Astral Flux
- January 27, 2022
- Cosmocat
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io StoreTwo would-be astronauts and scrappers fumble their way through space, desperately searching for a way home, in this action roguelite game.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Astral Flux features smooth controls and a variety of challenging enemies and boss fights, making for an engaging platforming experience.
- The game's quirky roguelite level generation and immersive environments provide great replayability and keep the gameplay fresh.
- The graphics and audio create a captivating atmosphere that enhances the overall enjoyment of the game.
- The game lacks depth in its roguelite elements, with limited events and upgrades that may not meet player expectations for the genre.
- Some players find the time-based oxygen mechanic frustrating, which can detract from the overall experience.
- There are issues with keyboard controls, including a lack of key remapping options, which can hinder gameplay for some users.
- gameplay6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally enjoyable, featuring solid platforming and an engaging oxygen mechanic that enhances exploration. However, some players feel it lacks sufficient rogue-lite elements, making it feel less innovative compared to other indie titles in the genre. Overall, while the gameplay shows promise, it may not fully meet expectations for a rogue-lite experience.
“During the gameplay, the story develops, and that's a cool part.”
“The platforming is solid, and the oxygen mechanic serves as a way of making thorough exploration challenging.”
“The overall gameplay was enjoyable and shows promise.”
“I think the gameplay is fine, if this was a cheap casual platformer I would have no problems with it, but you had to make it a rogue-lite with nearly no rogue-lite elements, literally 1/10 of what most indies will offer.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The game offers some roguelike elements that enhance its replayability, but many players feel it lacks sufficient content to encourage multiple playthroughs. Suggestions for improvement include adding loop modifiers, post-game content, and greater variety in upgrades and events to boost replay value.
“Features some roguelike elements, great for replayability.”
“I would say start with adding some type of post-game replay value like loop modifiers, add a bit more upgrade and event variety, maybe some type of hub progress, and if you do enough of that it would be decent.”
“I played this game for 1.4 hours, which is the entire experience. There is no replay value in terms of unlocking new features or new difficulty modifiers. I missed 2 achievements, and that is about it.”
“(x) needs more replay value; consider adding loop modifiers.”
“I would suggest starting with adding some type of post-game replay value, like loop modifiers. Adding a bit more upgrade and event variety, and maybe some type of hub progress, could make it decent.”
- music3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The music in the game is praised for enhancing the atmosphere and adding emotional weight, particularly when the tracks change upon dying, which can be disheartening for players. Overall, it complements the pixel art and gameplay well, though some users express a desire for more options to adjust music and sound effects.
“Great pixel art, good action/controls, and the music and sound add a nice atmosphere and pressure to the game.”
“I'm really enjoying the music; it's kind of sad that when I die, the maps change the music. So when you get locked into a certain tune and then die, it makes it that much more painful.”
“I wish there was a basic options menu where I could adjust settings like windowed mode and music/SFX volume.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The graphics in Astral Flux are praised for their retro style, which effectively contributes to the game's atmospheric experience, complemented by ambient sound design.
“I love the atmosphere and graphics in Astral Flux!”
“The graphics are retro and the sounds are ambient.”
“The graphics are retro and sounds ambient.”
- story3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The story unfolds dynamically during gameplay, which many users find to be an engaging and enjoyable aspect of the experience. However, some players note the absence of a traditional narrative structure.
“During the gameplay, the story develops, and that's a cool part.”
“There is no story to speak of.”
“The narrative is completely absent.”
“The game lacks any meaningful storyline.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its impressive pixel art, engaging action and controls, and a compelling soundtrack that enhances the overall experience, creating a sense of pressure and immersion.
“Great pixel art, good action/controls, and the music and sound add a nice atmosphere and pressure to the game.”
“I love the atmosphere and graphics in Astral Flux!”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players express that the grinding in the game is excessively time-consuming, often requiring a significant investment of time akin to having a second life to fully engage with it.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“The grinding feels endless and tedious.”
“Grinding takes away from the enjoyment of the game.”
