Astria Ascending presents a visually stunning world filled with vibrant colors and detailed landscapes. The hand-drawn artwork and animation bring the game to life, making every area a joy to explore. However, while the visuals are impressive, the gameplay falls short in some aspects.
The game follows a group of eight heroes known as the Demigods, each with their own unique abilities and backstories. The character development is one of the game's strong points, with each hero receiving a satisfying arc that adds depth to their personalities.
Combat in Astria Ascending is turn-based and strategic, allowing players to utilize the heroes' abilities in combination for devastating attacks. However, the combat encounters can become repetitive and lack challenge, leading to a sense of monotony after a while. The lack of difficulty options also limits the game's replayability.
The story of Astria Ascending is intriguing, with a focus on themes of fate, redemption, and the consequences of one's actions. The narrative unfolds slowly, allowing players to become invested in the world and its characters. However, the pacing can be uneven at times, with certain plot points feeling rushed or underdeveloped.
In terms of audio, Astria Ascending excels with its beautiful soundtrack composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto. The music perfectly captures the mood of each scene, enhancing the emotional impact of key moments. The voice acting is also well done, with each character's voice reflecting their personality.
Despite its flaws, Astria Ascending offers an enjoyable RPG experience with stunning visuals and an engaging story. However, the game falls short in terms of gameplay variety and challenge. If you're a fan of turn-based RPGs and can overlook some shortcomings, Astria Ascending is worth a playthrough.
