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MONSTER

Chorus

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Chorus
Item: Chorus
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2021

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Single Player, Racing, First Person Perspective

AvailableDec 3, 2021

PlatformPC, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5

DeveloperDeep Silver Fishlabs

Overview

Take control of Nara, once the Circle's deadliest warrior, now their most wanted fugitive, on a quest to destroy the dark cult that created her. Unlock devastating weapons and mind-bending abilities in Chorus, a true evolution of the space-combat shooter. Along with Forsaken, her sentient starfighter, explore ancient temples, engage in exhilarating zero-g combat, and venture beyond our waking reality.

Elsewhere

7.4

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Chorus boasts an intriguing premise with protagonist Nara's quest for redemption from her cult past, praised for its emotional depth and cosmic horror themes. However, critics slam its execution, calling the storyline predictable, clichéd, and lacking character development. Overly serious tones and clunky dialogue further detract from engagement. Ultimately, while the game has a solid foundation, its narrative disappoints, leading to a mixed reception that highlights its potential versus poor execution.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

34%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

12%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Chorus has garnered some praise for its intriguing premise centered around the protagonist, Nara, a former warrior seeking redemption after her past entanglements with a cult known as The Circle. Critics like NME highlight the personal and emotional depth of Nara's journey, describing it as a "deeply personal story" that blends themes of dark religion and cosmic horror. Similarly, Player 2 notes the narrative's compelling nature, enriched with unexpected twists that create an engaging backdrop for the gameplay. Additionally, GameGrin appreciates the captivating narrative that unfolds hints of Nara's dark past and her relationship with her sentient ship, Forsa, adding layers to the story. However, despite these positives, a significant number of critics express disappointment with the execution of the story. Many reviews, such as those from Games.cz and Digital Trends, criticize the narrative for being predictable and lacking character development, with the latter noting that it fails to foster connections with its characters. Critics like BaziCenter and TrueGaming echo similar sentiments, labeling the story as clichéd and disjointed, with low-quality dialogue that fails to engage the audience. Furthermore, some reviewers, including God is a Geek and Gamer.nl, mention that the overly serious tone and reliance on internal monologues can detract from the overall experience, leading to a forgettable narrative. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Chorus has a solid foundation with its themes of redemption and personal struggle, it ultimately falls short in execution. Many reviewers agree that the story is marred by predictability and weak character development, making it less impactful than it could have been. Critics such as Game Informer and Checkpoint Gaming emphasize that the narrative core is the least compelling aspect of the game, with forgettable supporting characters and a linear storyline that fails to fully engage players. Despite its potential, the narrative leaves much to be desired, resulting in a mixed reception that highlights both its intriguing concepts and its execution flaws.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Chorus delivers exhilarating space combat with customizable ships and intuitive controls, winning praise for its fast-paced gameplay and strategic depth. However, critics flag mission repetitiveness and frustrating exploration mechanics as major drawbacks, undermining the overall experience. While thrilling dogfights shine, a lack of variety and padded missions keep the game from reaching its full potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

68%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

32%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Chorus has garnered a generally positive reception among critics, with many praising its fast-paced and engaging space combat. Reviewers like Wccftech and Game Informer highlight the fluidity of combat and the enjoyment derived from piloting customizable ships equipped with unique abilities. Critics such as SpazioGames and GamingTrend commend the arcade-style mechanics and the strategic depth offered by various weapons and powers, which contribute to intense dogfights and thrilling encounters. The intuitive controls have also been a recurring point of praise, with many reviewers noting that they enhance the overall experience, making combat feel impactful and responsive, as mentioned by Impulsegamer and Video Chums. However, despite the praise, several critics have pointed out significant drawbacks that affect the gameplay experience. A common criticism is the repetitiveness of missions, with reviewers like The Games Machine and COGconnected noting that many missions feel padded or lack variety, leading to a routine experience. Critics such as Everyeye.it and IGN also mention frustrating exploration mechanics and unclear objectives that can detract from the overall enjoyment. Additionally, while some elements of combat are engaging, others, such as weapon variety, have been criticized for not radically changing the gameplay, as highlighted by IGN and Gameblog.fr. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Chorus offers an enjoyable and dynamic gameplay experience with solid combat mechanics, it is marred by a lack of mission variety and some frustrating elements. Critics like Gaming Nexus and Checkpoint Gaming appreciate the game's fast-paced nature and engaging combat, but they also echo concerns about repetitiveness and mission design. Ultimately, Chorus stands out for its thrilling dogfights and intuitive controls, yet it struggles to maintain that excitement over the course of the game due to its repetitive structure and certain mechanical issues.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Chorus dazzles with stunning space visuals and vibrant environments, earning praise for its breathtaking vistas and artistic direction. However, critics point to inconsistent character models and lackluster cutscenes, which detract from the overall experience. While it excels as a visually appealing AA title, it doesn’t quite meet next-gen standards, showcasing impressive elements but also room for improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

65%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

34%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Chorus have garnered a range of positive remarks from critics, particularly regarding the game's stunning space environments and impressive vistas. Many reviewers, such as NME and Gaming Nexus, highlighted the breathtaking starscapes and diverse planetary landscapes that contribute to an immersive experience. The artistic direction received praise for its vibrant color palette and the detailed design of larger structures and space stations, as noted by Xbox Achievements and God is a Geek. Critics like Finger Guns and PC Games also acknowledged the game's beautiful visuals, particularly in the context of its action sequences, which enhance the overall gameplay experience. The inclusion of a photo mode has been recognized as a valuable feature, allowing players to capture the game's striking visuals, further emphasizing its aesthetic appeal. However, the visual design of Chorus is not without its shortcomings. Several critics, including PC Invasion and Multiplayer.it, pointed out issues with character models and enemy designs, describing them as lacking detail and creativity. This sentiment is echoed by Hobby Consolas and Everyeye.it, who noted inconsistencies in the graphics, particularly in cutscenes and character animations. Critics like TrueGaming and Digital Chumps mentioned that while the gameplay visuals are impressive, the quality of cutscenes can vary significantly, leading to a mixed impression overall. Furthermore, some reviewers criticized the game's environments for feeling overcrowded or lacking depth, which detracts from the immersive experience that the space setting aims to provide. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Chorus presents a visually appealing experience, particularly in its space environments and grand vistas. While there are notable strengths in its artistic direction and graphical fidelity, especially for an AA title, the game suffers from inconsistencies in character models and some environmental details. Critics like Wccftech and Atomix praised the game's visuals, but many, including IGN and PC Invasion, pointed out that the graphics do not fully meet the expectations set by next-gen titles. Thus, while Chorus showcases impressive visual elements, it also leaves room for improvement in certain areas, suggesting that the game is a commendable effort but not without its flaws.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Chorus boasts impressive sound design and a captivating score that elevate its atmosphere and gameplay, earning praise from critics for enhancing the experience. However, it suffers from a lack of memorable tracks and technical flaws, including audio bugs and robotic voice acting, which dilute immersion. While the audio has potential, it falls short of expectations, resulting in a mixed reception overall.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

31%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Chorus have garnered a mix of praise from various critics, particularly for their ability to enhance the game's atmosphere and gameplay experience. Critics like COGconnected highlight the "excellent score" and "inventive sound design" that contribute to the other-worldly feel of the game. Many reviewers, including Impulsegamer and PlaySense, commend the soundtrack and sound effects for their quality, noting how they complement the intense gameplay and overall experience. The main menu theme has also received specific accolades, with critics like Games.cz and SECTOR.sk recognizing it as a standout element that adds to the game's appeal. However, the reviews also reveal significant criticisms regarding the sound design and music. A recurring point of contention is the lack of memorable music during gameplay, with critics such as Finger Guns and Gamer Escape pointing out that while the soundtrack includes some evocative tracks, it often fades into the background. Additionally, the sound design has been criticized for various issues, including audio bugs and the absence of 3D audio support, as noted by Atomix. Critics like Gaming Nexus and IGN France have pointed out flaws in voice acting, particularly the robotic performances and inaudible dialogue, which detract from the overall immersion and experience. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while Chorus features strong sound design and a commendable soundtrack, it is marred by inconsistencies and missed opportunities. Many reviewers appreciate the atmospheric qualities of the sound effects and music, yet they also highlight the shortcomings in memorability and execution. Critics like GameGrin and PlayStation Country recognize the potential of the sound design but suggest that it does not fully realize its capabilities. In summary, Chorus presents a mixed audio experience that, despite its strengths, leaves room for improvement in both sound design and musical composition.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The voice acting in "Chorus" shines with strong performances from main character Nara, praised for emotional depth and impactful internal monologues. However, inconsistencies in quality among secondary characters and overly verbose dialogues detract from the experience, leading to a mixed critical reception overall. While Nara's portrayal enhances the narrative, many reviews highlight shortcomings that prevent the voice acting from reaching its full potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

