8-bit platformers and Metroidvanias are practically ubiquitous these days, particularly among indie devs, but that doesn’t mean we’re suffering from a lack of quality. Case in point: Astalon: Tears of the Earth, from Matt Kap (Castle in the Darkness) and Jon Lepage of LABS Works, and features character design by famed manga artist, Ryusuke Mita (Dragon Half). In this retro-styled 2D action-platformer features three interchangeable characters that the player can swap between throughout the adventure. Take a look at Astalon in action:
In Astalon, players are rewarded for their efforts, even if they result in death. Here’s how it works:
Astalon rewards players in defeat by allowing them to exchange collected orbs for various skills and upgrades when they reincarnate. Players can power up each of the heroes’ defense and attack stats, or they can purchase a relic that grants the power to gather fallen orbs, reveals secret locations, prolongs invincibility, and more. Players can play at their own pace by exploring thoroughly and bolstering their characters’ strengths, or use risky methods to slice their way up the tower furiously.
Astalon promises “hundreds of rooms to discover, hours of challenging exploration with a plethora of unlockables and secrets to reward the most inquisitive players.” The game launches on June 3 in the Switch eShop.
Source: DANGEN Entertainment Press Release