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Chronos: Before the Ashes

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Chronos: Before the Ashes
Item: Chronos: Before the Ashes
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2020

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Single Player

AvailableDec 1, 2020

PlatformPC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperGunfire Games

Overview

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! 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.

Elsewhere

6.4

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Chronos: Before the Ashes shines with inventive time-loop mechanics and rich Remnant lore, but its shallow narrative, underdeveloped characters, and abrupt ending leave fans wanting more. A flawed yet fascinating prequel that prioritizes style over substance.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

88%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The reviews of Chronos: Before the Ashes highlight several positive aspects, particularly its innovative mechanics and ties to the Remnant: From the Ashes universe. Critics like GameStar and GamingTrend praise the time-loop mechanic, where death ages the protagonist, adding a unique layer to progression and narrative stakes. The game’s atmospheric storytelling through logs, diary entries, and environmental cues—noted by Gamer Escape and Wccftech—creates an immersive, discovery-driven experience. Additionally, Multiplayer.it and SpazioGames commend the rich lore connections to Remnant, offering depth for fans despite minimal exposition. The prequel’s focus on a David vs. Goliath narrative, as described by Cubed3, and its exploration of themes like aging and destiny, as noted by TheGamer, further enrich the experience, even if the story itself is not deeply complex. However, many critics criticize the game for its lack of narrative depth and underdeveloped characters. GameOver.gr and Riot Pixels describe the plot as minimalistic, with a “bad dragon” and unclear lore that fails to engage. Hardcore Gamer and IGN Japan call it sterile and lacking immersion, while PlayStation Universe points to an abrupt, underdeveloped ending. The reliance on environmental storytelling and collectibles, though praised by some (e.g., Noisy Pixel), is seen as insufficient for a cohesive narrative. Critical Hit and GameSpew note that the story feels clumsily integrated, with exploration offering sparse rewards. Even the game’s unique mechanics, like aging, are criticized for not being fully realized, as GamingTrend and ZTGD acknowledge its potential but highlight missed opportunities for deeper narrative exploration. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Chronos: Before the Ashes is a mixed experience. While it excels in world-building, mechanics, and lore integration for Remnant fans—particularly through its time-loop system and atmospheric storytelling—its narrative lacks depth and originality. Multiplayer.it and SpazioGames appreciate its contribution to the franchise’s universe, but many, like Hardcore Gamer and IGN Japan, feel it falls short as a standalone story. The game’s strengths lie in its mechanics and connections to Remnant, but its thin plot and underdeveloped themes prevent it from being a standout entry. For fans of the series, it offers enough intrigue to warrant attention, but for newcomers or those seeking a rich narrative, it may feel unfulfilling.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

A bold experiment in risk-driven progression, Chronos dazzles with its aging mechanic that forces tough choices between exploration and survival, but stumbles under sluggish combat, repetitive design, and underdeveloped systems, leaving a fractured legacy of ambition vs. execution.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

