The game features turn-based, non-realistic combat with no blood. Parents: According to the ESRB, this game is rated T and contains F antasy Violence and Suggestive Themes. Approximately 52 hours of play was devoted to the single-player modes. This copy of the game was obtained via publisher and reviewed on the PC. This game is available on PS4/5, XBX/S, PC and Switch. Rating: 8 out of 10ĭisclosures: This game is developed by Artisan Studios and published by Dear Villagers. JRPG fans looking for a new world to sink dozens of hours into need look no further. If one is able to put these narrative issues aside, Astria Ascending is a solid and beautiful J-inspired RPG with some noticeable (but ultimately minor) flaws. I assume the plot is set at the end of their term in order to create a sense of urgency, but this premise only serves to undercut the characters themselves. It’s jarring when these ‘protectors of peace’ state that members of another species are too stupid to understand what they’re saying or going through. While this setup is understandable, I find it hard to believe that this Cohort of demi-gods (an intentionally-diverse team who fight together side-by-side) have made no progress on their own prejudices in all the time they’ve supposedly been together. My main issue was that Astria‘s eight characters have allegedly fought side-by-side for nearly three years by the time the adventure starts, yet they somehow know absolutely nothing about one another? They act as if they met just minutes before the story begins - they have no familiarity with each others’ families, backstories, or backgrounds other than what town they’re from.Īlso, one of the recurring themes throughout the game is that there’s tension and a lack of understanding between the five humanoid races of the world - the human-like Meryo, fish-like Peyska, lion-like Arktan, bird-like Awisi, and lizard-like Zeft. While the combat side of Astria Ascending is pleasantly solid, I found the narrative side hard to get into due to a few fundamental issues. I initially assumed I could guess what each did, but once I realized that the Strength stat can effect the power of magic spells, I wasn’t sure what was what. There’s also a lot of reference material available in a journal for all monsters and items, although an explanation for the various stats of each character (there are ten) and what exactly they affect would be a welcome addition. Characters heal HP and restore MP between battles and inside cities. Players can save at any time and fast-travel points are generously strewn around the map. Outside of battles is where the quality-of-life adds are most apparent. These limits do encourage replay, though - the same demi-gods can end the game with completely different team compositions on subsequent playthroughs. However, I was disappointed to see that there was no option to switch jobs after picking one, and that each character could only choose from three of the twelve (total) jobs available. The player can even swap the whole team in one turn if so desired.Įach character offers a unique moveset and skill tree that gives access to powerful spells and abilities by choosing jobs and using items found throughout the campaign. One nice feature is that any of the four on the field of battle can be switched out at any time with four who are in reserve. When battles occur, a party of four will take on an enemy team in standard JRPG turn-based combat, with turn order mainly determined by the agility stat. Players will be traversing 2D environments featuring platforming and plenty of puzzles, with each dungeon offering new (or at least different) mechanics in order to progress, as well as chests to loot, although sometimes players are required to return after obtaining new powers needed to reach them. In terms of gameplay, Astria Ascending is a JRPG that takes cues from the classics while adding in some changes and quality-of-life additions to keep it feeling fresh. In this game, each group of demi-gods serves for just three years, and at the tail end of this three-year term, strange occurrences signal a series of events that could forever change the world they know. They are protectors of the realm of Harmony, each with their own personality quirks and unique skills. The story follows the eight demi-gods of the 333rd Cohort. The visuals are undeniably gorgeous, with hand-drawn illustrations giving life to characters through subtle animations and beautiful backgrounds that give each environment a unique feel. WTF Why does everyone hate the little fish people so much?Īstria Ascending makes an excellent first impression by putting its best foot forward via art. LOW A few frustrating enemy encounters and a sometimes-confused story. HIGH A lengthy, high quality Japanese-inspired RPG with plenty of modern amenities.
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