Astral Ascent Review (Zambrial)
TL;DR
The game is amazing
Video Review if you'd prefer that format:
https://youtu.be/92pNtkFovZ8
Synopsis/Story:
Astral Ascent places you in the role of a liberator seeking to free individuals trapped in astral prisons from The Master's conquests. The central prison, The Garden, guarded by the 12 Zodiacs and The Master, serves as the main battleground. Each playable character has a unique backstory, providing clear motives for defeating The Master and ending his reign of terror. The in-game dialogue, voiced by a cast of NPCs, mimics Hades in enhancing character depth. Although some lines lack the finesse of Hades, Astral Ascent's execution is commendable.
Visuals & Audio:
Astral Ascent is a visual treat, featuring gorgeous pixel art and well-animated cutscenes with an anime-inspired feel. The visual effects of spells and abilities are captivating, with meticulous details in different areas. While the art direction stands out, there are moments of visual clutter, especially in multiplayer. The soundtrack is excellent, seamlessly complementing the game's different areas. Voice acting adds personality to characters, although some lines aren't the best, possibly due to the developers being from France.
Gameplay & Mechanics:
Astral Ascent's core lies in its smooth platforming and engaging combat. The tutorial effectively introduces the game's complexities, and the hub world allows for meta-progression. The platforming mechanics, is amazing with a few nuanced mechanics that are really cool to make use of and learn. Combat is a blend of frantic action and strategic thinking, demanding attention to enemy patterns. Each character's unique abilities, spells, modifiers, and auras ensure diverse and appealing playstyles. The game's difficulty is decent, if you have good timing and decent understanding of the mechanics you can over come those inevitable bad runs.
Multiplayer:
The 2-player local co-op in Astral Ascent is generally enjoyable. However, the lack of simultaneous spell and gambit selection can make choosing rewards take a lot longer than it should. Shared screen experience occasionally hampers visual clarity, with player indicators helping mitigate the issue. The addition of online co-op could potentially address these concerns, enhancing the overall multiplayer experience.
Length of Runs/Replayability:
Run lengths in Astral Ascent vary based on player familiarity and whether in multiplayer. On average, multiplayer runs take more than an hour, while single-player runs can be completed in roughly half an hour, perhaps a little longer depending on your knowledge of the game. The game boasts extensive replayability with four characters, diverse spells, items, and the destiny mechanic. Future updates introducing new characters or boss modifiers could further enrich the game's content.
Final Thoughts:
Astral Ascent is a solid recommendation for anyone looking for a polished gameplay experience. The game offers a visually appealing world with charming characters and dynamic mechanics. Despite minor imperfections, it stands out as a top-tier roguelike in 2023. If you're seeking a game with responsive platforming, engaging combat, and lasting appeal, Astral Ascent is a worthwhile purchase that won't disappoint.