Tahira: Echoes of the Astral Empire
- February 11, 2017
- Whale Hammer Games
- 11h median play time
Slightly above average or simply inoffensive. Fans of the genre should enjoy them a bit, but a fair few will be left unfulfilled.
Get on SteamTahira: Echoes of the Astral Empire is a turn-based strategy RPG set in a post-apocalyptic world. Lead a ragtag group of survivors, including the eponymous heroine Tahira, against the oppressive Astral Empire. Engage in tactical combat, manage resources, and make difficult decisions that will impact the story's outcome in this emotionally charged game.
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Reviews
- Engaging tactical combat with a variety of strategies and unit abilities, reminiscent of The Banner Saga.
- Beautiful art style and immersive soundtrack that enhance the overall experience.
- Compelling story with interesting characters, set in a unique Middle Eastern-inspired world.
- The game is quite short, with a cliffhanger ending that leaves many plot points unresolved.
- Non-combat sequences feel empty and lack depth, detracting from the overall narrative experience.
- Repetitive combat mechanics and limited enemy variety can lead to a monotonous gameplay experience.
- story72 mentions
- 39 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The story of the game is described as immersive and engaging, featuring compelling characters and a unique setting, but it suffers from an abrupt ending that leaves many plot threads unresolved, leading to a sense of incompleteness. While the writing quality varies and lacks significant player choices, the narrative is enhanced by beautiful art and a haunting soundtrack. Overall, players appreciate the story's potential and emotional depth, but many express a desire for a sequel to fully realize its promise.
“The story is well written and mainly presented within dialog boxes.”
“The story works perfectly with the haunting musical score as well as with the gorgeous artwork and beautiful animations.”
“I love the depth in the story, and the parallels with real-world political complexity where no side is entirely 'in the right', old sins have long shadows, and there is, at best, only the 'least worst' solution.”
“The real problem is the game set up for a three-act story, and then just ends after act 1.”
“The story ends very abruptly.”
“Massive cliffhanger: compared to a traditional story plot line, this title, presumably the first in a series, ends before the climax.”
- graphics19 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are praised for their unique art style, reminiscent of old-school 2D and cell shading, drawing comparisons to titles like The Banner Saga. The hand-crafted animations and atmospheric music enhance the overall experience, creating a beautiful and engaging environment that blends multiple cultural influences. While some visuals are static, they are described as stunning and nostalgic, contributing to a captivating gameplay atmosphere.
“The rotoscoped animation is well done, as is the soundtrack and story; visuals are old-school 2D and I encountered no bugs.”
“The graphics/animation are hand-crafted and look wonderful; similarly, the sound effects and music quality are well chosen.”
“A tactical strategy game with the story of an RPG and a unique art style; it's a game that clearly aimed a little bit higher than it could deliver.”
“Graphically, it is almost indistinguishable from The Banner Saga during combat, and if you told me they were part of the same series, just covering different locations or something along those lines, I'd believe you.”
“The graphics are very reminiscent of Avatar; I love that hit of nostalgia.”
- gameplay19 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by an autosave feature and a stage restart mechanic after game overs, which some players find repetitive but encourages experimentation. While the combat mechanics are generally considered less appealing, the game compensates with immersive storytelling and interesting characters. Overall, it offers enjoyable turn-based strategy gameplay with large-scale battles, though some players note a lack of ranged combat as a drawback.
“Tahira is an indie turn-based RPG with large battles, very enjoyable combat mechanics, and an entertaining story.”
“Overall, I'd recommend a purchase if you enjoy turn-based strategy, story-driven gameplay, and/or are a fan of beautifully executed game art.”
“And the fights are large-scale, multi-staged arenas which make for some pretty triumphant moments if you use the battle mechanics correctly to your advantage.”
“If you are here for the gameplay, you will probably not like it very much.”
“This lack of ranged combat is the main weakness in the combat mechanics, and must be addressed if the developers release a sequel.”
“As a newcomer to turn-based strategy games, I am still learning the intricacies of the battle mechanics.”
- music14 mentions
- 79 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its haunting quality and ability to enhance the overall atmosphere. The orchestral soundtrack is described as epic and well-suited to the game's setting, complementing the beautiful artwork and engaging story. Overall, the combination of atmospheric music and striking visuals creates a captivating experience that resonates with players.
“The music and artwork are both very good, and the Middle Eastern inspired setting is a fun and refreshing viewpoint that we don't see in enough games and could certainly do with some more of.”
“The story works perfectly with the haunting musical score as well as with the gorgeous artwork and beautiful animations.”
“The music and art work are fantastic and have created a really eerie but beautiful atmosphere.”
“The music is repetitive and lacks variety, making it feel monotonous after a short while.”
“While the visuals are impressive, the soundtrack fails to leave a lasting impression and feels forgettable.”
“The background music doesn't match the game's tone, which detracts from the overall experience.”
- atmosphere5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is characterized by a blend of whimsical graphics and engaging music, creating a unique and immersive experience. Users appreciate the combination of humor and darker themes, which adds depth to the overall ambiance. The soundtrack is particularly praised for enhancing the eerie yet beautiful atmosphere, making it a standout feature of the game.
“As a relative newcomer to this genre, I felt gently encouraged and supported by the tutorials available in the easiest level, and the atmospheric music and often whimsical graphics were engaging from the very start.”
“The music and artwork are fantastic and have created a really eerie but beautiful atmosphere.”
“The scattered humor provides a welcome diversion to the often dark atmosphere.”
“The best soundtrack of any game that I have played, which is integral to the game's atmosphere.”
- grinding3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that the grinding aspect of the game is marked by tedious combat and lengthy, unengaging interactions, such as prolonged conversations that detract from the overall experience. Players find the necessity of using the keyboard for navigation cumbersome, contributing to a sense of monotony. Overall, the grinding elements overshadow the game's unique narrative and setting.
“A novel setting and unique narrative doesn't outshine tedious combat, flat characters, weird writing choices, and a deficit of RPG elements.”
“However, I found the story tedious.”
“I couldn't get past the fact that you have to use the keyboard to move around a 2D map, and that's after a tediously long conversation with a horse.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game effectively balances its high-concept sci-fi narrative with intimate, emotional moments, creating a compelling contrast that enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the depth of these small interactions, which add significant emotional weight to the plot and world.
“The plot and world feel are cool, although the overall focus is on small, emotional moments in contrast with the high-concept sci-fi scope of the story.”
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game effectively balances its dark humor with other comedic elements, providing a unique and engaging experience that resonates with players.
“While still holding on to its dark humor.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game has low replayability due to its linear plot and minimal character development, as players experience little variation in gameplay or outcomes.
“No replay value: character statistical development is basically nonexistent, with only standardized level-ups for rank and file soldiers, and the plot is linear.”
“Once you finish the game, there's little incentive to play again since the choices you make don't significantly alter the outcome.”
“The game lacks meaningful side quests or alternate endings, making multiple playthroughs feel redundant.”
