At the tail end of 2023, we’re diving into the world of Astral Ascent, a 2D platformer rogue-lite developed by Hibernian Workshop that’s one of the best indies of this year. Set in the mystical realm of The Garden, players take on the role of one of four distinctive heroes, each armed with their own abilities and weaponry, aiming to escape the clutches of an astral prison guarded by formidable Zodiac bosses. We plotted our escape on a PlayStation 5.
The narrative unfolds gradually through the game’s roguelike gameplay, providing morsels of the story with each successive run. The heroes, Ayla, Kiran, Calie, and Octave, each possess their own background and playstyle, ensuring a varied and engaging experience. The world, crafted with stunning pixel art and frame-by-frame animation where the screenshots don’t quite do it justice, is vast and colorful, featuring hand-crafted areas that beckon exploration across the game’s sprawling landscapes.
The standout feature of Astral Ascent lies in its sublime combat mechanics. Drawing comparisons to acclaimed classics like Hades, the game offers tight controls, allowing players to engage enemies with precision. The basic attack combo is complemented by a set of four spells, each to be used in a specific order, demanding strategic thinking and quick reflexes. This spell system introduces a refreshing dynamic, pushing players to experiment with various combinations for optimal damage output.
The Zodiacs, 12 formidable bosses spread across four enchanting worlds, bring unique attacks, abilities, and backstories to the battlefield. Mastering the art of dodging their powerful assaults becomes a thrilling challenge, making each encounter a test of skill and adaptability. The boss fights emerge as the game’s highlight, where gaining familiarity with their attack patterns is often the key to success.
Astral Ascent lives up to its roguelite classification by incorporating narratively infused replayability. With each run, players uncover more about the characters, their motivations, and the secrets of the astral world. The hub area, which acts as a central nexus for interactions with anthropomorphic animals, adds depth to the narrative as well, while currency can be spent on permanent upgrades and unlocking new abilities.
The game features a vast amount of content, with an array of spells, upgrades, and challenge rooms all contributing to a dense roguelike experience. The permanent upgrades, earned through currency accumulated even in defeat, provide a sense of constant and meaningful progression, ensuring players are always working towards enhancing their capabilities even when they fall in battle.
Zooming in more on the game’s visuals, Astral Ascent captivates with its pixel art characters and animations, while the vibrant colors bring the entire game to life. The game’s audio complements the visual spectacle, with a soundtrack that is not only fitting but exceptionally well-composed, contributing to the overall immersive experience with some excellent music tracks.
In conclusion, Astral Ascent emerges as one of the best roguelikes on the market, holding its own against genre leaders. The combination of rewarding action combat, intricate gameplay systems, meaningful upgrades, and a gorgeous aesthetic solidifies its position as a must-play title. The game’s high quality extends beyond a mere contender in the roguelike genre; this is one of 2023’s best.
Score: 9.0/10
Press Play Media 