Dead Cells-likers come on through
Everyone’s saying 2023 has been a stonking year for video games.
To be honest dear reader, I don’t think it’s beenmyyear.
One of said games comes backflipping in right at the tailend of this year:Astral Ascent.
Here comes the plane, nyaaaooownnn.
I’ve played enough roguelikes now to know when something just feels right, you know?
The fundamentals of the movement are bang on, as are the quality levels when doing little things.
Seriously, the game hasn’t skimped.
You inhabit a world where some horrible leader called The Master has wars waged for entertainment.
Your job is to fight through stages, defeat these warriors, and attempt to reach The Master.
What separates Astral Ascent from other roguelikes is how each character’s spells differ so drastically.
Spell cycles might sound annoying, but it encourages careful management of your casts.
Working your way through Astral Ascent’s stages grants you a lovely amount of control.
It wouldn’t be a roguelike without super rooms popping up, though.
The list goes on.
But, I think the combat more than makes up for it!
And there’s still wow factor whenever you visit rarer spaces or take on the flashy bosses.
And the boss fights are excellent, with interesting moves and carefully constructed windows of opportunity.
Don’t pass it up.
