment of being easy prey for the aliens. However, a really nice callback to the earlier Shadow of the Beast reference and using a cheat – you can use cheats in the game. I wouldn’t call myself a cheater as such, but this is such a welcome throwback that adds a lot more longevity to an already excellent game. And I haven’t even mentioned the menu screen – easily the best I’ve seen in years.
ChainStaff appears to be one of those low-key budget games you might see on a sale and not give much of a double-take to. However, if you’re a fan of that game that I won’t mention again and instead point you towards Turrican, or perhaps the rather excellent Valfaris, then this game is one you’ll want to play. And that totally applies if you like both of those soundtracks, as the rawk in this game (created by the fella who did the amazing soundtrack forWarhammer 40k: Shootas Blood & Teef), is equally on par with its counterparts.
I do like it when there are demos to refer to, as reviews are always subjective and while I have no control over what you buy and what you don’t, I would always encourage playing a demo or checking out other reviews. If I’m your go-to, I suggest you pick this up. Also, if I have that sort of influence over you, can you loan me a fiver and give me your wife’s number?