24%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

70%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Chronos: Before the Ashes is frequently praised for its innovative aging mechanic, which introduces a unique layer of strategic depth and risk management. Critics like 3DJuegos highlight how the system forces players to balance exploration with survival, as dying ages the character, altering progression and resource allocation. This mechanic is lauded for creating tension, with IGN Japan noting its ability to "add a layer of risk" and GameStar emphasizing its strategic depth alongside progression systems. Additionally, elements like the Dragon Stones magic system (Cubed3) and varied weapon mechanics (Noisy Pixel) are seen as creative touches that differentiate the game from traditional Souls-like titles. The puzzle-solving aspects also receive positive mentions, with Gamer Escape and TheGamer appreciating their role in breaking up combat monotony, while GameCritics praises the aging system as a "standout feature." However, several critics point to significant flaws in the core gameplay mechanics that detract from the experience. Combat is frequently criticized for being sluggish, unresponsive, or overly simplistic. GameOver.gr and Hardcore Gamer describe the combat as repetitive and unoriginal, with Riot Pixels noting "sluggish controls" and Wccftech pointing to "stamina-less attacks" and overpowered parry mechanics. The limited weapon variety (GameOver.gr, Gamer Escape) and predictable enemy patterns (Hardcore Gamer) further diminish the challenge, while Multiplayer.it and We Got This Covered argue that the game lacks the complexity of other Souls-like titles. Additionally, issues like tedious puzzles (Riot Pixels), inconsistent difficulty curves (Gamer Escape), and a lack of customization options (Cubed3) are recurring complaints, creating a sense of underdevelopment despite the game’s ambitious concepts. Overall, the critics present a mixed but nuanced consensus, with the aging mechanic serving as both a highlight and a point of contention. While 3DJuegos, IGN Japan, and GameStar celebrate its innovative approach to progression and risk-reward dynamics, others like GameOver.gr and Hardcore Gamer find it overshadowed by flawed combat systems. The game’s balance between accessibility and challenge is also debated: ZTGD and God is a Geek appreciate its forgiving nature, while MGG Spain and Multiplayer.it feel it sacrifices the depth of traditional Souls-like games. Despite these contradictions, there is agreement that Chronos offers a unique identity through its aging system, even if its execution falls short in areas like combat polish and variety. The mixed reception reflects a game with promising ideas but uneven implementation, leaving players divided between admiration for its ambition and frustration with its shortcomings.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Chronos: Before the Ashes dazzles with a whimsical, pastel-soaked art style and inventive puzzles but stumbles on clunky tech, repetitive design, and undercooked mechanics, leaving its charm undermined by frustrating flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

10%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

72%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

17%

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

The reviewers generally praise the stylized and unique visual identity of Chronos: Before the Ashes, highlighting its distinct art direction and creative design choices. Critics like 3DJuegos and GameOver.gr note the game’s cartoonish, pastel-toned aesthetic reminiscent of Fable and Zelda, which creates a whimsical yet cohesive atmosphere. Gamer Escape commends the vibrant, low-poly visuals and "charming" environments, while IGN Japan applauds the detailed temples, ruins, and dungeons that stand out from typical Souls-like games. The blend of medieval and sci-fi elements, as noted by GameCritics and NintendoWorldReport, adds a sense of whimsy and clarity to the world design, making it accessible yet visually engaging. Additionally, the game’s creative puzzle integration (e.g., portal jumps and live paintings) is praised for its originality, with Noisy Pixel and Multiplayer.it highlighting the imaginative set pieces despite some technical limitations. However, several critics point out significant technical and artistic shortcomings that detract from the experience. Hardcore Gamer and Riot Pixels criticize the low-poly models, aliased PNGs, and lack of polish, calling the visuals "unimpressive" and "outdated." Eurogamer Italy and SpazioGames highlight optimization issues on consoles, including color distortion, aliasing, and repetitive environments that feel "generic" or "dated." GameStar and Wccftech note that while the art style is intentional, the modest scale of areas and underdeveloped puzzles (as mentioned by GameOver.gr) make some sections feel unbalanced. Additionally, the VR origins of the game are frequently cited as a hindrance, with critics like BaziCenter and Vandal pointing out that the lack of detail in character models, animations, and textures undermines the overall presentation, particularly on higher-end hardware. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward appreciation for the game’s artistic vision, despite its technical flaws. While many praise the distinctive art style and creative world-building (as noted by IGN Japan, GameCritics, and NintendoWorldReport), others argue that the lack of polish and optimization issues prevent it from reaching its full potential. The game’s stylized approach is seen as both a strength and a limitation—offering charm and accessibility but also drawing criticism for being too simplistic or unrefined. Ultimately, Chronos: Before the Ashes is viewed as a visually imaginative title with a unique identity, though its technical shortcomings and repetitive design elements prevent it from fully satisfying all reviewers.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Sound design in Chronos: Before the Ashes is serviceable yet forgettable—adequate atmosphere with minimal impact. Critics praise ambient elements and subtle motifs but note underdeveloped audio, lack of standout themes, and muted presence that fails to enhance gameplay or narrative.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

