For those downloading the version on Switch, expectations need to be managed. The game was originally built for high-end VR headsets, meaning the textures and lighting are impressive for a handheld game, but the hardware struggles to keep up in places.
However, it is also a game showing its age and its technical limitations. The Switch port, in particular, is the weakest way to play it. The clunky combat, fixed camera, and poor handheld performance hold it back from being a great game, leaving it as merely a "good" one.
The game’s slower, methodical pace makes it excellent for handheld play. The art style holds up well on the smaller screen.
, you play as a young hero on a desperate quest to save your homeland from an ancient evil. To do this, you must conquer the Chronos- Before the Ashes Switch NSP
The story is largely linear, with the game's core narrative focused on your character's journey and the choices forced by the aging mechanic.
For every decade of life you reach starting at age 20 (e.g., 30, 40, 50), you get to choose one of three powerful, permanent passive traits or buffs to help balance your aging body. ⚔️ Key Gameplay Features Chronos: Before the Ashes Review - Review
This title distinguishes itself with a unique : every time your character dies, they age by exactly one year. Aging & Stats : For those downloading the version on Switch, expectations
The true star of Chronos is its innovative aging mechanic. Your hero begins their journey at the age of 18. Each time you die—and you will die—you are returned to the last checkpoint (a World Stone) and you age by one year. This isn't just a cosmetic change; it fundamentally alters your gameplay strategy.
Unlike standard dark fantasy worlds, Chronos blends sci-fi and mystical elements seamlessly. The lore connects directly to the broader Remnant universe, letting fans explore iconic locales, interact with foundational world-building notes, and uncover the origin of the World Stones—the red crystal checkpoints scattered across both games. Gameplay and Mechanics: A Unique "Souls-lite" Formula
Before it became a third-person action RPG for consoles, Chronos was originally a highly praised VR exclusive. The non-VR adaptation, Chronos: Before the Ashes , strips away the virtual reality requirement while keeping the core atmospheric exploration intact. The Switch port, in particular, is the weakest
The plot is straightforward yet immersive: you assume the role of a young hero on a lifelong quest to save their homeland from a great evil. To do so, you must enter a mysterious, ever-changing labyrinth. As the official description notes, the labyrinth is a place of "unforgiving and brutal" combat, filled with fearsome creatures and head-scratching puzzles. But beware: the labyrinth takes a heavy toll. Every time your hero dies, they are expelled from the labyrinth for a year, returning older and changed.
the performance issues that actively detract from the gameplay. The combat and weapon variety are described as relatively simple, with a short main story that lacks deep exploration elements.
If you can find the , you are looking at dozens of hours of high-quality, aging-mechanic gameplay that you simply won't find anywhere else.
When bringing Chronos to the Switch, compromises had to be made. The game's dark, brooding art style is well-suited to the console, and it offers a solid 30FPS experience in .