ASTLIBRA Gaiden: The Cave of Phantom Mist is an action RPG developed by KEIZO that delivers a compelling mix of retro-style gameplay with modern mechanics. Originally launched as an independent title, this game has garnered attention for its classic 2D side-scrolling design, dynamic combat system, and intricate storytelling, all wrapped in an old-school pixelated art style that recalls the golden age of Japanese RPGs. While it has its quirks, ASTLIBRA Gaiden offers an engrossing experience for fans of action RPGs who appreciate deep mechanics and nostalgic aesthetics.
Developer: KEIZO
Publisher: WhisperGames
Release Date:Â 17 October 2024
Thanks to PR Hound for the review code.
Story and Setting
The narrative of ASTLIBRA Gaiden follows the journey of a lone hero trapped in a mysterious world filled with magical creatures, dungeons, and ancient ruins. The titular Cave of Phantom Mist serves as the central hub where players embark on quests, battle dangerous foes, and uncover the game’s enigmatic lore. What sets the story apart is its mix of fantasy and science fiction elements, blending traditional RPG tropes with deeper, often philosophical themes. The protagonist’s journey is filled with twists, as the player navigates through time loops, alternate realities, and shifting dimensions, which keeps the narrative fresh and intriguing.
Though the plot may feel familiar to veterans of JRPGs, the execution is engaging enough to keep players invested. One of the standout features of ASTLIBRA Gaiden is its world-building. The game manages to create a sense of depth and mystery through its environments and lore, encouraging exploration. While dialogue can sometimes be dense and heavy with exposition, the story’s pacing, combined with its unexpected turns, provides ample motivation to push forward through the game.
Gameplay
At its core, ASTLIBRA Gaiden shines in its combat system. The game combines fast-paced action with a surprising amount of depth and strategy. Combat is fluid and responsive, with players able to execute a variety of attacks, spells, and abilities. The combination of melee and ranged attacks, coupled with the ability to parry, dodge, and block, creates a satisfying rhythm during battles. The game’s bosses, in particular, provide a solid challenge and require players to learn patterns and timing, adding a layer of strategy beyond simple button-mashing.
One of the game’s more unique aspects is the progression system. Rather than simply leveling up, ASTLIBRA Gaiden allows players to collect and upgrade a variety of equipment, weapons, and magical abilities, offering customization options that encourage experimentation. The gear-based progression system means that players can approach combat with different builds, allowing for multiple playstyles. Whether you prefer a more aggressive approach with heavy weapons or a defensive style using shields and magic, the game provides flexibility in how you tackle each challenge.
Additionally, the exploration in ASTLIBRA Gaiden is rewarding. While the game’s map may seem relatively linear, secret paths, hidden items, and optional dungeons provide ample opportunities for discovery. The game doesn’t hold your hand, which can be refreshing in an era of hyper-guided experiences. However, the lack of clear directions can sometimes be frustrating for players unfamiliar with older-style RPGs.
Visuals and Sound
The visual style of ASTLIBRA Gaiden will likely evoke nostalgia for fans of classic 2D games from the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis eras. The pixel art is vibrant and detailed, with each area of the game possessing its own distinct aesthetic. The character designs, though simple, are effective, and the enemies are varied and well-animated. The game does an excellent job of creating atmospheric environments, whether it’s the haunting caves, dark forests, or mystical temples. Each location feels distinct and contributes to the overall tone of the game.
The music and sound design complement the visuals perfectly. The soundtrack features an array of haunting, atmospheric tunes, as well as more upbeat, energetic tracks during combat sequences. The sound effects are crisp and clear, enhancing the impact of attacks and abilities. While the music may not be groundbreaking, it fits the game’s tone and setting well, helping to immerse players in its mysterious world.
Criticisms
Despite its strengths, ASTLIBRA Gaiden does have a few notable shortcomings. First, the game can sometimes feel unpolished, particularly in its pacing. While the combat is fast and fluid, there are occasional difficulty spikes that can feel unfair, forcing players to grind for better gear. Additionally, the narrative, while intriguing, can sometimes feel convoluted, particularly with the frequent shifts in tone and time-travel mechanics. Players who prefer straightforward storytelling may find these elements frustrating or confusing.
Another issue is the lack of modern quality-of-life features. Inventory management can be clunky, and the game’s user interface feels dated, which could detract from the overall experience for players who are used to more streamlined systems.
Conclusion
ASTLIBRA Gaiden: The Cave of Phantom Mist is a hidden gem for action RPG fans, especially those who enjoy retro-inspired visuals and gameplay. Its engaging combat system, intricate progression mechanics, and atmospheric world-building make it a rewarding experience for players who appreciate a challenge. While the game may not appeal to everyone due to its difficulty spikes and occasionally dense story, for those who relish old-school RPGs with modern twists, ASTLIBRA Gaiden is a game worth exploring. Despite some rough edges, it successfully captures the spirit of classic action RPGs while adding enough innovation to stand on its own.