Hello lads and lasses,
So this is another awkward week for me as i don't have any drawing prepared - it's even more annoying as i didn't finish any games either.
But i guess it's not too early to talk about the game i am currently playing : AstLibra Revision.
Astlibra is a game about a man and a crow traveling the world in order to find the girl that the man have lost as a child during the attack of a demon.
That's the basic pitch of the game - it is so much deeper than that but i feel like saying more would ruin the surprise.
I won't talk about the main theme of the game here but do know that i could gush about it for hours, with especially the moral and ethical problem it presents.
I like philosophical stuff like that.
For it's gameplay Astlibra is very close to Odin Sphere or Dragon Crown - for those who haven't played a Vanillaware game think Metroidvania without the formula with Devil may Cry like combat.
You explore each chapters in a Side 2D where you fight hordes of monsters while exploring the current chapter Zone.
Unlike a Metroidvania, this game focuses on it's story leaving a lot of the exploration out of the picture - which is an interesting change of pace.
Combat is fun as there is tons of variety to be had - from equipping different weapons to various attack and techniques that are reminicent of a Devil May Cry, Such as the Launcher and Helm breaker move that let's you juggle enemies, blocking attack and shield bashing.
There is also the ability to Summon spirits that launches various attacks or give buffs replacing the magic in the game.
Alongside this are the various equipment skills that also enhance or modify your moves whilest also giving you exploration tools such as multiple jumps or gliding etc.
Graphically the game looks amazing,the handcrafted art looks so cool, i can also see that some of the animations are made in what is known as Dragonbone animation, which means that each part of the character is broken down into "bones" that moves around an axis.
It's a good tactic to make animation in an easy manner, i have tried it before and it's very useful - Especially so as the game is made by a single guy.
One thing that stood out to me is the fact that each armor changes the appearance of your character, the amount of work and detail that brought this game to life are simply astonishing.
Also i'll say it now, this game is made by someone who loves the female form - And i love it.
The music is also amazing and have stayed with me for about a month now, often listening to it while i work on my own Game.
The tracks often switching from magical tunes that feel ancient, to rock pieces as you pierce through the hordes of enemies on your path feels amazing.
There is also a variety in tracks, with multiple tunes that really ties to the current ambiance.
I also want to address the elephant in the room : This game was made by a single guy over 15 years of his life with art from Shigatake - A man who worked alot with Vanillaware, one of my favorite studio.
I have nothing but the utmost respect for so much love and dedication towards one's creation - I can only wish my own creation will be as great as this game.
When i started Astlibra i knew instantly that this was a game that would change me - Or at the very least touch my soul in a kind and gentle way.
I can only recommend this game - Give it a chance and i believe that if you open your heart to it, it will leave it's mark on you too.
Anyhow, i think that's enough rambling from me for one day.
See you next Friday !
Here is the link to Astlibra Revision on steam : https://store.steampowered.com/app/1718570/ASTLIBRA_Revision/
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