Jun 2021
Astalon: Tears of the Earth is like that friends' reunion party where everyone brings their own weird exotic snack, and some of it actually combines to create a wild feast. This action-platformer has you hopping between three characters with distinct skills to tackle the ancient ruins of a tower, battling Gorgons and solving puzzles. Spoiler alert: it’s hard. Like, take-your-gamepad-and-hurl-it-across-the-room hard, but that’s exactly the kind of challenge seasoned gamers crave, right? Let’s dive into this pixelated pit of platforming pandemonium!
Gameplay in Astalon can feel like you're performing a complex dance routine where one minute you're chopping away at a Gorgon with your sword as Arias, and the next, you're pulling off some aim-true Robin Hood moves with Kyuli's bow. Switching between characters isn’t just about flexing your dexterity skills; it’s about playing chess in a game of tic-tac-toe. Each character has specific abilities that get you through the tower’s many levels—and, believe me, many deaths. The tower itself is a formidable opponent, towering over you and chuckling at your simplistic approach. With areas full of traps, hidden alcoves, and the occasional monster waiting to give you a hearty goodbye, players need to be resourceful. If you ever thought you could rely solely on button-mashing, I hate to break it to you, but this tower won’t let you stand there like a rock in a windstorm. Timing, strategic character switching, and mastering the art of dodging incoming attacks are your best friends. Oh, and let's not forget the clever puzzle mechanics sprinkled throughout the gameplay. Each puzzle isn’t just there to tickle your cerebrum; they demand keen observation and critical thinking to solve. Failure to do so? Well, you’ll get to enjoy the charming pixel art of the respawn screen. Trust me, you’ll learn to admire that pixelated universe while questioning your life choices and why you didn't just buy a sega.
Graphically, Astalon: Tears of the Earth oozes charm like a vintage RPG you’d stumble upon hidden in your parents' basement. The pixel art pulls you into its post-apocalyptic world that’s sprinkled with intricate details. The animations for each character are smooth, and the Gorgons are genuinely menacing—coming at you with that unsettling mix of stone-flesh goodness. Each area in the tower feels unique, ensuring that even though you're trapped in its labyrinth, your eyeballs get a delightful treat on this chaotic journey.
Astalon: Tears of the Earth is a throwback to the classic Metroidvania genre while proudly hoisting the banner of difficulty high above the pixelated fray. The game manages to pack a challenge that will split the men from the boys, and the seasoned soldiers from the unsuspecting tourists. If you're ready to grapple with a world riddled with peril, puzzles, and an ever-expanding skill set, then gear up—it’s time to take on the tower. Just remember, folks: when you feel like giving up, take a deep breath, re-read the instructions, and never forget—practice makes perfect. Or in this case, a few hundred extra deaths before you get your groove on. Would I recommend it? Only if you like using brute force and cunning over the swift and easy way out. Grab your controller—these Gorgons won't fight themselves!
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