If you like side-scrolling action RPGs, Astlibra is a must-purchase. This game has the most fun single-plane 2D combat since Muramasa released almost 15 years ago; It's fast, fluid, aggressive, and has lots of options. The FFIX-style grind for skills from equipment gives a an addictive "gotta-collect-em-all" quality. The art is distinctive, with stand-out enemy designs. The soundtrack is sick. And the narrative is creative with plenty of twists and turns.

There's some rough edges with the UI design, progression systems, and character writing itself, but don't let that dissuade you. This is the most I've been hooked on a video game in years. If you think Astlibra looks vaguely interesting, you owe it to yourself to try out the demo, which contains BOTH a late-game enemy gauntlet to show off the combat AND the first 2 hours or so of the story, so you get a taste for both parts of the experience. Easy, easy recommendation.

If you like side-scrolling action RPGs, Astlibra is a must-purchase. This game has the most fun single-plane 2D combat since Muramasa released almost 15 years ago; It's fast, fluid, aggressive, and has lots of options. The FFIX-style grind for skills from equipment gives a an addictive "gotta-collect-em-all" quality. The art is distinctive, with stand-out enemy designs. The soundtrack is sick. And the narrative is creative with plenty of twists and turns. There's some rough edges with the UI design, progression systems, and character writing itself, but don't let that dissuade you. This is the most I've been hooked on a video game in years. If you think Astlibra looks vaguely interesting, you owe it to yourself to try out the demo, which contains BOTH a late-game enemy gauntlet to show off the combat AND the first 2 hours or so of the story, so you get a taste for both parts of the experience. Easy, easy recommendation.