Nov 2023
Welcome, brave gamer, to 'Astlibra Revision,' the indie darling that somehow took longer to develop than your average high school relationship! Picture this: a lonely salaryman, KEIZO, armed with nothing but passion (and probably a lot of coffee) spent 16 years crafting this stunning 2D action RPG. Fast forward to now, and we have a game that’s not only nostalgic but also refreshingly unique, with stories more complicated than a family group text. Let’s dive in, shall we?
The gameplay in 'Astlibra Revision' pulls you in like a siren’s song. You play as a nameless hero (seriously, naming your characters didn’t make the cut) whose cautionary tale begins with a demon invasion that’s less of a welcome committee and more of a killing spree. With your only backup being a wise-cracking raven named Karon—who, let’s be honest, might be the real protagonist here—you’ll embark on an eight-year quest to reclaim your lost hometown and find your childhood friend, Anulis. Talk about overachieving in the friendship department! The duo stumbles upon the 'Libra scales,' a magical artifact that promises to turn back time. Because, of course, who wouldn’t want to rewrite their embarrassing childhood moments? The combat style blends the 2D aesthetic with ‘Castlevania-style’ mechanics. You’ll be slashing, jumping, and dodging your way through awful demons and standard RPG bad guys while gathering loot, leveling up, and getting lost in vast maps more complex than your favorite puzzle game. Engaging in battle has its challenges, especially when balancing skills and weapon upgrades while listening to Karon’s incessant banter, which ranges from genuinely insightful advice to “hey, look at this shiny thing!” It’s like if your best friend had an ADHD episode but with a dash of actual wisdom.
Visually speaking, 'Astlibra Revision' is a feast! It boasts vibrant pixel art that feels plucked straight from a retro RPG time capsule. Each enemy, environment, and pixel that flows across your screen has been lovingly designed, bringing nostalgic feels while reminding you of the good old days when 16-bit was the pinnacle of gaming graphics. The animations meld so smoothly that you could grab some popcorn and watch the battles unfold like your favorite action flick. Plus, the backgrounds are further out than your deepest thoughts at 3 AM. Seriously, they make you wish you could dive headfirst into every scene like a cartoon character.
In summary, 'Astlibra Revision' is a charming gem that does justice to the RPG genre while offering a narrative that ticks all the right boxes: emotional depth, quirky friendships, and a storyline that will keep you guessing. It’s not without flaws, of course—there are moments where the pacing feels a little off, and you might find yourself questioning the life choices that led to slashing demons instead of something less stressful, like knitting. Still, if you’re looking for something that dances between nostalgia and fresh storytelling, pair this with a comfy couch, a snack or two, and prepare yourself to lose a few hours. With all this said, I'm giving 'Astlibra Revision' a well-earned 8.5 out of 10. Because let’s be real: it’s not just a game; it’s a whole ass mood, and your gaming library deserves that kind of energy.
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