Astria Ascending

Playstation LifestylePaulmichael Contreras

8/10

Are you in the mood for a completely disconnected gaming experience? The developers at Artisan Studios hope so, with their recent release of Astria Ascending. This is an offline, single-player RPG which harkens back to the ‘90s, when games couldn’t really rely on other players to keep your attention. Does this bring an experience worthy of your time? Find out in our Astria Ascending PS5 review.

Pure NintendoKirk Hiner

7/10

It's not often that video game failures get a new lease on life, but that's exactly what's happened with Astria Ascending. It checks off the proper JRPG boxes while adding enough unique twists to satisfy fans of the genre, but is it compelling enough to attract other gamers?Read More

Nintendo LifeMitch Vogel

7/10

Astria Ascending may not be a flawless release but the solid combat system, spectacular visuals, deep character skill building, and wealth of content make for an experience that JRPG fans will feel right at home with. We’d give this one a recommendation to anybody looking for an original RPG to sink their teeth into; the writing and plot could have done with more development and attention, but there’s lots to love about Astria Ascending and we’re eagerly anticipating whatever Artisan Studios does next.

KeenGamerKenzie Du

6.7/10

Built by talented designers of some of the most celebrated RPGs in history, Astria Ascending introduces a beautiful fantasy world and a cast of characters that promise to pull nostalgic players in. Will your adventure with the Fated Eight bring a fresh turn-based experience?

GamerBravesKit

6.5/10

Astria Ascending from Artisan Studios has the makings of an incredible JRPG at first glance. The title launched 30 September 2021 for PS4 / PS5, Xbox One / Series X | S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam, so everyone who even has a remote interest in the genre can try out the game. However, I find the overall experience rather… mediocre at best, and I hope I can better explain what I mean in the following sections.

WellPlayedNathan Hennessy

6/10

A sensory achievement for nostalgic JRPGs left without any enjoyable game under the hood and falls short of an already exceptional 2021 JRPG roster.

WayTooManyGamesFerniWrites

5.5/10

Having grown up when turn-based combat was the norm, my excitement for Astria Ascending was immense. Not only is it beautiful, but I’m a nostalgia whale, and whenever I can reminisce, I’m there. From the many trailers that led up to release, there was a lot of promise. There were a variety of races that seemed to indicate vast and rich lore. And yes, while the former is true, the latter tussles with coherence. Now, I wasn’t exactly expecting a masterpiece, but there was, at least, some ...

Nintendo World ReportDonald Theriault

5/10

I didn’t really click with Astria Ascending, and I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s an inability to relate to characters that are functionally immortal, or the hackneyed story, or losing about 60 turns of combat in one dungeon thanks to Omni-Stun. But I found myself fighting to actually boot the game up, which is something I haven’t had from a review in a while. If you’re ready to go all-in on Astria Ascending… well, you probably already have. If not, there’s plenty of fish in the RPG sea on Switch and some more marlins coming before the year’s out. You’ll be able to get your fill.

Game SkinnyJosh Broadwell

5/10

Astria Ascending has the makings of a unique RPG but never builds on its strengths to rise above average.

GameGrinSamiee "Gutterpunk" Tee

4/10

While Astria Ascending’s gorgeous world has a basic gameplay loop that can satisfy for a while, it lacks the knowledge to challenge minds or the spirit further. With no strategy in the later battles, a story moving too quickly to be poignant, and severely unlikeable stereotypes as characters, the lessons are forced and the result is grating.

GameTyrant Hayden Epstein

0/10

While Astria Ascending sounds good on paper, it doesn’t quite deliver on its promise.

Lords of GamingJoseph Repko

Unscored

Developer & Publisher // Artisan Studios, Dear Villagers Platforms // Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 MSRP & Release Date // $34.99, September 30th, 2021 Reviewed On // Xbox Series X Astria Ascending is a side-scrolling Metroidvania turn-based JRPG developed by Artisan Studios. Orcanon is...