However, this is one of those games where the map might show three exits out of a room, but only two of those are connected. Astalon doesn’t have a bad map, and like I said, some of the secrets are really quite interesting to uncover. Metroidvanias live and die on their map designs, because if you hate trying to get around the world, you’re going to run out of steam real fast. I will say there are parts of this game that don’t quite live up to the others, and the big one for me is the map. The combat in Astalon is thankfully quite good, and offers you several approaches to battle that are sure to include something that you’ll find fun. This is a game that’s a pleasure to explore, especially if you’re keeping up with your character upgrades to ensure you can dispatch enemies quickly and efficiently. It also helps that there are a vast array of secrets to find as you ascend the tower, none of them particularly torturous to find but some of them impressively expansive. There’s one particular power I got that I was not expecting at all, and it felt like it opened up the game in so many ways.
Games like Hollow Knight and Axiom Verge do this, and I was pleased to see Astalon do it several times to great effect. If you’ve played more than a few metroidvanias, I’m sure you’ve had that moment where you got a new power and it changed your very perception of the game world. He’ll even grant you new powers in exchange for the souls you hoover up while exploring the tower, what a guy! But really, it’s these elements along with the exciting discoveries you make as you ascend that helps Astalon stand out from other metroidvanias.
Astalon tears of the earth secrets upgrade#
The continue and upgrade systems are also tied into a neat story element that gets introduced almost immediately your buddy Algus has a deal with Epimetheus, the Titan of Death, who refuses to let the party die until the bargain is complete. I had to mention the gorgons because they’re a new and creative adversarial force for a game like this, rather than vampires or demons or evil AIs. One immediate draw of this game is the many unique hooks it has for its story and structure. They’ll need a host of powers to overcome the challenges before them, and not all of these powers will come from mortal sources. Inside they’ll find all manner of grim creatures serving the gorgons, great stone beasts sealed within. Together, these would-be heroes climb the tower to uncover the secrets of this blight. In their post-apocalyptic world, the ancient ruins of those that came before are re-emerging, and a nearby tower has poisoned the water of our plucky party’s village. Still, there’s so much good about Astalon that I couldn’t help but dip into its bonus modes, even after taking the time to 100% the main game, and that’s something I don’t normally do.Īstalon Episode II (it’s doing a Star Wars thing, you didn’t miss anything) chronicles the adventures of Algus the mage, Kyuli the archer, and Arias the knight. It’s got plenty of interesting design decisions that set it apart from others of its ilk, too, though not all of them may have been the best ideas. Astalon definitely deserves a place among these modern adventures, with its gorgeous, detailed pixel art and creative upgrades. The persistent popularity of the ancient Metroids and Castlevanias from which this awkward moniker was taken should be testament to that, but so many recent indie attempts have been just as captivating, if not moreso.
There are truly few things as gratifying as a well put-together metroidvania.
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