Astral Ascent

Astral Ascent is a highly praised 2D roguelike/platformer that combines fluid and satisfying combat mechanics with beautiful pixel art and anime-style cutscenes. Players enjoy the game's rich variety of spells, characters, and upgrades, which provide a deep and engaging gameplay loop. The voice acting and soundtrack add charm and immersion, elevating the overall experience. Many reviewers highlight the game's inspiration from titles like Dead Cells and Hades, appreciating its unique take on the genre with a strong progression system and character diversity.

However, some players find the game’s initial runs slow and the early gameplay somewhat tedious until upgrades unlock more potential. The complexity of upgrade systems and percentage-based effects can feel overwhelming and confusing. Additionally, certain design choices, such as long unskippable intros and DLC gating, detract slightly from the experience. Despite these criticisms, Astral Ascent is regarded as a promising, addictive roguelike with ample content and replayability.

Highlights

Players consistently praise the stunning pixel art and stylish graphics, which include detailed animations and vibrant worlds. The combat system is fluid, responsive, and satisfying, with a wide variety of spells and character abilities that encourage experimentation. The voice acting and soundtrack receive frequent commendations for adding depth and atmosphere. The game’s progression and upgrade systems offer a rewarding sense of discovery and customization, making runs feel fresh and engaging. Many users appreciate the diverse cast of characters and the overall content volume, which supports long-term play.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the slow and sometimes boring early runs before significant upgrades are unlocked, which can feel like a grind. The complexity and opacity of upgrade systems — including gambits, auras, spells, and imprints — can overwhelm new players and complicate build optimization. Some players find the level design and enemy variety lacking in excitement, with enemies often acting as damage sponges. The story and character writing are seen as generic or underdeveloped by some. Additionally, DLC gating and unskippable cutscenes interrupt flow, and a few technical issues, especially on Linux, have been reported.