Astral Ascent

NOV 23rd, 2023

Astral Ascent Review Blog

"Astral Ascent" is a roguelite, side-scrolling action game developed by Hibernian Workshop. It features a unique premise where players are trapped in an astral prison and must defeat 12 Zodiac-themed bosses to escape. The game has received varied reviews, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses across different aspects.

Gameplay and Mechanics

- Initial Impression: The game might initially feel convoluted and confusing, with chaotic combat and poorly explained systems. However, it becomes more engaging as players get accustomed to the mechanics.

- Combat System: Players gradually become adept at combining spells, each with their unique effects, and using the character's signature skill. The spell system involves equipping and customizing up to four spells found during runs, with a rotational casting mechanism.

- Character Progression: Players return to a hub between runs to use resources for improving survival chances, unlocking upgrades like health and mana boosts, and increasing the repertoire of available spells.

- Playable Characters: The game features multiple playable characters, each with their unique abilities and stories, enhancing the game's replayability and diversity.

Art Style and Audio

- Visuals: Astral Ascent employs a pixelized anime art style, creating vibrant environments and characters. Each realm and character in the hub world is distinct, adding to the game's visual appeal.

- Audio: The game shines in its audio department, with well-voiced characters and a soundtrack that blends retro and modern styles, adding to the overall experience.

Challenges and Replayability

- Boss Fights: Boss encounters are a highlight, featuring unique designs and challenging attack patterns. These fights act as tests of the player's combat skills and pattern memorization.

- Replay Value: The game encourages repeated playthroughs with its progression system and variety of builds, making each run feel unique and progressively more empowering.

Criticisms

- Lack of Distinct Gimmick: Astral Ascent doesn't have a standout feature to differentiate it significantly from other roguelites. However, its strength lies in perfecting the basics and building on them logically.

- Combat Feedback: Some reviewers noted a lack of impact and feedback in combat, making fights feel less engaging. Additionally, the user interface and some writing aspects were critiqued.

Overall Reception

- GameSpew: The game is seen as a roguelite that grows on players over time, eventually becoming highly engaging.

- Nintendo Life: Praised for its art style, soundtrack, and boss fights, but noted for not introducing many new elements to the genre.

- Push Square: Recognized for its presentation and mechanics but criticized for combat feedback and writing.

- PSX Extreme: Commended for its art, combat, and addictive gameplay loop.

In summary, "Astral Ascent" is a well-executed roguelite with strong visual and audio design, intriguing gameplay mechanics, and high replayability, despite some criticisms regarding its combat system and lack of unique features. It's a game that might take time to grow on players but ultimately offers a rewarding experience.