Introduction

Welcome to the fantastical world of Orcanon where the only thing more colorful than the landscapes are the existential crises of our demigod friends! In Astria Ascending, you'll embark on an RPG journey so enriched that you might just forget to check your phone for notifications. Developed by Artisan Studios, Astria Ascending transports you into a vibrant, hand-drawn universe filled with quests, quirky characters, and strategic turn-based combat. Now, grab your sword-or whatever demigods use-and get in on the action!

Gameplay

In Astria Ascending, players control Ulan, our protagonist, through a vibrant 2D world packed with over 20 dungeons and five bustling cities. Requesting quests from NPCs becomes the norm, and you will soon master the delicate art of solving puzzles by poking around the environment. The game offers two primary modes: platforming and traditional JRPG battles. It's like steak and chocolate cake-why choose one when you can have both? Engaging in combat is a treat for tactical minds. Turn-based battles allow you to strategically swap out party members from a roster of eight characters. Each of these demigods comes with elemental abilities-perfect for when you're pondering which attack will leave your foes questioning their life choices. Plus, who doesn't love dealing elemental damage with flair? Then there are the aerial combat levels where Ulan hops onto a flying mount. These sections feel like someone blended JRPG mechanics with an anime aerial dogfight-flying through the skies while blasting enemies like a boss easily deserves a round of applause. The hit-based graphics might not provide cyber aesthetic overload, but they do capture that whimsical charm that reminds you not to take things too seriously. On top of all that, there's a collectible card mini-game called J-Ster, found in the expanse of Orcanon, because clearly, one distraction isn't enough. This strategic board game adds another layer of engagement that might leave some players scratching their heads and others chomping at the bit to crush their opponents. Or maybe just getting distracted-`Hey, look! A rabbit!`

Graphics

Astria Ascending is visually striking, with hand-drawn graphics that leap off the screen-if you squint hard enough. Each character and environment feels rich in design, capturing a somewhat whimsical yet dark ambiance that is both enchanting and slightly confusing (seriously-what's up with those fish people?). The game runs on the Unity engine, and while it's a solid choice, be prepared for some graphical hiccups during intense moments. Perhaps the Unity engine worked a little too hard on the visual delights, because sometimes the frame rates seem to have a mind of their own, leading you to wonder if your Switch is about to launch into another dimension. Regardless, the overall aesthetic does a decent job of immersing you into the vibrant world-complete with hand-painted backdrops that could totally snag an art degree in their own right.

Conclusion

Overall, Astria Ascending is a delightful romp through Orcanon, offering a combination of elements that can either enthrall or overwhelm. For some, it's a nostalgia-soaked dive into a classic gaming style with a fresh coat of paint and clever mechanics. For others, it might feel like devouring a multi-course meal without any appetite-delicious, but also a little too involved. While not without its flaws, Astria Ascending manages to carve its niche in the vast universe of RPGs and is a fun recommendation for those seeking a light-hearted adventure filled with quirky demigods. Just avoid inviting your grandmother to watch you play; unless she's into existential crises brought on by talking fungi! The score isn't stellar, but it surely isn't bottom drawer-give it a try, and you might just find yourself ascending alongside its colorful cast!

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