I need you to seek out the nearest person you know who told you 2D games are out of style, and smite them into the deepest pits and hell. This is just an utterly gorgeous game. Astria Ascending is easily one of the most visually pleasing games I’ve played this year.

Astria Ascending is a 2D turn-based JRPG that puts you in the helm of the Fated Eight, a group of chosen Demi God’s who are tasked with defending the world of Orcanon from ancient beasts that threaten the very fabric of the world. Filled with beautiful detail, vibrant color palettes and fantasy designs, Astria Ascending has the heart and soul of classic JRPGs and an art style that is very reminiscent of Odinsphear and Dragon’s Crown. And similar to those games as well is its side-scrolling platforming and locale traversal.

Combat is tried and true turn-based, but with a unique system of exploiting weaknesses that can turn the tide in your favor. The enemy can take advantage of this as well, so strategic strikes will pay off and give you an advantage. I have dabbled in a few side quests and put only a few hours into the game, but I can tell that this one is going to be a sleeper hit for me, for sure. I’m not too fond of platformers but controls were solid and responsive, and the locations just look so damn good that I WANT to explore them. Each character’s personality and their interactions also is a perfect touch, so I’m excited to see where my travels in Orcanon take me as well as learning more about the Fated Eight themselves.

Stay tuned for the full GamerDad Review!