Astria Ascending

If you are a turn-based RPG fan looking for a new experience that brings fresh twists on classic elements of the genre, I cannot recommend Astria Ascending enough, just so long as you don’t need an overly engaging plot to pull you along.

Astria Ascending, from developer Artisan Studios, is a modern classic, wonderfully modernizing the classic JRPG format with dynamic character progression and engaging turn-based combat.

What a pedigree Astria Ascending brings to the table. You have Kazushige Nojima, writer of Final Fantasy X and Final Fantasy VII Remake, penning the story. Then you have a score by Hitoshi Sakimoto from Final Fantasy XII and Vagrant Story to elevate your musical experience. Finally, you have Artisan Studios, a French studio, that knows exactly what it’s going for.

Are you in the mood for a completely disconnected gaming experience? The developers at Artisan Studios hope so, with their recent release of Astria Ascending. This is an offline, single-player RPG which harkens back to the ‘90s, when games couldn’t really rely on other players to keep your attention. Does this bring an experience worthy of your time? Find out in our Astria Ascending PS5 review.

Astria Ascending is filled with countless features and mechanics to add more flavor to an adventure that can last dozens of hours. However, it does have some noticeable issues that can sour the experience. The poor narrative and progression can become too tedious, and some characters will feel useless down the line.

Astria Ascending may not be a flawless release but the solid combat system, spectacular visuals, deep character skill building, and wealth of content make for an experience that JRPG fans will feel right at home with. We’d give this one a recommendation to anybody looking for an original RPG to sink their teeth into; the writing and plot could have done with more development and attention, but the...

Astria Ascending from Artisan Studios has the makings of an incredible JRPG at first glance. The title launched 30 September 2021 for PS4 / PS5, Xbox One / Series X | S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam, so everyone who even has a remote interest in the genre can try out the game. However, I find the overall experience rather… mediocre at best, and I hope I can better explain what I mean in the f...

While Astria Ascending adds some flair to traditional turn-based combat, it has a lot of gaping flaws and too much going on for it.

Astria Ascending has the makings of a unique RPG but never builds on its strengths to rise above average.

Not exactly the stairway to heaven.

Beautiful visuals can't save a real slog of an RPG.

While Astria Ascending’s gorgeous world has a basic gameplay loop that can satisfy for a while, it lacks the knowledge to challenge minds or the spirit further. With no strategy in the later battles, a story moving too quickly to be poignant, and severely unlikeable stereotypes as characters, the lessons are forced and the result is grating.