Jemma Casson
Pure NintendoReview: ChainStaff (Nintendo Switch) - Pure Nintendo
Published 5/21/2026
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Scoring alignment
—
Score
80
+1 vs critic avg
Review
Read originalCritic Atlas
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Series X|S / PS4 / PC / PS5 / Mac / XONE / Switch - 4/7/2026
ChainStaff
ChainStaff is a brutal action-platformer with a transforming spear and grappling hook, blazing weapon upgrades, and a rocking soundtrack. Aliens have taken over the Earth! Swing, shoot, and spear your way through hordes of mutating monstrosities and bone-shaking boss fights.
- Developer
- Mommy's Best Games
- Publisher
- Mommy's Best Games
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Critic average
79
Average of 11 scored external reviews.
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Reflex / execution-heavyDefining · Curated baseline
Systems / mechanics-drivenDefining · Curated baseline
Combat / action-focusedDefining · Curated baseline
Punishing / high-pressureDefining · Curated baseline
Buildcraft / customization-heavyDefining · Curated baseline
Loot / progression-drivenDefining · Curated baseline
Unconventional / experimentalDefining · Curated baseline
Atmosphere-driven / aesthetic identityDefining · Curated baseline
Show 12 more descriptors
Serious / dark / groundedStrongly · Curated baseline
Whimsical / playful / lightheartedStrongly · Curated baseline
Highly replayableStrongly · Curated baseline
Exploration-drivenStrongly · Curated baseline
Side-content richStrongly · Curated baseline
Strategic / planning-heavyModerately · Curated baseline
Story / character-drivenModerately · Curated baseline
Puzzle / logic-focusedSlightly · Curated baseline
Cozy / low-pressureSlightly · Curated baseline
Short / focusedSlightly · Curated baseline
Run-based / proceduralNot present · Curated baseline
Multiplayer / socialNot present · Curated baseline
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Review coverage
Critic signal strength
Numeric critic scoring uses full scored reviews once available. Review-in-progress scores act as temporary early signal only until full review scores exist. Unscored reviews still count as coverage, but they are not included in the critic average.
High confidenceMixed response
Critic avg
79
11 scored reviews
Total coverage
11
All coverage currently scored
Score range
64–90
Lowest to highest scored review
Signal shape
Mixed response
Score range is 21–30 points
Critic landscape
The critic average is 79 across 11 scored reviews, with a 26-point spread. That suggests a mixed critic response rather than a single clear read.
How to read this
The average may hide important disagreement. Check the individual review cards and score deltas to see which critics landed above or below the pack.
Most scored reviews currently sit in the 80–89 band.
Score distribution
Shows how included scored reviews are clustered across the normalized 100-point scale.
11 included scored reviews
90–1001 review · 9%
80–897 reviews · 64%
70–792 reviews · 18%
Below 701 review · 9%
Showing 1-10 of 11 matching critic reviews. 11 total critic reviews. Page 1 of 2.
Jon Scarr
Cloud DosageChainStaff – Game Review
Published 5/18/2026
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Scoring alignment
—
Score
70
-9 vs critic avg
Review
Read originalFarzeen K H
GameffineChainStaff Review: Held Together by a Chain, Pulled Apart by Chaos
Published 5/4/2026
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Scoring alignment
—
Score
82
+3 vs critic avg
Review
Read originalNay Clark
ImpulsegamerChainStaff Review (Switch)
Published 4/27/2026
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Scoring alignment
—
Score
82
+3 vs critic avg
Review
Read originalJonathan Toyad
KakuchopureiChainStaff Review: Alien Homicide
Published 4/19/2026
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Scoring alignment
—
Score
80
+1 vs critic avg
Review
Read originalJustin Nation
Nindie SpotlightNindie Spotlight ChainStaff Review
Published 4/9/2026
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Scoring alignment
—
Score
64
-15 vs critic avg
Review
Read originalNamira Nidhu
GamesCreedChainStaff Review
Published 4/9/2026
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Scoring alignment
—
Score
86
+7 vs critic avg
Review
Read originalPaul Hunter
NextGen PlayerChainStaff Review (Xbox Series X)
Published 4/8/2026
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Scoring alignment
—
Score
75
-4 vs critic avg
Review
Read originalDavid Rodriguez
SmashPadREVIEW – “ChainStaff” revels in visceral action on resplendent alien worlds, invoking classics while making its own footprint
Published 4/7/2026
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Scoring alignment
—
Score
80
+1 vs critic avg
Review
Read originalBen Sheene
Digital ChumpsChainStaff Review
Published 4/7/2026
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Scoring alignment
—
Score
80
+1 vs critic avg
Review
Read originalPlayer reviews
Player reviews
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