Introduction

Greetings, fellow gamers! Remember when gaming was all about exploring enchanting worlds and battling fierce foes? Well, strap in, because today we are diving into 'Astria Ascending,' a charming little RPG that attempts to whisk you away to the magical land of Orcanon. But does it soar to celestial heights, or does it need a little cosmic intervention? Let’s find out!

Gameplay

In 'Astria Ascending,' you take on the role of the valiant soldier Ulan. Your quest? To save both Orcanon and a kingdom full of colorful demigods known as the 'Fated Eight'. The game blends classic turn-based combat with platforming elements like a delightful 2D side-scroller that makes you feel like you’re hopping through a vibrant picture book. Picture this: you stroll through lush forests, dodge the occasional enemy (or not), and wham, bam - battle time! The combat is turn-based, so put on your thinking cap! You can swap out party members on the fly like you're playing some fantasy RPG musical chairs, and trust me, elemental attacks add some spice to the routine brawls here. And for those who like to shake things up, you can hop onto your flying creature for aerial battles, bringing in that shooter vibe. Plus, who doesn’t like a good collectible card mini-game? Think of it as 'Magic: The Gathering' in your pocket. If you love quests, treasures, and, oh yes, some inter-dimensional battles, there's enough here to keep you engaged on your long weekend binge.

Graphics

'Astria Ascending' has an art style that looks as if someone took all the vibrant colors from a box of crayons and let them loose across Orcanon's landscapes. Hand-drawn 2D graphics breathe life into this whimsical world, with beautifully rendered characters and backgrounds. It’s truly a feast for the eyes. While it won't make your PS5 sweat, it's stylish enough to satisfy those who appreciate artistic flair. Just imagine having a wardrobe full of fancy outfits but still needing to dig for matching socks. The details make a difference, but gameplay wise, the graphics don’t break the mold or redefine the genre.

Conclusion

'Astria Ascending' is a mixed bag, with some delightful gameplay mechanics and gorgeous visuals. It tries to tickle every fancy from nostalgia to deep strategy, and while it often succeeds, it sometimes fumbles the golden joystick. Critics weren't exactly throwing confetti at its feet, with an average rating hovering around 63 on Metacritic for the PS5 version, reflecting its average reception. Still, if you're a fan of JRPGs and hand-drawn art, give it a whirl! Just don’t expect to have your socks blown off. In the end, the game has its merits and may just be worth your time—because hey, who doesn't like a little fun in a fantasy setting? If nothing else, it’s an adventurous escape into an imaginative world where you can flex those strategic muscles and, occasionally, blast creatures from the sky. So hop on and give it a shot—what's stopping you from embarking on this whimsical journey through Orcanon?

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