AWAKEN – Astral Blade, which we first saw in action just a few weeks ago at Gamescom, brings a mix of dark sci-fi and fantasy into the Metroidvania genre, offering a layered experience that revolves around Tania, a bionic girl tasked with exploring the dangerous rainforest of Horace Islands. Developed by Dark Pigeon Games and published by ESDigital Games, the title sets itself apart with an intriguing blend of platforming, fast-paced combat, and a plot that branches out based on player choices.
The narrative follows Tania’s search for a missing investigation team while simultaneously uncovering her own mysterious origins. The story does a solid job of building intrigue, especially as Tania navigates the dangers posed by the aggressive mutants caused by the mysterious “Karpas”. The dark fairy tale aesthetic adds an element of fantasy to the sci-fi setting, helping the game stand out among more traditional Metroidvanias. However, the story’s depth might feel a little thin at times, especially when it comes to fleshing out the characters and world-building, which never feels like it reaches its full potential.
The gameplay in AWAKEN – Astral Blade focuses heavily on combat, and it’s here where the game is at its best. Players have access to a wide range of combos, with the combat mechanics offering a satisfying level of depth. Parrying enemy attacks, executing slow-motion dashes, and using Quick Rise abilities all contribute to a dynamic combat system that encourages strategic thinking. The ability to customize Tania’s abilities and upgrade weapons adds another layer of complexity to the combat. While the overall system is engaging, the boss fights can present a few difficulty spikes that can cause frustration, particularly for those who are not well-versed in the genre’s fast-paced mechanics.
Platforming and exploration are crucial parts of the game as well, and while the level design is generally well-crafted, the map’s layout can occasionally feel confusing, making it difficult to track progress. Fortunately, the game includes a feature that reduces the need for excessive backtracking, allowing players to focus more on action than navigation. Additionally, those who find the combat too challenging can lower the difficulty and enable buffs, which is a welcome option for less experienced players. However, despite these conveniences, the game’s pacing can still be uneven at times, with exploration sections feeling a bit drawn-out compared to the intensity and pace of the combat sequences.
Visually, AWAKEN – Astral Blade delivers a mix of futuristic and organic environments that are captivating. The dark, moody aesthetic of the Horace Islands fits the game’s narrative, with detailed character designs and fluid animations adding to the overall atmosphere. The audio design complements this well, featuring ambient soundscapes that heighten the sense of tension and unease. That being said, the game could benefit from a more diverse soundtrack, as the music tends to become repetitive after long play sessions.
AWAKEN – Astral Blade succeeds in blending fast-paced combat with Metroidvania exploration against a dark, mysterious setting. While the narrative and pacing have their shortcomings, the engaging combat mechanics and visually striking world make it an enjoyable experience, particularly for fans of the genre. It’s not without its flaws, but it’s a solid entry into the Metroidvania library, offering enough customization and challenge to keep players hooked.
Score: 7.3/10
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