For such a lengthy RPG, it’s a shame not to be invested in the characters that drive it. Ultimately, none of them are given the time they deserve to truly stand out. Each character’s biggest moment comes in a flashback. When hints of it poke through, such as when the youngest, Eko, decries the lack of respect he’s given-after all, he’s been with them for 2.75 years, hasn’t he, and he’s giving up just as much as them- Astria Ascending quickly moves along. That sacrifice at the core of everything affects the plot, but rarely the hearts and minds of the characters. They’ve already made their peace with their circumstances. To start, we’re dropped not at the beginning of these Demi-Gods’ careers, but in the last three months. It’s that sense of connection that’s largely missing. The narrative is at its best when it explores the characters’ impending doom, but it does so infrequently that it’s hard to remember just what it is the characters are giving up. Up until the last five hours, I was still unlocking subclasses, support classes, and abilities that transformed the ways I approached the combat.Īs for the story, Astria Ascending features an intriguing hook: eight people are chosen to become demi-gods, given the power and responsibility to protect the world’s harmony at the sacrifice of their own lives. Where other games stumble in the second half, whether simplifying dungeons to streamline the finish or stagnating without new gameplay hooks, Astria Ascending maintains a confident stride. Artisan Studios suggests completionists will be able to wring out double that.
The entire journey is pulled along by the new: new classes, new music, new art, new distractions…indeed, the game never rests for the developer-suggested run-time of 25-35 hours (for the main story it took me 37. From corner to corner, it is filled to the brim with stunning art, fresh enemy designs, strategic boss fights, puzzle-filled dungeons, and even a complete, token-based mini-game. They’ve succeeded in crafting something special.īut even special isn’t without its frustrations. Those are some big names from some even bigger projects.Īnd for the most part, together with Artisan Studios,
There’s some serious pedigree behind this project: Kazushige Nojima (FFVII Remake, FFX, FFII) worked on the narrative Hitoshi Sakimoto (FFXII, Valkyria Chronicles) did the music and Hideo Minaba (FFVI, IX, and XII) and Akihiko Yoshida (FFXII, Nier: Automata) led the art direction. Get stuck in with the beautiful Astria Ascending if you can handle debilitating battles and missed opportunities.Īstria Ascending is a stunning, hand-drawn, turn-taking RPG inspired by the classics- and written by them too.
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