The indie gaming scene has always been a breeding ground for innovation, and Mommy’s Best Games is once again proving why they’re a force to be reckoned with. Led by industry veteran Nathan Fouts, whose resume includes work on iconic titles like Resistance: Fall of Man and Ratchet & Clank: Tools of Mass Destruction, the studio is set to release ChainStaff on April 8, 2026, across Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, and Xbox One. This brutal 80’s sci-fi action platformer promises to deliver a unique experience that blends classic gameplay with innovative mechanics, all wrapped in a grotesque, alien-infested world.
The ChainStaff: More Than Just a Grappling Hook
At the heart of ChainStaff lies its namesake weapon—a transforming grappling hook that serves multiple purposes with the simple press of a button. This isn’t your typical platforming tool; the ChainStaff can morph into a deadly spear, a protective shield, a bridge to traverse dangerous gaps, and more. The seamless transformation system allows players to adapt to any situation instantly, creating a fluid and dynamic gameplay experience that rewards creativity and quick thinking.
Nathan Fouts drew inspiration from beloved classics like Mega Man X and Bionic Commando, but he wanted to push the boundaries further. “The grappling hook mechanics are smooth as silk here, and the ability to change the ChainStaff into a spear, shield, bridge and more, all with the touch of a single button should give players a new type of platforming challenge!” he explains. This philosophy of accessibility combined with depth is what sets ChainStaff apart from other action platformers in the market.
The weapon’s versatility extends to combat scenarios as well. Players can hurl the ChainStaff as a spear to slice aliens in half, throw it to the ground as a shield to deflect incoming attacks, or use it to grapple onto enemies and environmental objects. The game encourages experimentation, with each alien creature presenting its own unique challenge that can be approached in multiple ways using the ChainStaff’s various forms.
Moral Choices and Grotesque Upgrades
One of ChainStaff’s most intriguing features is its morality system, which forces players to make difficult choices throughout their journey. Stranded soldiers are scattered across the alien-infested landscape, and players must decide their fate: rescue them and maintain their humanity, or devour their organs to gain alien powers. Each decision has tangible gameplay consequences, unlocking upgrades on two distinct tech trees that fundamentally change how players approach combat and exploration.
This binary choice system isn’t just a superficial narrative device—it actively shapes the player’s abilities and leads to three unique endings. The game encourages multiple playthroughs through its New Game+ mode, allowing players to carry over their upgrades and explore different upgrade paths. This replayability factor adds significant value to the 4-6 hour adventure, ensuring that players will want to experience all the game has to offer.
The grotesque nature of the upgrade system ties perfectly into the game’s 80’s sci-fi aesthetic, reminiscent of classic horror films and comic books from that era. The visual design doesn’t shy away from the body horror implications of the alien invasion, creating an atmosphere that’s both disturbing and captivating.
Ten Wild Levels and Massive Boss Battles
ChainStaff features ten hand-crafted levels, each designed to feel like a classic rock album cover brought to life. This artistic direction creates memorable and distinct environments that keep the experience fresh from beginning to end. The level design takes full advantage of the ChainStaff’s versatile mechanics, presenting platforming challenges that require players to master all of the weapon’s forms.
Boss battles are where ChainStaff truly shines. Each massive boss encounter presents a unique puzzle that challenges players to think creatively about how to use their abilities. Will you break apart a creature’s teeth one by one, or pry open its gigantic jaws? These encounters aren’t just tests of reflexes—they’re brain teasers that reward observation and experimentation. The transforming nature of the alien bosses keeps players on their toes, forcing them to adapt their strategies on the fly.
A Killer Soundtrack to Match the Action
No action game is complete without a memorable soundtrack, and ChainStaff delivers in spades. The game features a classic metal soundtrack composed by award-winning composer Deon van Heerden, known for his work on Broforce and Warhammer 40K: Shootas Blood & Teef. The music perfectly complements the game’s brutal, over-the-top action and 80’s aesthetic, creating an audiovisual experience that’s both nostalgic and fresh.
The Pedigree Behind the Game
Mommy’s Best Games has built a reputation for creating innovative action games that put unique twists on classic genres. Their previous titles—including Pig Eat Ball, Serious Sam Double D XXL, Shoot 1UP, Game Type, Explosionade, and Weapon of Choice—have all demonstrated the studio’s commitment to wild gameplay and creative mechanics. ChainStaff continues this tradition while representing perhaps their most ambitious project to date.
The game is being ported to consoles by Super Soul, an independent developer from Lexington, KY, led by studio head John Meister. Super Soul has established themselves as leaders in Unity game development, having successfully ported numerous Mommy’s Best Games titles to Switch, PS4, and Xbox One. Their expertise ensures that ChainStaff will run smoothly across all platforms.
Pre-Order Now and Join the Community
ChainStaff is available for pre-order now on Nintendo Switch (North American store) and Xbox One, with PlayStation and European Switch pre-orders coming soon. The game will launch simultaneously across all platforms on April 8, 2026, giving players worldwide the chance to experience this brutal sci-fi adventure at the same time.
For those eager to learn more, Mommy’s Best Games maintains an active Discord community where fans can discuss ChainStaff, upcoming projects, and classic run and gun games. The community includes shmup players, retro enthusiasts, and game developers who share a passion for action-packed gameplay and innovative mechanics.
Conclusion
ChainStaff represents everything great about indie game development: innovation, passion, and a willingness to take risks. By combining smooth grappling hook mechanics with moral choices, grotesque upgrades, and memorable boss battles, Mommy’s Best Games has created an experience that honors classic action platformers while pushing the genre forward. Whether you’re a fan of Mega Man X, Bionic Commando, or just looking for a fresh take on the action platformer formula, ChainStaff promises to deliver an unforgettable adventure when it launches this April.
