The first thing you see when you start the game is the Opening from the Anime–Guren no Yumiya by Linked Horizon:
…Never gets old.
Before I continue, obviously I don’t reccommend buying Chains of Humanity if you are not a fan of the Anime. That said, although I am reviewing a video game, since it is based on an insanely popular Anime it felt more appropriate the post the review here and reblog it to my Video Game Blog. I also reccommend playing either with headphones or with the volume turned up since the game has video clips from the Anime ^_^
The game is split into Story Mode and World Mode. Even though it’s digital only the game is massive (1.2GB). In Story Mode you play through the events of the Anime as Eren, Mikasa, Armin, Levi and Sasha. I assume after you’ve either cleared Story Mode or played through most of it World Mode is unlocked. World Mode is more mission-based and less linear compared to Story Mode and you create your own Character.
For once once, I agree with those who’ve said this game would have been better on a larger screen (console). Mostly for visualization and to be able to better appreciate your skirmishes with the Titans. I am hoping the game is later ported to the Xbox 360 or the Playstation 3. Due to problems with my 3DS (more on that below), controls were problematic. I want to put that out there before I continue. That said, taking down Titans is a 2-part process: First you attack the ankle to immobilize them and then you hit the nape of their necks–their kill spot (see above picture, which is from the anime). Of course, in the Anime you usually just see ’em go for the nape.
In most missions you will roll in a squad of 3 or 4 people to help you take down Titans. From what I’ve read about World Mode, your squadmates come with various skills to help you on missions. Rolling with a squad is helpful for your survival and increases your chances of success: If you or one of your squadmates gets grabbed by a Titan, you or one of your squadmates will bail you out. They also actively help you take down the Titans. That said, it’s pretty easy to avoid becoming Titan food even when on the ground. Relax, it’s mostly due to the game’s mechanics.
Also, keep in mind like the Anime your blades and gas do have limited durability. You will not be able to use your ODM when you run out of gas and you will not be able to hurt the titans when your blades break. It only takes a moment to replace both. You start each mission with refills for both and you can pick up refills on the field.
…I will provide a more complete review when I’ve cleared Story Mode but unfortunately for me, that will take a month to 6 weeks: I found out when I started Chains of Humanity I will need to send the 3DS I downloaded the game onto off to get fixed due to an unresponsive button. Not one of shoulder buttons either (by the way you will need both L and R to play the game) but the X button, which is needed in this game to attack and target attack(!) so…yeah. It took me several tries to clear the missions I’ve done so far since I kept running out of time.
It will also cost me $85 but since it’s my Ambassador 3DS I will get it fixed so I can properly play this game and other upcoming games. I find it more cost effective to pay to get my 3DS fixed vs. either buying a new one or buying the game again on my other 3DS (since Nintendo doesn’t have 3DS to 3DS cross-play/cross-buy).
Chains of Humanity costs $40 and it’s reccommended you have an 8GB or 16GB SD Memory Card to download it on to. It is a full game just like Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Dual Destinies so yeah, the cost is spot-on. As an aside the game is compatible with the Circle Pad Pro so if you have one, you can use it with this game on your 3DS.
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