17%

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

The sound design and music of Chronos: Before the Ashes receive mixed but generally neutral praise from critics, with several reviewers noting its atmospheric contributions despite a lack of standout elements. 3DJuegos highlights the ambient soundtrack and "good sound effects," while BaziCenter acknowledges the "acceptable" sound design that effectively supports the game’s atmosphere. Gamer Escape praises the minimalistic approach, pointing to "area-specific motifs" and "occasional jingles" that enhance immersion without overpowering the experience. Vandal describes the soundtrack as "bonita" (nice) with "decent sound effects," suggesting a generally positive but unremarkable impression. These critiques collectively indicate that while the audio elements are functional and contribute to the game’s mood, they do not elevate the experience beyond being serviceable. However, several critics point out significant shortcomings in the music and sound design. 3DJuegos criticizes the lack of "standout musical themes," a sentiment echoed by Gamer Escape, who notes the soundtrack remains "unobtrusive" but fails to leave a lasting impression. PlayStation Universe and PLAY! Zine both describe the audio as underdeveloped or unimpressive, with the latter calling the game "quite quiet" and noting minimal attention to music or sound effects. Additionally, 3DJuegos and Vandal highlight limitations in voice acting, particularly the absence of language options for Spanish dubbing and limited dialogue overall. These critiques suggest that while the audio design is adequate, it lacks depth, innovation, and emotional resonance, failing to complement the game’s narrative or gameplay effectively. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward a balanced but unenthusiastic assessment of Chronos: Before the Ashes’s sound design and music. While some praise its ambient qualities and atmospheric contributions—such as BaziCenter’s acknowledgment of "good" sound design and Gamer Escape’s appreciation for minimalistic motifs—the majority agree that it lacks memorability and fails to deliver standout musical elements. The combination of unimpressive sound effects, limited voice acting, and a generally muted audio presence results in an experience that feels more like a background element than a core component of the game. Critics like 3DJuegos and PLAY! Zine emphasize that the audio does not significantly enhance the gameplay or narrative, leaving it as one of the less compelling aspects of the title.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Chronos: Before the Ashes is a technically inconsistent title plagued by platform-specific flaws, with PS4 and Switch versions suffering severe optimization issues, graphical glitches, and input lag, while PC and Xbox One offer marginal stability but lack polish—highlighting a disconnect between ambition and execution.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

79%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

16%

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

The technical performance of Chronos: Before the Ashes varies across platforms, with some positives noted. On PC, 3DJuegos praised its stable 30fps and competent VR-to-traditional screen transitions, while GameStar acknowledged it as "technically outdated" but functionally sound. TheGamer highlighted minor camera issues but no major flaws, and Eurogamer Italy noted smooth fluidity on PS5 (despite the review being for PS4). For Xbox One, 3DJuegos and ZTGD confirmed consistent 30fps performance, with MGG Spain acknowledging a "smooth transition" from VR to standard controls. On Nintendo Switch, NintendoWorldReport observed that technical issues like frame rate drops and camera problems were less severe when docked, suggesting some platform-specific mitigation. These positives indicate the game’s core mechanics are generally functional across systems, though not without caveats. However, significant negatives emerged across all platforms. PS4 critics repeatedly highlighted instability: BaziCenter cited long load times and inconsistent graphics, while Comicbook.com criticized clunky combat mechanics and awkward camera controls. Eurogamer Italy noted graphical glitches on PS5, and GameMAG reported crashes and excessive storage demands. On Xbox One, MondoXbox condemned the locked 30fps despite promises of 60fps, and God is a Geek described frame drops affecting combat responsiveness. Nintendo Switch faced severe issues: Starbit called out "performance hiccups" in combat, while NintendoWorldReport criticized handheld mode’s collision detection and camera problems. These flaws underscore broader optimization challenges, particularly on PS4 and Switch, where technical shortcomings overshadowed the game’s potential. Overall, critics consensus points to Chronos: Before the Ashes as a technically inconsistent title, with VR origins contributing to uneven console adaptation. While PC and Xbox One received somewhat favorable remarks for stability (e.g., 3DJuegos’ 30fps on Xbox One), PS4 and Switch versions faced more pronounced issues like graphical glitches, input lag, and optimization problems. TheGamer’s observation of "no major technical flaws" contrasts with Vandal’s harsh critique of "difícilmente excusable" (hardly excusable) frame rate inconsistencies. Despite some praise for the game’s core mechanics, the lack of polish across platforms—particularly on PS4 and Switch—left many reviewers unconvinced, highlighting a disconnect between the game’s ambition and its technical execution.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Chronos: Before the Ashes trades its unique aging mechanic and difficulty variety for a short, repetitive experience that fails to deliver lasting replayability, leaving players with a one-time playthrough despite minor hooks.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

