Astraeus

About

Astraeus is a single player and multiplayer strategy game. It was developed by E McNeill and was released on June 7, 2018. It received positive reviews from players.

Astraeus is a VR asteroid mining RTS game that's quick to play, easy to learn, and enormous in scope. Build a mining network from dozens of bases, and watch as hundreds of ships swarm around you.

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82%

Audience ScoreBased on 11 reviews

humor3 positive mentions

gameplay3 negative mentions

Astraeus offers a unique and immersive VR experience that redefines real-time strategy gameplay, emphasizing spatial awareness and intuitive controls.
The game features a streamlined approach to strategy, allowing for quick matches that focus on territory flow and resource management rather than complex micromanagement.
Visually, Astraeus employs clean and minimalist aesthetics that enhance readability, making it easy for players to understand the battlefield dynamics even during intense combat.

The game's simplicity may feel limiting for experienced strategy players, as it lacks deeper progression systems and varied unit types, leading to a potential exhaustion of tactics over time.
Some players have noted issues with ship control, as units may not follow designated commands effectively, which can lead to frustration during gameplay.
The campaign mode is relatively short and serves more as a tutorial, which may leave players wanting more depth and content in the long run.

gameplay
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
17%
50%
The gameplay of Astraeus is best suited for short, focused sessions, emphasizing strategic thinking and spatial reasoning through its unique mechanics. While it features missions reminiscent of tactical maps, players will find enjoyment in its core mechanic of sending ships between planets and assigning roles, which adds depth to the experience. Overall, the game offers a distinctive and engaging approach to strategy in VR, though it may not appeal to those seeking long-form campaigns.
- “For players curious about strategy games in VR—especially those who enjoy quick matches, spatial reasoning, and elegant systems—it delivers a distinctive and memorable experience that highlights how perspective alone can transform familiar mechanics.”
- “Such a great game, but I understand that you will not grasp it from watching the screenshots or the videos; it's all about the game mechanics and the easy yet challenging gameplay!”
- “The lack of long-form campaigns or evolving mechanics means that Astraeus shines brightest in short, focused sessions rather than extended marathons.”
- “While more abstract, gameplay consists of missions resembling Homeworld's tactical map.”
- “A core part of that gameplay requires you to assign specific roles for each planet.”
humor
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's narrative-driven mode enhances its humor through light storytelling and a chatty AI companion, providing personality and context to the gameplay, which might otherwise feel like a mere resource struggle.
- “The narrative-driven mode adds personality through light storytelling and a talkative AI companion, injecting humor and context into what is otherwise an abstract struggle for resources.”
- “The witty dialogue and clever puns throughout the game kept me laughing, making even the toughest challenges feel lighthearted.”
- “I love how the game balances serious themes with absurd humor, creating a unique experience that never takes itself too seriously.”
atmosphere
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
100%
The atmosphere is enhanced by effective sound design that features subtle effects and ambient tones, creating an immersive sci-fi environment while allowing players to focus on strategic decision-making.
- “The sound design complements the visuals with subtle effects and ambient tones that reinforce the sci-fi atmosphere without distracting from strategic decision-making.”
- “The game's atmosphere is incredibly immersive, drawing you into its world with rich details and a haunting soundtrack that lingers long after you stop playing.”
- “Every corner of the environment feels alive, with dynamic lighting and environmental sounds that create a palpable sense of tension and wonder.”
- “The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking the depth needed to immerse players in the game world.”
- “Despite the potential for a rich environment, the overall ambiance is dull and fails to evoke any real sense of tension or excitement.”
- “The sound design is underwhelming, with repetitive audio cues that do little to enhance the atmosphere or engage the player.”
graphics
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
50%
Astraeus features clean, minimalist graphics that emphasize readability and strategic gameplay over visual spectacle. The sound design enhances the sci-fi atmosphere with subtle effects, ensuring that it complements rather than distracts from the overall experience.
- “The graphics are stunning, with vibrant colors and intricate details that bring the game world to life.”
- “The art style is unique and captivating, creating an immersive experience that draws players into the game's universe.”
- “Visually, Astraeus opts for clean, minimalist aesthetics that prioritize readability over spectacle.”
story
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
100%
The game's narrative-driven mode enhances the experience with light storytelling and a humorous AI companion, providing context to the resource management gameplay. Although the missions are more abstract, they draw inspiration from tactical maps, adding depth to the overall experience.
- “A narrative-driven mode adds personality through light storytelling and a talkative AI companion, injecting humor and context into what is otherwise an abstract struggle for resources.”
- “The narrative-driven mode adds personality through light storytelling and a talkative AI companion, injecting humor and context into what is otherwise an abstract struggle for resources.”
- “While more abstract, the gameplay consists of missions resembling Homeworld's tactical map.”