No one would have expected that Attack on Titan would be a huge hit around world especially when the anime series first debuted back in 2013 which became an instant phenomenon. Started off as a Manga series but later got several spin-off, light novels and a live-action movie on the way to Japanese Cinemas; there's even a massive cosplay group of Attack on Titan cosplayers in a lot of conventions ever since the anime kicked off.
But when it comes to talk about Humanity in Chains for the 3DS you would expect it to be as good as the anime series, well for a fact that is true that the game can be fun if you are a fan of the series like myself however this game can chew more then it bargains for a handheld game. What can you expect in Humanity in Chains? just like the anime series you'll be able to follow the stories of Eren, Armin, Mikasa, Levi and Sasha; when starting a new game you'll only be able to play as Eren to begin with and going through the first few levels going through tutorial stages on how to kill titans and getting used to the gameplay controls. Later levels you will unlock other characters and more missions.
When it comes to actual gameplay the idea concept is stunning to look at when it comes to fighting titans, it tries to be a little challenging as the game does feel like it’s on the difficulty setting on terms of gameplay, using the analog stick to move around and using the L button to target lock on titans but using the Gear Maneuvers you'll need to use the R button and the analog to move. This is where some of the gameplay mechanics does have a mind of its own which can be annoying which does tell that you would need a Circle-Pad Pro if you have an original 3DS or you can just use the directional pad to control the camera controls but can be a little fiddly at the same time. If you own a New 3DS it feels a lot easier on camera controls. I did find this a little annoying you also have to use the Y button on using Gear Maneuvers on a moving target where you can either aim for the titans feet or if you feel lucky enough aim for the head; yet using this mechanic also a little mind of its own where if you press the Y button to quickly you can easily swing from one place to another or if you miss your target it can a little tricky to get around but if you keep pressing and holding Y you'll have a better chance on taking on titans. But the other part of if its gameplay is that you need to hold down the X button to slash titans but you'll see to time your attacks perfectly if you want to do some critical damage if you see a red circle and a very thin circle closing inside that red circle you need to attack when the thin yellow circle is in the red circle.
I do like this idea like it's trying to tell you to time your attacks this is a good concept but if you don't you can easily get grabbed by titans and having to fiddly the analog stick to escape and pressing random which doesn't do much help and half the time your AI allies will either help you escape or the will get completely stuck in an empty space and then you are easily killed by a titan. Just like other games for example like the Monster Hunter series you'll need items to sharpen your weapons and gas cylinders to refuel your Gear Maneuver, plus items like water and ointment to restore your health. Not just that each mission you play through you are timed so you do have to be quick on taking out titans meaning you'll get a higher rank and score for each mission.
World Mode is where the game really shines for Humanity in Chains taking everything you've learned on Story mode that can be used on World Mode where you can play through various missions and lead a special ops squad. You can create your own character, level up and make them buy stronger weapons and gear with the money you gain in the game and more character skins and clothing to unlock. You can play 2-4 players if they have a copy of the game on them or play online with other players, StreetPass feature allows you to recruit other players' characters as AI allies.
The 3D effects and visuals do look little nice during gameplay including watching cutscenes from the anime itself including Japanese voice acting, the real problem does lie in its gameplay and fiddly camera controls for some players if you can accept going through repetitive missions on Story Mode and seeing some lacking environments. Fans of the series will very likely get a good kick out of Humanity in Chains if you can accept the odd frustrating moments here and there including timing your attacks it can be an enjoyable game but can feel a little short with some shallow gameplay.