60%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

40%

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

The critics generally acknowledge some elements that could contribute to Chronos: Before the Ashes’ replay value, particularly its unique aging mechanic and difficulty scaling. Reviewers like 3DJuegos and Gamer Escape note that experimenting with different difficulty modes or exploring the aging system’s impact on gameplay might encourage multiple playthroughs, even if these are limited in scope. PlayStation LifeStyle highlights the cyclical nature of the game, where persistent upgrades and character aging create incremental progress across runs, while PLAY! Zine points to the aging mechanic’s influence on gameplay variation and accessibility for newcomers. Additionally, TheGamer and We Got This Covered suggest that the perk system and stat progression could offer slight diversity in playstyles, though these are often framed as minor incentives rather than substantial hooks. However, the majority of critics emphasize significant limitations that hinder replayability. The game’s short length—ranging from 5–15 hours depending on the reviewer—stands out as a major drawback, with GameOver.gr and Hardcore Gamer criticizing its brevity and lack of post-game content. Cubed3 and Riot Pixels highlight restrictive leveling systems and repetitive mechanics that prevent meaningful character customization or exploration, while GamingTrend and SpazioGames note that the aging mechanic’s "quickly aged" nature fails to add lasting depth. Many also point to a linear narrative and minimal systemic complexity, with We Got This Covered and God is a Geek suggesting that the game’s accessibility and less punishing design reduce its appeal for hardcore fans seeking challenge or replayability. The consensus is that these flaws make the experience feel more like a one-time playthrough than a compelling repeatable journey. Overall, while Chronos: Before the Ashes has some unique ideas that could theoretically support replayability—such as its aging mechanic and difficulty variety—the critical reception leans heavily toward disappointment. Most reviewers agree that the game’s short runtime, repetitive design, and lack of substantial content or systemic depth significantly limit its long-term appeal. 3DJuegos and Gamer Escape are among the few who see slight potential in the aging system, but even they frame it as a minor feature rather than a core strength. Meanwhile, critics like Cubed3, GameOver.gr, and Riot Pixels argue that these elements fail to compensate for the game’s broader shortcomings. The overall sentiment suggests that while Chronos may offer some novelty in its mechanics, it falls short of delivering a truly repeatable or rewarding experience for most players.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

