Astria Ascending

The graphics of the game are widely praised for their stunning hand-drawn art style, evoking nostalgia for classic JRPGs with beautiful visuals and unique character designs. However, some users noted issues with optimization and animation smoothness, which detracted from the overall experience. Despite these concerns, the artwork remains a standout feature, captivating players and enhancing the game's charm.

Gameplay in the game is a mixed bag, featuring clunky mechanics and a confusing system that lacks clear explanations, leading to frustration among players. While the turn-based combat and RPG elements offer some depth and customization, many find the pacing slow and the character variety limited, resulting in a less engaging experience. Despite its beautiful visuals and potential for strategic gameplay, the execution of various mechanics often feels half-baked, detracting from the overall enjoyment.

The music in the game, composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto, is widely praised for its captivating and varied soundtrack that enhances the overall experience, with many noting its ability to complement different settings and gameplay moments. However, some players have reported issues with audio balance and bugs that disrupt the music during gameplay, leading to mixed feelings about its implementation. Overall, while the music is a highlight for many, technical inconsistencies have marred the experience for some players.

The reviews indicate that grinding is a significant aspect of the game, often seen as necessary for progression, especially in combat. While some players appreciate the strategic elements and the choice to grind, many find the process tedious and repetitive, with a lack of balance in rewards for different levels. Overall, grinding is described as both a means to overcome challenges and a source of frustration, making the gameplay feel unnecessarily prolonged.

Character development in the game is a mixed bag, with some players praising the deep customization options and stunning character designs, while others criticize the lack of engaging dialogue and the inability to revert to default appearances after selecting a main job. The art style and animations are generally well-received, but the overall narrative and character growth are seen as lacking, leading to a somewhat bland experience for some players. Despite the vibrant visuals and creative designs, the execution of character development leaves much to be desired.

The game's stability has been widely criticized, with numerous reports of frequent freezing, bugs, and glitches that significantly detract from the overall experience. Many players find it unplayable at times, particularly for completionists, due to the persistent technical issues that hinder immersion and enjoyment. While some aspects of the game are appreciated, the overwhelming consensus is that its stability is a major flaw that needs addressing.

The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with many users reporting significant performance issues, particularly in certain dungeons and during specific gameplay mechanics like jumping animations. While some players experience smooth performance on PC, others note that the game struggles on platforms like the Switch, indicating a need for better optimization and bug fixes across various settings and quests. Overall, the lack of consistent optimization detracts from the otherwise beautiful graphics and enjoyable gameplay.

The emotional aspect of the game is largely criticized, with players finding the characters to be generic and lacking depth, leading to a disconnect from the narrative. The portrayal of party members is described as unlikable and emotionally flat, resulting in a gameplay experience that feels more mechanical than emotionally engaging. Overall, the game fails to evoke a mature or meaningful emotional response from its audience.

The game offers significant replayability, primarily due to its engaging job system that encourages players to experiment with various build combinations. Many users highlight the fun factor and the potential for diverse gameplay experiences, making it a worthwhile purchase for those seeking longevity in their gaming experience.

The monetization aspect of the game has been criticized for excessive advertising, which detracts from the overall experience.

The humor in the game is noted as genuinely funny, though some design choices may come off as juvenile, creating a sense of playful punishment for typical player decisions.