32%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

61%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in "Chorus" has garnered a mix of praise, particularly for the main character Nara. Critics such as IGN and Impulsegamer commend her performance, highlighting that it effectively conveys depth and emotion, particularly through her internal monologues. Atomix also notes that Nara's voice acting adds commendable depth to her character, which is a sentiment echoed by Player 2, who emphasizes the strong performances between Nara and her companion, Forsa. Additionally, some reviews, like that of Hobby Consolas, point out that the dialogues between Nara and Forsaken are a strong point in the game, contributing positively to the narrative experience. However, the voice acting in "Chorus" is not without its criticisms. Many reviewers, including Digital Trends and Gaming Nexus, point out that the quality of voice acting varies significantly, especially among secondary characters, which detracts from the overall experience. Critics like IGN France and New Game Network highlight issues with Nara's internal monologues being overly verbose or difficult to understand, leading to a disconnect in the gameplay experience. Furthermore, Hardcore Gamer and Metro GameCentral describe the voice acting as lacking chemistry and depth, with some performances feeling overly serious or wooden, particularly among supporting characters. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Nara's voice acting is generally well-received, contributing positively to her character development and the emotional depth of the narrative, the inconsistency in quality across the cast, especially with secondary characters, detracts from the experience. The frequent internal monologues of Nara have been both praised and criticized, indicating a divide in how they are perceived. Critics like GameGrin and Press Start Australia acknowledge the potential of the voice acting to enhance the narrative, yet many agree that the execution falls short in various aspects, leading to a mixed reception overall.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Chorus showcases commendable technical performance across gaming platforms, earning praise for smooth gameplay and quick load times on PS5 and Xbox Series X, with both running at 60 FPS. However, critics highlight bugs—like crashes and teleportation issues on PS5, unclear objectives on Xbox, and mission-breaking glitches on PC—that mar the experience. While the game is generally well-optimized, it still suffers from notable technical shortcomings that need addressing through future patches. Overall, it’s a solid but imperfect achievement in gaming.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

32%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

62%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Chorus across various gaming platforms has received a mixed but generally positive reception. On the PlayStation 5, critics like Atomix and Finger Guns praised the game for its smooth performance and quick loading times, indicating that it is well-optimized for the console. GameMAG also noted stable frame rates in both performance and quality modes, while IGN Italia highlighted the minimal bugs present, contributing to a solid overall experience. On the Xbox Series X, Checkpoint Gaming and Eurogamer Italy echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the game's smooth performance at 60 frames per second and quick loading times. Critics like XboxAddict also confirmed the game runs at 4K 60 FPS with only minor issues, showcasing the technical strengths of the game on this platform. Meanwhile, on PC, Gameblog.fr and Shacknews noted that the game performs well technically, with few bugs reported, and supports Nvidia's DLSS, which enhances the overall gameplay experience. Despite the positives, several critics pointed out notable technical issues across all platforms. On PS5, COGconnected and GameSpew highlighted bugs that could disrupt gameplay, such as teleportation issues and crashes that lead to progress loss. Additionally, Jeuxvideo.com mentioned occasional frame rate drops and a restrictive save system that could frustrate players. On Xbox Series X, while the performance was generally solid, critics like New Game Network and Player 2 reported technical issues such as getting stuck in cutscenes and unclear objectives, which detracted from the experience. On PC, while many reviewers acknowledged stable performance, there were still mentions of immersion-breaking bugs and mission-breaking glitches, as noted by GamingTrend and MGG, suggesting that the experience could be disrupted despite the overall stability. The overall consensus among critics indicates that Chorus delivers a commendable technical performance across platforms, with a few caveats. While PS5 and Xbox Series X versions are generally praised for their smooth gameplay and quick loading times, they are not without their bugs and performance hiccups, as highlighted by critics like GameSpew and New Game Network. The PC version, while stable for the most part, also suffers from some bugs that can disrupt gameplay. Overall, the game appears to be a solid technical achievement with room for improvement, as reviewers like Multiplayer.it and MGG suggest that ongoing patches could address some of the issues affecting the experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Chorus offers a solid 10-20 hours of engaging gameplay with side missions and varied difficulty settings that can enhance replay value. However, many critics warn of repetitive missions and lackluster side content, which may deter players from multiple playthroughs. While initially compelling, the game's long-term appeal could be limited by these shortcomings.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

