ChainStaff

ChainStaff comes from developer and publisher Mommy’s Best Games. The game released on April 7, 2026, for PC through Steam. It also arrived on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. Players control a mutant with an alien stuck to its head, and they fight to save Earth from the invading Star Spores.

About the Game

ChainStaff is a brutal 2D action-platformer built around one transforming weapon. Players swing, shoot, and spear their way through mutating hordes and large boss fights. The levels are mostly linear, but they hide secrets and optional routes behind new abilities, which gives the game a light Metroidvania feel.

The alien voice in the player’s head shapes the story. Players can rescue fallen comrades, or they can harvest those comrades for upgrades instead. Each choice feeds a different tech tree, so two runs can play quite differently. Furthermore, the game offers three endings and a New Game+ mode that carries all upgrades over. Reviewers describe it as tough but fair, and they praise the heavy metal soundtrack.

Key Features

Transforming ChainStaff: One button turns the weapon into a spear, a shield, or a grappling hook. As a result, the same tool handles combat, defense, and traversal.
Grotesque Upgrades: Players decide whether to rescue their allies or turn more alien by harvesting them. Each decision unlocks upgrades on one of two tech trees.
Ten Wild Levels: The levels range from misty mountains and icy caves to jellyfish islands. Meanwhile, every location packs mutating monsters and nasty hazards.
Transforming Boss Fights: Each massive alien boss demands a new way to use the ChainStaff. Players must adapt as the bosses change shape mid-fight.

Games Like This

Similar Game	Key Difference	Best For
Bionic Commando: Rearmed	Also builds its platforming around a grapple instead of a jump button. However, ChainStaff turns that grapple into a spear and shield as well.	Players who love grapple-based traversal.
Contra: Operation Galuga	Shares the run-and-gun action and big boss encounters. In contrast, it focuses on shooting and offers less exploration.	Players who want classic arcade shooting.
Broforce	Delivers similar over-the-top action, and its composer also worked on ChainStaff. Still, it plays as a destructible-terrain shooter with a large cast of heroes.	Players who enjoy chaotic, explosive side-scrolling.

Game Details

Developer: Mommy’s Best Games
Publisher: Mommy’s Best Games
Platforms: PC (Steam), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
Release Date: April 7, 2026
Genre: Action, Platformer
Composer: Deon van Heerden
Campaign Length: 4 to 6 hours
Price: $14.99
Local/Online Co-op: Single-player only