Astal

Description

Astal, a platformer developed by Sega for their then SEGA Saturn console, is one of those titles that didn't get the attention it deserved in its day, but over time became a cult classic. At first glance, the game may seem to simply benefit from its visual style and aesthetic charm, but once you delve deeper, you'll discover a surprisingly rich gameplay experience that is as captivating as its presentation.

Above all, Astal appeals because of its unique visual stylings. The hand-drawn graphics feel like a fairy tale come to life, transporting the player into a world full of rich colours and detailed backgrounds. Every level, every character, even the enemies shine with the care and love with which they were created. You'd be hard pressed to find another platformer of the era that offered such a distinctive visual experience. The soundtrack, carefully composed, beautifully complements the atmosphere of the game without detracting from the action itself. Harmonious melodies and ambient sounds enhance the immersion in the magical world of Urla.

The game's story, although simple, has its own charm. Playing as the title character Astal, protecting his girlfriend Leda and facing the evil Godukan, brings a nostalgic touch to the game of a true fairy tale adventure. Of course, the story isn't the main draw - that, undoubtedly, is the gameplay.

Astal's mechanics don't just stop at the usual jumps and attacks typical of platformers. The game enriches the experience with environmental manipulation skills and strategic use of the bird that accompanies Astal. The ability to summon your feathered ally to perform various tasks adds a refreshing strategic layer to the game that separates Astal from many other titles of the time. Another interesting element is the use of the main character's overwhelming powers to overcome obstacles and neutralize enemies.

Perhaps one of Astal's few shortcomings is its relatively short length and relative linearity. More experienced players might find the challenge somewhat limited, but the game's charm lies in its execution and atmosphere rather than the complexity of its structure. In an age where a plethora of platform games have been based on increasing difficulty, it's refreshing to find a game that focuses more on experience and aesthetics.

Astal for the SEGA Saturn is a prime example of a game that not only meets the visual and musical standards of its time, but surpasses them. While its gameplay may be considered relatively traditional, the allure of Astal lies in its ability to transport the player into a beautiful, magical world where experiences are more important than challenges. For those who want to rediscover the magic of classic games or catch a glimpse of the amazing artistic sense of the turn of the nineties, Astal is more than a suitable candidate.