Astatos
- December 16, 2021
- Studio Klondike Australia
"Astatos" is a fantasy visual novel card-battling game that offers both single-player and multiplayer options, including co-op and PvP modes fort up to eight players. Summon heroes, cast spells, and influence others as you uncover an engaging narrative and navigate the influence you have on those around you. Follow Vitus and Volesus as they flee their order, unleash ancient powers, and search for a new home amidst a country in chaos.
Reviews
- The game features high-quality artwork and engaging character designs, particularly appealing to fans of furry aesthetics.
- The card game mechanics are innovative and fun, providing a unique gameplay experience that is easy to learn but hard to master.
- The visual novel aspect is well-written and immersive, with choices that significantly impact the story, enhancing player investment.
- Matchmaking is severely lacking, with very few players online, making it difficult to find matches.
- The game is still in early access and has several bugs, including issues with the story mode and unclear gameplay mechanics.
- There is a notable absence of tutorials or guides, leaving players confused about how to effectively play the card game.
- story34 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The game's story has received mixed reviews, with many players enjoying the immersive narrative and engaging writing, despite the current lack of gameplay elements in the story mode. While some users appreciate the art and storytelling, they express disappointment over the absence of card battles and gameplay features, which are expected to be added in future updates. Overall, the story is seen as a strong point, but players are eager for more interactive elements to enhance their experience.
“Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed playing through the game's story mode.”
“The immersive storytelling created a unique and enjoyable experience.”
“Beautiful artwork and an engaging story; I would like to see more guides on how the card game is played, but overall it's off to a great start.”
“The story mode is just a text story and gameplay is missing (stated in the game that trial stages for the story mode will come in the future).”
“There are only 2 rooms for online card game matching (including yourself??), and the story mode is still only story now, without adding the card battle part.”
“While the text for the story seems to be there (even though I got a lot of text boxes that just said 'error' in the prologue, I'm not sure if they were actual errors or intentional), all of the actual trials/gameplay is still missing.”
- gameplay27 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating its unique card-battling mechanics and strategic depth, while others express disappointment over the lack of content and guidance, particularly in the story mode. Many users note that the game has potential but is currently hindered by balance issues and a lack of player engagement, leading to a feeling of incompleteness. Overall, while the core gameplay is seen as interesting and innovative, it requires further development and a stronger player base to fully realize its potential.
“The card-battling mechanics provide strategic depth and allow players to exercise their influence over the game's world.”
“With an array of gods, heroes, and dynamic gameplay elements, Astatos offers a rich and diverse experience for card game enthusiasts.”
“It's admittedly very rough around the edges at this point, but the core gameplay is there and works great, plus the devs have a good track record.”
“The gameplay itself is average, plus there is no game guide; the direct impression score is not good.”
“So far, I enjoy the story portion of the game, though I am a tad disappointed that there is a lack of gameplay.”
“However, I was eager to try the gameplay, though there does not even seem to be a tutorial battle option, and it is strictly limited to multiplayer.”
- graphics5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are praised for their great art style and beautiful artwork, enhancing the overall experience of the game. Players appreciate the engaging visuals and the inclusion of favorite artists, though some express a desire for more content, such as crossover expansions from the physical game. Overall, the graphics contribute positively to the game's appeal.
“Great art style.”
“The musical and art style is also very pretty, featuring several personal favorite artists as well!”
“Beautiful artwork and an engaging story; would like to see more guides on how the card game is played, but overall it's off to a great start.”
- music5 mentions
- 80 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its excellent design and outstanding soundtrack, contributing significantly to the overall experience. Players appreciate the combination of beautiful art and engaging character interactions, with many highlighting the inclusion of favorite artists in the musical style. Overall, the soundtrack is considered top-notch and a standout feature of the game.
“Well optimized, very great design, and an awesome soundtrack.”
“I enjoy the music, the character interactions are pleasant, and the art is certainly appealing.”
“The game's original soundtrack was so awesome.”
- grinding3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious and time-consuming, often requiring significant effort to earn coins for unlocking skins, which can also be obtained through in-app purchases. Many feel that the amount of grinding needed detracts from the overall enjoyment of the gameplay.
“Also, IAP for coins to unlock skins, which are still obtainable with grinding coins and monthly XP (which takes a lot).”
“The gameplay is tedious.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the game's monetization approach problematic, citing issues with in-game purchases and a mandatory sign-up process, which detracts from the overall experience.
“The game is interesting, but it lacks proper matchmaking and has strange monetization practices.”
“I also dislike having to sign up for an account and the in-game purchases.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game has been reported as buggy since its launch, but the developers are proactive in releasing bug fixes. Despite the stability issues, players see potential in the game, particularly noting balance concerns in PvP.
“It is also buggy, but the devs seem good at releasing bug fixes.”
“Buggy at launch, and Makali is super overpowered in PvP, but this game has a lot of potential.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the game's replayability due to the chance to test their skills and strategies against others, which enhances the overall excitement and encourages repeated play.
“The opportunity to test my skills and strategies against other players adds an additional layer of excitement and replayability to the game.”
“Each playthrough feels unique due to the diverse choices and outcomes, making me want to dive back in for more.”
“The random events and different character paths ensure that no two games are ever the same, keeping the experience fresh and engaging.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The character development in the game is praised for its impressive and appealing anthro furry character designs, which resonate well with players.
“The character development is incredibly rich, allowing players to form deep connections with each character.”
“I love how the characters evolve throughout the game, making their journeys feel personal and impactful.”
“The backstories and growth of the characters are so well-crafted, it makes every decision feel meaningful.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted as being entertaining and lighthearted, with a playful tone that resonates well with players. The use of furry characters adds to the comedic appeal, making it an enjoyable experience for those who appreciate whimsical humor.
“This game is packed with hilarious moments that had me laughing out loud!”
“The humor is clever and keeps you engaged throughout the gameplay.”
“I love the quirky characters and their witty dialogue; it adds so much charm to the game!”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight that the high-quality sound effects significantly enhance the game's atmosphere, creating an immersive experience for players.
“The sound effects are high quality and greatly add to the atmosphere.”