Platforms
- PCDec 1, 20206.8playscore6.613 Critics6.3286 Players
- Xbox Series X|SDec 1, 2020NAplayscoreNA0 Critics5.256 Players
- PlayStation 4Dec 1, 20207.1playscore6.716 Critics7.7537 Players
- Xbox OneDec 1, 20206.9playscore6.79 Critics6.6113 Players
- Nintendo SwitchDec 1, 20207.6playscore6.97 Critics8.6163 Players
44 critic reviews · 0 community reviews across all platforms
Critic Reviews
- Chronos: Before the Ashes is a solid game for people like me who struggle with the genre. It is not as punishing and the death mechanic is unique and interesting. It kept me going throughout the campaign and I was able to tie some of the lore from Remnant up. I suggest checking this one out if you want to take a baby step into the genre.
Ken McKown · Dec 17, 2020 Reviewed on XB1Read full review - The narrative parts of the game were incredibly strong and the uniqueness of the aging concept and its impact on your hero is definitely a feather in its cap. Unfortunately, the core combat isn't something I necessarily enjoyed on a moment-to-moment basis, and the sparseness of story elements and character interactions hold it back and keep you from becoming completely immersed in your adventure. With some smoothing of the edges and more of a narrative presence, this could be a knockout, and here's hoping we get another chance to see that happen.
Matthew Aguilar · Dec 17, 2020 Reviewed on PS4Read full review - Chronos: Before the Ashes entails stalking through ancient corridors in alien worlds, and an innovative death mechanic, to boot. There are puzzles a-plenty, and boss fights, just as one would expect from an adventure like this. Nevertheless, Gunfire Games’ latest offering is an action RPG that forgets to deliver on the fun.
James Evans · Dec 14, 2020 Reviewed on PCRead full review - With Chronos: Before the Ashes, developer Gunfire Games and THQ Nordic are delivering a more than decent action-adventure RPG. The simple but elegant combat system provides for genuinely fun battles, and the aging mechanic provides a unique element that really motivates you to try again after you’ve been defeated. The icing on the cake are the puzzles, resulting in an RPG that we’d happily visit again and again as we try to defeat the dragon with the youngest protagonist possible.
SebastiaanRaats · Dec 14, 2020 Reviewed on SwitchRead full review - Complete with a satisfactory sprinkling of puzzles on top. Far from the most complex, in-depth or even immersive game it may be, Chronos: Before the Ashes‘ straightforward, if a little dry, non-VR trip does avoid overstaying its brief, pleasant-enough welcome.
Jordan Helm · Dec 08, 2020 Reviewed on PCRead full review - Its simplification of the loot and character customization systems does wonders for approachability. Add to this a genuinely unique aging mechanic and Chronos: Before the Ashes manages to stand out from the crowd in a genre that seems bent on enraging its player base. While I wish the Switch version, particularly handheld mode, was more robust, I still greatly enjoyed my time with it. There is a very satisfying adventure here, but on Switch you may need to dig a little deeper to find it.
John Rairdin · Dec 08, 2020 Reviewed on SwitchRead full review - It’s a slightly shaky project, then, as hinted at by the fact that it’s not the prettiest PC game you’ll ever play. All credit to Gunfire Games, though, for trying to build on the Dark Souls template rather than just borrow it. The result is a game with a strong identity of its own. It’s just a shame the ageing system doesn’t kick in much earlier.
Luke Kemp · Dec 07, 2020 Reviewed on PCRead full review - Chronos: Before the Ashes has some great moments – like shrinking down to access a key in a locked bookcase, fighting through an underground cave system while keeping an eye on one-hit-kill statues that stalk you when they’re out of your field of vision, or tackling any of the bosses – however, too much of the experience feels by-the-numbers. When you’re in combat, it feels functional but unexceptional. Traversing and puzzling through the environments is a highlight, but the uninspired visuals don’t make the game world feel distinct.
Andrew Logue · Dec 07, 2020 Reviewed on Series X|SRead full review - I could not put Chronos: Before the Ashes down and fully enjoyed every minute of it. I could only wish it was longer with me clocking in 20 hours on Heroic difficulty. All in all a phenomenal experience, albeit shorter than I would like, though due to its VR roots I expect this had some factor in that.
Kain Upchurch · Dec 05, 2020 Reviewed on Series X|S, XB1Read full review - In conclusion, Chronos: Before the Ashes is a good game that doesn’t completely explore its potential. Those who can look past these flaws will find an enjoyable, simpler souls-like game. That said, depending on the player it may be on the shorter side, around six hours on the lower end, which may be an issue for some. The level mechanics are an original touch for the genre, but it doesn’t always hit the right notes to sell itself as exceptional.
Noparg · Dec 05, 2020 Reviewed on PCRead full review
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About the game
Trailers & Screenshots:
Chronos: Before the Ashes is an atmospheric RPG that chronicles a hero’s lifelong quest to save their homeland from a great evil. Grow wiser, stronger and more powerful as you explore the depths of the mysterious labyrinth. But beware, the labyrinth takes a heavy toll – each time your hero dies, they lose a year of their life! Adventure RPG - Refreshing combination of Adventure Game elements and RPG mechanics. Deep Combat – A variety of weapons, abilities and powers are available to the player in the pursuit of their quest. Unique Aging Mechanic – Every time the player dies they age one year. Player’s must adapt to their advancing age as they progress their character; starting the game young, nimble and quick, and ending wise and more attuned to magic.
Developer: Gunfire Games