A recent leak has shed light on the development struggles of Astral Chain 2, the highly anticipated sequel to Platinum Games’ action-adventure title. The information, reportedly sourced from a former Platinum Games employee, provides insight into internal challenges, Nintendo’s involvement, and the game’s status. The leak also highlights Platinum Games’ financial difficulties and creative conflicts that may have impacted its projects.
Astral Chain 2 Development Challenges
According to the source, Astral Chain 2 began pre-production in early 2021 but faced immediate obstacles. The project stalled for nearly six months due to key staff being reassigned to other troubled projects. Financial difficulties further exacerbated the situation, with severe budget cuts reportedly affecting basic operations, such as depriving the human resources department of lighting for months.
In 2022, Hideki Kamiya, a prominent figure at Platinum Games, managed to secure third-party investment, allowing Astral Chain 2 to resume full development alongside another project, Steel Colossus. However, creative disagreements with a Nintendo sales representative embedded in the studio led to significant delays and Kamiya’s eventual departure in 2023.
Nintendo ultimately rebooted Astral Chain 2 in mid-2023, reportedly planning the game as a title for the Nintendo Switch 2. Platinum Games faced mounting pressure as Nintendo considered outsourcing parts of the project to another external studio.
Pre-Reboot Game Details
The following details are based on the game’s development before its 2023 reboot:
- Direct Sequel: The game was planned as a continuation of the first, with players able to transfer save data for customization.
- Antagonist: The main villain was a wealthy businessman named Maxwell (マクスウェル様), equipped with a robotic/legion arm.
- Branching Paths: The game was set to feature branching narratives, potentially leading to multiple endings.
- Early Mission Setting: One of the initial levels took place on an aircraft carrier near the city.
- New Legions: Planned additions included an angel with blade-like wings and a tiger/sphinx hybrid. Some Legions from the first game were also expected to return.
- Gameplay Features:
- A fusion mechanic to imbue Legions with elemental powers like fire, water, earth, and air.
- Enhanced two-player gameplay with deeper mechanics.
- Technical Advancements: Experimental shader technologies were under development to push the game’s visual fidelity.
- Series Continuation: Even at this stage, discussions about a third installment in the series were reportedly underway.
Uncertainty and Future Outlook
The reboot of Astral Chain 2 by Nintendo has introduced significant uncertainty regarding its final vision and development. Platinum Games’ internal struggles, creative disagreements, and financial woes have raised concerns about the studio’s ability to complete the project independently. If Nintendo’s rumored involvement extends to outsourcing, it could mark a major shift in the game’s creative direction.
The current status of Astral Chain 2 and other Platinum Games projects remains unclear. However, if these reports are accurate, the game’s future could hinge on Nintendo’s decisions and the studio’s ability to recover from its internal challenges.
Stay tuned for further updates on Astral Chain 2 and Platinum Games.
