Astral Ascent, the tried and tested version in early access

The rogue-like genre has been heavily exposed in the media in recent years, thanks to the success of a large number of representatives of the genre, primarily two of them: Hades and Returnal. Therefore, over time, a large number of contenders for the throne of the “successor” of the genre have certainly fed. For these games, the fall was often fatal; This hasn’t always been the case, and in one particular case, there has been a magical spark since the demo was released at last year’s Steam Game Festival. We’re talking about Astral Ascent, a bizarre roguelike that we’re testing a version of when it launches in early access on April 12.

We spent several hours between release cycles Early Access with Astral Ascent and now we tell you our general impressions.

horoscope icons

The narrative center in Astral Ascent is important and fascinating, but implicit. The player is given a general premise of events, but it will then be up to him to decide whether to concentrate on reading the texts and listening to the secondary dialogues to deepen this aspect. But in general, impersonating one of the 4 playable characters (only 2 available for now) means playing a prisoner. paradise prison As the reasons for this detention are unknown, he is desperately seeking an escape to freedom. But to escape, you will have to face the guards or the “avatars” of the constellations: warriors thirsty for victory will be able to destroy even the strongest warriors.

Once you understand this and apply the contextual tutorial that explains the basic mechanics and gameplay hubs, it will be trying to escape from prison that will give you a better understanding of all the mechanics. In our testing, finding memories on maps, talking to NPCs, and also exploring the work narratively gave us a general picture of the work done by him. Hibernian Workshop which is definitely above average. Mystery and astrology come together in a very interesting mix. Moreover, even the NPCs are certainly well summed up in both their character and artistic traits, making it very enjoyable to talk about as a break from the action.

relentless madness

The beating heart of Astral Ascent is definitely the game. we are talking about 2D action platform game It’s really very inspiring, not reinventing the belonging genre, but making the most of all the mechanics and design ideas that make roguelikes fun. Features lie in the choice to remove equipment and focus everything on skills. Each character (two currently playable and two coming in future updates) has their own playstyle and skills that can be performed by pressing the Y button.

These skills are added to a mini-cycle of 4 alternating skills. However, to use them you will always need to have a full mana bar as each move will have a cost. To reload mana, it will be necessary to use normal hits by pressing the X key and hit. Again, the important thing will be to create a balanced circle between basic hits and skills and always keep them. meaning and can maximize damage.

they are completing gameplay: the ability to use certain skills, such as jumping (double, but also triple), a dodge, the shield on the lower left spine, and healing crystals, which, once obtained, will be obtained thanks to the lower right spine.

Astral Ascent in the Early Access version will allow you to enjoy this game as follows: four worlds and four Zodiac bosses. To reach the boss, you will have to encounter different rooms in each world: which one you choose and the path you follow is up to you. The puzzles to be solved are platforming, other warfare, shops, healing or special rooms etc. You will be able to encounter the discovery rooms where you will be centered. Each new room is an exploration for the player and we won’t spoil the experience here by telling you everything, but know that many surprises await you. But we tell you that the skills found as rewards at the end of certain rooms are truly rewarding.

The gameplay of Astal Ascent is enhanced by the design and beauty of these bindings. The possibility of adding effect modifiers and bonuses also increases the planning of a real “build” to break the cycle. Every attempt will be unique, every approach will be, and the rewards will be very rewarding. Characters level up, unlock NPC bonuses, and the amount of content becomes ineffective in terms of possibilities. There is also a customization of the character’s colors. Since this is a pixel art game, you won’t see any great effects, but it’s still a nice addition.

Speaking on a technical level, Astral Ascent is a pixel art It is a very pleasing film to the eye, which is not very successful in character models and prefers to work more accurately in the background and scenarios. The game worlds and enemies are truly inspired by art and design, as is the core art of NPCs and Zodiac antagonists. Also a special compliment sound design and to the music that really stands out in the players’ headphones, supporting the action in an original and effective way.