12%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

87%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall reception of Chronos: Before the Ashes highlights its unique mechanics and creative ambition, with several critics praising its innovative aging system, atmospheric storytelling, and puzzle-driven gameplay. 3DJuegos and GameStar emphasize the game’s “unique aging mechanic” and “engaging combat,” while Noisy Pixel lauds its “tight gameplay” and quality-of-life improvements. The game’s focus on risk-reward systems, as noted by 3DJuegos, and its “compelling art style” (IGN Japan) resonate with fans of the Souls-like genre. Additionally, critics like GameCritics and Finger Guns acknowledge its fresh take on the formula, with the aging mechanic and portal-based exploration offering a distinctive experience. For newcomers, reviewers such as PLAY! Zine and ZTGD highlight its accessibility and “manageable difficulty,” positioning it as an approachable entry point into the genre. However, the game faces significant criticism for its technical flaws, repetitive design, and lack of depth. GameOver.gr calls it a “small, incomplete title” with “questionable price point,” while Hardcore Gamer deems it a “basic introduction to action RPGs” lacking the polish needed to stand out. Combat issues are repeatedly cited, with IGN Japan noting the aging system feels like a “hindrance” and GameMAG criticizing its “flat combat system.” Technical shortcomings, such as “repetitive environments” (Eurogamer Italy) and “uneven weapon design” (Starbit), further detract from the experience. Critics like Riot Pixels and TheGamer also highlight its failure to meet expectations, with the former calling it a “poorly executed remake” and the latter describing it as an “unremarkable Soulslike.” These critiques underscore a disconnect between the game’s creative ideas and their execution. Despite mixed reactions, the consensus leans toward Chronos: Before the Ashes being a worthwhile but flawed experience for fans of the genre. While some critics, like BaziCenter (7/10) and SpazioGames, acknowledge its “creative elements” and “unique setting,” others, such as Multiplayer.it and PlayStation LifeStyle, argue it falls short of the standards set by titles like Remnant: From the Ashes. The game’s accessibility and charm appeal to newcomers (PLAY! Zine, ZTGD), but veterans often find it lacking in depth and replayability. Ultimately, the reviews reflect a divide between those who appreciate its inventive mechanics and atmospheric design and those who feel it fails to fully realize its potential, leaving it as a niche but intriguing entry in the Souls-like landscape.

TL;DR

Chronos: Before the Ashes dazzles with its inventive aging mechanic, atmospheric storytelling, and accessible Souls-like charm, but stumbles on clunky combat, repetitive design, and unpolished execution, leaving a divisive legacy of bold ideas vs. underwhelming polish.

MONSTER

Reviews

90 reviews found

Cubed3

Jan 8, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Chronos: Before the Ashes is a unique ARPG that prioritizes immersion and tactical combat over complexity or variety. While it doesn't live up to comparisons with Soulslike games or Remnant, it offers a satisfying experience for those seeking a challenging, atmospheric adventure with a strong narrative and visual style.

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GameSpew

Xbox One

Nov 30, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes positively, recommending the game for fans of Remnant: From the Ashes and praising its unique mechanics, though noting it lacks the depth of larger titles. It is described as engaging and worth trying.

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GameStar

Dec 5, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite its technical limitations and some design flaws, the game is recommended for its unique aging mechanic, engaging combat, and varied world exploration, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.

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Noisy Pixel

Nov 30, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A solid action-adventure game with tight gameplay and quality-of-life improvements. It retains the challenge of its VR predecessor while offering a rewarding experience for fans.

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NintendoWorldReport

Nintendo Switch

Dec 8, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite technical issues, the game is praised for its unique mechanics, accessibility, and satisfying adventure. It stands out in the Souls-like genre but requires patience to overlook flaws on Switch.

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GameCritics

PlayStation 4

Dec 11, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is praised for its innovative aging mechanic, unique setting, and puzzle elements, which offset its combat shortcomings. It is seen as a fresh take on the soulslike genre, though not without flaws.

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God is a Geek

Xbox One

Nov 30, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Chronos: Before the Ashes is an enjoyable, more accessible entry in the Soulslike genre that prioritizes charm and creativity over harsh difficulty. While it lacks the darkness and maturity of other titles like From Software's games, its unique aging mechanic and puzzle elements make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.

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ZTGD

Xbox One

Dec 17, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A solid entry for newcomers to the Souls genre, praised for its accessibility, unique aging mechanic, and manageable difficulty. It successfully bridges the gap between traditional Souls games and more approachable experiences, with a recommendation for players seeking an introduction to the style.

3DJuegos

Dec 1, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is described as a recommendable title for fans of 'souls' games, offering unique mechanics and puzzles but falling short in combat polish and full exploitation of its aging concept. It balances strengths (puzzles, risk-reward system) with weaknesses (combat issues, lack of replayability).

PLAY! Zine

PlayStation 4

Jan 8, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes positively, recommending the game for newcomers to the souls-like genre due to its accessible difficulty scaling and unique mechanics, though it may not satisfy hardcore fans. The author emphasizes its value as a softer entry point into the genre.

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