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Astral Ascent
Released On: Nov 14, 2023
88
7.9
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 12 Critic Reviews
88
83% Positive
10 Reviews
10 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 12 Critic Reviews
88
83% Positive
10 Reviews
10 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Astral Ascent is the roguelite I’ve been wishing to play for a hot minute. Its combat is highly variable, incredibly replayable, and quite gorgeous. It’s a fantastic example of a roguelite that is easy to pick up, fun to return to, and rewarding despite losing early and often.
I enjoyed Astral Ascent when it was in Early Access and I still enjoy it after it’s official release. Multiple characters, spells, and abilities along with procedurally generated areas and some fun and interesting boss fights against the Zodiacs give Astral Ascent plenty of replayability. If these kinds of games are up your alley, you’ll get plenty of gameplay out of Astral Ascent.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 11 User Ratings
7.9
82% Positive
9 Ratings
9 Ratings
0% Mixed
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
18% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 11 User Ratings
7.9
82% Positive
9 Ratings
9 Ratings
0% Mixed
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
18% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
Perfect Roguelite with a good progression. I played with my little brother and both of us loved it. The bosses are super well made and the cutscenes are impressive.
I can see myself playing it for a long time and coming back to it every year.
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PC
Astral Ascent has reminded us a lot, and in the best possible way, of Hades. Not because it is a copy, but because it takes the elements that made it so good and makes them its own, offering a similar and, at the same time, completely different experience. An outstanding combat, an aesthetic that not everyone will like but that, we believe, works perfectly, very interesting ideas and even a cooperative mode to take advantage of its roguelike proposal make Astral Ascent a title more than recommended for lovers of the genre. We believe that the explanation of its mechanics and systems could have been improved, but it is nothing that will end up damaging the experience after a few hours of play.
Overall, Astral Ascent hits the mark in basically every single category that matters. Truly dynamic combat that requires you to strategically plan your attacks and dodges is very well-implemented. As a result, the importance of movement in this game is further elevated by just how smooth the game feels to play. This is all without mentioning the incredible boss fights, engaging upgrade systems, amazing ambience and atmosphere, and magical art-style and soundtrack. You can tell that the developers were not only passionate, but also dedicated in delivering a polished finished product - which they successfully achieved.
Astral Ascent offers the usual roguelite gameplay where you have to die a ton of times to get a decent build and progress a little bit, and the system of spells and power-ups at the beginning is a bit foggy. After the first couple of hours without any particular excitement though, the game explodes and shows us its full potential, especially when you manage to unlock the four heroes. At that point, it becomes one of the best video games in this genre, despite the fact that not much attention has been given to the platformer component. If you love characters to grow with thousands of combinations, you are in the right place.
Astral Ascent, though, is the first game since Starfield was released earlier this year that has hooked me. It's always hard to put into words what that "one more run" feeling is the best roguelikes inspire, but Astral Ascent undeniably nails it.
If you are tired as heck of roguelike games, this is not the game that’s going to change your mind. But if you like solid platforming action and are willing to learn the game’s systems, crack the bones and sink into the marrow? You’ve got a heck of a game on your hands, and many exciting runs ahead of you. And that’s even before you unlock your third characters.
Fast paced satisfying combat especially the bosses fight is mind blowing, Art & Animation is just top notch, fully voiced with almost 8000 lines, solid meta progressions with destiny (difficulty) levels up to 54 (the enemies & bosses can get more mechanics / attack move), 17 unique endings, you can learn more about all of the characters the more you progress.
This game is truly among my favorites Roguelike / lite with Hades, Dead Cells. You can tell how the developers put so much effort & love towards their game, i encouraged everyone who likes Hades / Dead cells or roguelike in general to at leash try the game.
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PC
A delightfully charming roguelike. Came for the beautiful, colourful pixel art – stayed for the addicting gameplay loop. This game keeps me saying ”one more run”. The skill system seemed a bit complex at first, but when it clicks it’s very rewarding. A fair challenge, but you can land on some insane builds over time. Up there with Hades among my favourite roguelites. The OST deserves extra praise, wonderful music.
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PC
Literally made an account just to leave this review. One of the best rogue-lites I’ve played. Would highly recommend. Hoping for more content in the future!
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PC
This not game a joke, don't spend your money, clunky gameplay, outdated mechanics
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PC
Summary Astral Ascent is a 2D platformer rogue-lite game set in a modern fantasy world. As one of 4 Heroes with very different personalities, you must escape from the Garden, an astral prison guarded by 12 powerful and vicious bosses, the Zodiacs. Unlock dozens of unique spells for your 4 distinct characters. Optimize your own build or try out ...
Platforms:
- PC
- Nintendo Switch
- PlayStation 5
- PlayStation 4
Initial Release Date: Nov 14, 2023
Developer:
- Hibernian Workshop
Publisher: Hibernian Workshop
Genres:
