The combat is deliberate and punishing. It leans heavily into the soulslike genre, requiring precise timing for blocks, parries, and dodges. Button mashing will result in a quick trip to the "aging screen." On the Switch, the controls feel responsive, though the Joy-Cons’ smaller travel distance can make tight parry windows a bit more challenging than on a Pro Controller.
In your youth (the 20s and 30s), your character is physically nimble, making strength and agility builds highly effective. However, as you reach your 50s and 60s, your physical prowess wanes. To compensate, your affinity for magic and arcane wisdom increases. This "death as progression" loop forces players to adapt their playstyle over time, evolving from a raw brawler into a seasoned mage. Combat and Level Design
Having the NSP installed directly onto your system means you can experience this atmospheric prequel on the go without carrying physical cartridges.
The game requires roughly 8 GB to 10 GB of free space on your memory card. Chronos- Before the Ashes Switch NSP
is an atmospheric Action-RPG that bridges the gap between classic adventure games and methodical "Souls-like" combat. Originally developed by Gunfire Games and published by THQ Nordic as an acclaimed VR title, it was later completely reimagined for traditional screens and ported to the hybrid console. The game serves as a direct narrative prequel to the hit cooperative shooter, Remnant: From the Ashes .
This mechanic turns each death into a meaningful event. It's not just a setback; it's a form of progress. You might find yourself failing on purpose to age your character into a more powerful mage to overcome a tough boss. The game also features a leveling system where you can invest skill points, but certain skills become locked or unlocked based on your age. This creates a unique risk-reward dynamic rarely seen in the genre.
The defining feature of Chronos: Before the Ashes is its death and aging system. Every time your character dies, you are cast out of the labyrinth and must wait a full year before you can re-enter. How Aging Impacts Gameplay: The combat is deliberate and punishing
The spirit world of Nintendo Switch homebrew can seem like an endless labyrinth, full of unique formats and installation methods. For explorers seeking a unique blend of "Souls-like" combat and a memorable aging mechanic, the ARPG Chronos: Before the Ashes is a fascinating find.
To keep the game running smoothly, the resolution drops slightly below native 720p in handheld mode. This results in slightly soft textures, but the stylized art direction compensates well for the hardware limitations.
Chronos: Before the Ashes is still readily available for the Nintendo Switch. You can purchase it directly from the Nintendo eShop for . It is also available at major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop, often in a "Code in a Box" format, which includes a digital download code inside a physical case. The game has been on the market for a few years, so it frequently goes on sale. Its all-time low digital price has dropped to around $8.99 , making it an excellent value for those willing to wait for a discount. In your youth (the 20s and 30s), your
As the character reaches their 50s, 60s, and beyond, physical gains become prohibitively expensive, but their attunement to arcane magic flourishes.
On a technical level, the Switch version of Chronos is functional but far from perfect. In TV mode, the game runs at a mostly stable frame rate, though it rarely achieves a smooth 60 FPS. The visuals are passable, with the game's chunky art style holding up better than realistic graphics would. However, the textures are noticeably dated, and the overall visual fidelity is a step down from other platforms like the PS4 or PC.