15%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

75%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions regarding the replay value of Chorus highlight several positive aspects that contribute to player engagement. Critics like Atomix and Multiplayer.it note the game's substantial playtime, with estimates ranging from 10 to 20 hours, depending on the completion of side missions and challenges. The inclusion of side quests, as emphasized by IGN and XboxAddict, adds depth to the gameplay experience, offering players opportunities to explore the world and unlock powerful weapons or upgrades. Additionally, the presence of multiple difficulty settings and a permadeath mode, as mentioned by GameSpew and MGG, can entice players looking for a more challenging experience, potentially enhancing the game's replayability for those who enjoy revisiting content. However, a significant number of critics point out the game's shortcomings in terms of replay value. Many reviews, including those from BaziCenter and The Games Machine, highlight the repetitive nature of missions and objectives, which can lead to a monotonous experience over time. Critics like Digital Trends and God is a Geek express concerns that the overall experience may not encourage players to replay the game, especially due to the lack of meaningful collectibles or engaging side content. The consensus among several reviewers, including SpazioGames and TrueGaming, suggests that while the game offers a variety of missions, the lack of diversity in tasks and the repetitive gameplay mechanics may deter players from engaging in multiple playthroughs. Overall, the critical consensus indicates a mixed sentiment regarding the replay value of Chorus. While some reviewers appreciate the game's length and the engaging nature of side missions—citing the potential for exploration and upgrades—many others caution against the repetitiveness that can undermine long-term enjoyment. Critics like Vandal and IGN France encapsulate this sentiment by acknowledging the game's engaging combat and story elements while also warning that the repetitive nature of missions may limit its appeal for replayability. Ultimately, Chorus presents a compelling experience for initial playthroughs, but its long-term engagement may be hindered by the concerns raised by numerous reviewers.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

47%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Chorus has garnered a mix of positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding its engaging gameplay and impressive visuals. Many reviewers, such as XboxAddict and Digital Chumps, praised the game for its solid combat mechanics and stunning graphics, with XboxAddict calling it a "superb story-driven spacefaring shooter." Critics like Vandal and Player 2 highlighted the game's unique personality and enjoyable combat, noting that it offers a refreshing take on the space shooter genre. The dynamic flight mechanics and arcade-style gameplay have been well-received, with Impulsegamer stating that the game provided a great experience that surpassed expectations for fans of the genre. Overall, the game's core action and visual appeal are frequently cited as standout features that make it enjoyable for players. However, the game is not without its criticisms. Several reviewers pointed out significant issues, particularly with the narrative and technical execution. Critics like PC Invasion and Wccftech highlighted a lack of imagination in the story and repetitive gameplay elements, which detracted from the overall experience. GameSpew and Multiplayer.it echoed these sentiments, noting bugs and frustrating design decisions that hindered immersion. Additionally, many reviews pointed to a lack of character depth and narrative clarity, with Gamer.nl describing the story as filled with "incomprehensible techno-babble." These shortcomings have led to a perception that while Chorus has potential, it ultimately falls short of being a truly exceptional title. The overall consensus among critics suggests that Chorus is a mixed bag—while it excels in certain gameplay aspects and offers a visually captivating experience, it struggles with storytelling and technical issues. Many critics, including IGN France and Press Start Australia, noted that despite the game's enjoyable moments, it does not fully capitalize on its potential. The game is often recommended for genre enthusiasts who appreciate space shooters, but it is also seen as needing improvement in key areas such as narrative depth and exploration. As such, Chorus is viewed as a solid, if flawed, entry in the space shooter genre that may appeal to fans but leaves room for enhancement in future iterations.

TL;DR

Chorus impresses with engaging gameplay and stunning visuals, earning praise for its combat and unique personality. Critics highlight its fun arcade mechanics, but the game falters with a lackluster narrative and technical issues, including bugs and shallow character development. While it's a solid pick for space shooter fans, it ultimately falls short of its potential, leaving room for improvement in future releases.

MONSTER

Reviews

127 reviews found

100

ZTGD

Xbox Series X

Dec 3, 2021