


The world itself and the plot set within certainly seem interesting and original enough, but the main problem with Astria Ascending is that it doesn’t offer the player a very compelling way into this narrative. Each of them represents one of the eight main races that live in Orcanon, and being a demigod brings with it great power and prestige, but there’s a slight catch: after three years, all the demigods die and are replaced by another eight that make up the next class. See, in Orcanon, the world is largely at peace because of a magical fruit called Harmelon that causes people to live in harmony with each other, but things naturally don’t always go according to plan, which is what the demigods are for. Some may be wary of the mobile game origins here, but we’re happy to report that this feels like a quality, feature-complete JRPG that you should give a fair shot.Īstria Ascending takes place in the land of Orcanon, wherein you play as an ensemble cast of demigods called “The Fated Eight”. This reworked version essentially deconstructs the original release and rebuilds it in a way that feels more in line with typical RPGs. Now, that project has been revived by Super Neptunia RPG developer Artisan Studio and reimagined for modern consoles as Astria Ascending. Though it was originally slated to arrive in some form on the PlayStation consoles of the time, this console project never got off the ground and was subsequently cancelled. For genre fans there’s plenty here that may excite you, but for people who only decide to pick up a JRPG once in a blue moon there are some more compelling choices out there for you on the eShop.In late 2015, a new game came to iOS called Zodiac: Orcanon Odyssey, offering up a reasonably high-quality classic JRPG experience. The storytelling, though earnest, feels a bit on the traditional side but I wouldn’t say is done any favors by the voice acting trying to sell it. Turn-based combat looks cool but plays pretty traditionally (see: somewhat dull), character development is elaborate for sure but the interface and the way it is handled I’d consider difficult to approach and odd. The trouble is in most other areas though, which either aren’t reaching for, or are at least failing to meet the high standards set by the game’s looks. Ornate and generally stunning, it feels like a wonderful homage to what RPG fans used to dream their games would look like one day.

#Astria ascending release time manual
In many regards when you see its art style, it looks something like the old school manual art of classic 16-bit era titles from the likes of Square. In many regards when you see its art style, it looks something like the old school manual art Astria Ascending is a bit of an odd bird to me. … ExpandĪstria Ascending is a bit of an odd bird to me. The line where Eko says “there is no time for love” really got to me given my lack of a romance life and the fact that that he the character knew he Wally’s die in a month due to the destiny of demigods in this world. The concept of living in the moment is something about the plot of the game that really stuck with me. I bought the game physical and digital because I really wanted to support the developers for this amazing game that came into my life when I needed it, I’ll cherish it forever for giving happiness during a very hard period in my life. It won’t be for everyone but if you can appreciate a simple yet unique plot with a gorgeous art style and fun gameplay you’ll be hooked. The plot was interesting enough to keep me beyond happy throughout in addition to the gorgeous art. The plot isn’t very deep but for me that didn’t matter. I think the game is fantastic and is one of my top 3 favorite games ever because of very personal experience and time when I played through I think the game is fantastic and is one of my top 3 favorite games ever because of very personal experience and time when I played through this game, since I was going through a very hard time in my personal life.
