AWAKEN - Astral Blade: First Contact
- October 11, 2024
- Dark Pigeon Games
Get on SteamBionic girl Tania is assigned by her creator, Dr. Herveus to search and rescue a missing Investigation Force in the rainforest of Horace Islands where mysterious Karpas energy turns local animals and plants into aggressive mutants. Slain your foes with a wide range of combos: from fastest to slowest. Parry enemy attacks to gain an advantage, use Quick Rise ability to get back into the fight a…
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features fast-paced gameplay with modern graphics and easy controls, making it accessible and enjoyable.
- Combat is smooth and responsive, with a satisfying parry mechanic and a flexible skill tree that encourages experimentation.
- The hand-drawn art style and immersive atmosphere create a captivating world that enhances the overall experience.
- Boss battles can be quite difficult, leading to frustration, especially with limited health drops and power-ups.
- Resource collection feels like a grind, and upgrades are costly, which can hinder progression.
- The game lacks clear directions and instructions, often resulting in players getting lost or confused about where to go next.
- graphics18 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The graphics are praised for their modern quality and immersive art style, creating a captivating atmosphere throughout the game. While the visuals are generally appealing, some players note that combat effects can be overwhelming and background elements may feel disjointed. Additionally, cutscenes are considered less impressive compared to the overall visual experience.
“The art style really pulls you in, and the atmosphere is immersive.”
“The atmosphere and artwork are amazing—really sets the mood for the game.”
“Combat visuals can be blinding at times.”
“The only downside is that the cutscenes feel a bit basic compared to the rest of the game’s visuals.”
“While the graphics and story are different, the main playstyle is very similar.”
- gameplay12 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its freshness and engaging mechanics, particularly the satisfying parry and unique slow-motion dodge features. However, some players feel that the game lacks clear explanations for certain items and mechanics. Overall, the combination of art and gameplay creates an enjoyable experience.
“The artwork is great and the gameplay is very fresh.”
“The slow-motion dodge mechanic is neat.”
“I love the parry mechanic—it feels super satisfying when you time it just right.”
“Doesn't explain some items or mechanics well.”
- story8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The story is described as interesting, particularly highlighting the character Tania's dual nature as part AI and part human, but it suffers from predictability. While the graphics and narrative are distinct, the gameplay feels repetitive due to limited weapon choices. Reviewers express a desire for more high-quality cutscenes to enhance the storytelling experience.
“The story is really interesting, and Tania’s dual nature as part AI, part human is great, but the limited weapon choice makes the combat feel a bit repetitive after a while.”
“While the graphics and story are different, the main playstyle is very similar.”
“The story appears to be predictable, even in the demo.”
“I get why most of the cutscenes are in-engine or feel like an old-school 90s anime, but I kind of wish there were more high-quality video scenes to really bring the story moments to life.”
- atmosphere6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its immersive quality and stunning art style, which effectively enhances the overall mood. Reviewers highlight that the combination of visual elements and intense boss fights contributes to a captivating experience.
“The art style really pulls you in, and the atmosphere is immersive.”
“The game’s atmosphere is top-notch, and the boss fights are intense.”
“The atmosphere and artwork are amazing—really sets the mood for the game.”
- music4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music and sound in the game are generally considered average, with some players noting that the transitions between screens and music can be abrupt and jarring.
“The music and sound are just okay.”
“Some screen and music transitions are abrupt and jarring.”
