Chains of Fury

Very frustrating game most of the time. Limited ammo. Games are supposed to be fun, not frustrating like another job. I work enough as it is. Even on Easy level, I could not come close to beating the final boss. I beat 7 of 8 levels. Close enough I guess.....

Chains of Fury, developed by Cobble Games and published by Fulqrum Publishing, is a retro-inspired first-person shooter that sets out to channel the chaotic energy of 1990s “boomer shooters” while layering on a comic-book aesthetic and modern destructibility. From the outset, the game makes its intentions clear: it aims to be loud, irreverent, and unapologetically over-the-top. Players step into the boots of a grizzled, mustachioed mercenary who breaks out of captivity and embarks on a violent rampage fueled by explosive weaponry and one-liners. The tone is exaggerated and self-aware, embracing pulp action tropes rather than subtle storytelling. Gameplay revolves around fast movement, close-quarters firefights, and environmental destruction. One of the title’s more distinctive mechanics is the ability to smash through walls and interact with destructible surroundings, encouraging experimentation during combat encounters. Instead of strictly following corridor-based paths, players can sometimes create alternate routes by punching or blasting through certain surfaces. This feature gives levels a sense of physicality and improvisation, reinforcing the game’s anarchic personality. The arsenal includes a range of classic firearms and melee attacks, and combat is designed to feel aggressive and kinetic rather than tactical or methodical. Visually, Chains of Fury distinguishes itself through a stylized comic-book presentation. Bold outlines, vibrant colors, and exaggerated character models give the game a graphic novel feel. The aesthetic is reminiscent of cel-shaded shooters but leans further into pulpy exaggeration. Explosions are dramatic, enemies are caricatured, and environments are rendered with striking contrast. This visual direction helps set it apart from more realistic military shooters and aligns with its bombastic tone. The art style successfully conveys personality, even when mechanical execution sometimes struggles to match that flair. Level design emphasizes secrets, hidden passages, and exploration alongside straightforward firefights. Players are rewarded for searching corners and uncovering concealed areas, echoing design philosophies from classic shooters like DOOM and Duke Nukem 3D. However, navigation can occasionally feel unclear, with layouts that lack strong visual guidance. Some sections introduce light platforming elements that require precise movement, which can feel at odds with the otherwise heavy, action-focused pacing. Where Chains of Fury becomes more divisive is in its mechanical refinement. Combat, while conceptually intense, can sometimes feel less responsive than expected from a fast-paced shooter. Weapon handling may lack the sharp feedback found in genre standouts, and enemy AI behavior can appear inconsistent. Moments intended to feel chaotic and exhilarating occasionally veer into frustration due to collision issues or uneven hit detection. These technical shortcomings prevent the core loop from consistently delivering the adrenaline rush its style promises. The campaign itself is relatively concise, lasting only a few hours for a standard playthrough. While this brevity aligns with classic shooter structure, the limited content may leave some players wanting more depth or variety. The “Volume I” framing suggests future expansions, but as a standalone experience, it feels more like an introductory chapter than a fully fleshed-out epic. Despite these issues, Chains of Fury remains a passionate homage to retro FPS design. Its destructible environments, exaggerated personality, and comic-inspired visuals show clear creative ambition. For players who appreciate stylistic experimentation and nostalgic shooter sensibilities, there are flashes of excitement and charm. However, those seeking polished mechanics and refined combat systems may find the experience uneven. Ultimately, Chains of Fury stands as an energetic but imperfect revival of boomer-shooter traditions. It captures the rebellious spirit and aesthetic excess of classic 90s shooters while attempting to modernize the formula through environmental interaction. Though it falls short in execution at times, its bold visual identity and chaotic design ensure it remains memorable. For fans of retro-inspired FPS titles who can overlook technical roughness in favor of style and spectacle, it offers a noisy, unapologetic blast through comic-book carnage. Rating: 5/10