Summary
Astor: Blade of the Monolith delivers an action RPG experience that captivates players from start to finish. The seamless switching between weapons adds a layer of depth to the combat, allowing for strategic and satisfying battles against hordes of enemies. As players uncover the mysteries of Gliese and confront its haunting evil, they are treated to a satisfying conclusion that rewards their perseverance and exploration. I would highly recommend checking this little game out, as you'll totally get lost in the action and won't want to put the controller down.
Developer – C2 Game Studio
Publisher – Versus Evil, tinyBuild
Platforms – Playstation 4/5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One,Xbox Series S|X, PC (Reviewed)
Review copy given by Publisher
Astor: Blade of the Monolith, previously titled Monolith: Requiem of the Ancients, is an indie action RPG featuring dynamic combat systems influenced by Devil May Cry, Bayonetta, and Zelda.
In this game, you take on the role of Astor, a young Diokek warrior determined to unveil the secrets behind his creators’ unforeseen demise on the vibrant planet of Gilese, after malevolent creatures known as the Hiltsik has taken over wrecking havoc. The only key to salvation is by uncovering the creators’ secrets.
As you proceed through the game, you will find your way to the Monolith, an ancient structure holding immense power, and confront the source of the planet’s haunting evil. But getting to the Monolith isn’t easy. While you explore the mystical planet of Gliese and adventure through the planet’s majestic landscapes, ancient ruins, and old temples left by past civilizations, you must use your newfound runic power, and shift into the spirit realm to solve puzzles and reveal secret passages.
You’re probably thinking, wait I thought this game was influenced Devil May Cry and Bayonetta, what are we doing talking about puzzles and secret passages? Don’t worry young warrior! there’s tons of combat in this game, and it’s some of the best of the best for an indie action RPG.
Astor is armed with an arsenal of four formidable weapons and special abilities in the form of melee strikes, ranged attacks, and aerial combos. The ability to switch weapons on the fly, even in the midst of a combo, adds a layer of strategic depth, allowing for devastating critical hits to be unleashed. The fluidity and intensity of combat in this game truly shines.
One of the biggest combat however isn’t the crazy weapons, but the mechanics in harnessing the power of the Runic Swarm, an ancient energy used to materialize runic power as weapons or tools in combat. Using Runic Swarm, you unleash charged attacks to create devastating finishers, such as the Wall Crush and Runic Cannon. You can also use Runic Swarm to summon powerful companions, shields, and decoys to gain the upper hand in combat.
Without spoiling the ending, Your journey will lead you down a path of discovery toward your destiny, as you uncover answers to solve the mysterious disappearance of the ancients thousands of years ago, and what deeper purpose lies behind the existence of Diokek’s ?
Astor: Blade of the Monolith delivers an action RPG experience that captivates players from start to finish. The seamless switching between weapons adds a layer of depth to the combat, allowing for strategic and satisfying battles against hordes of enemies. As players uncover the mysteries of Gliese and confront its haunting evil, they are treated to a satisfying conclusion that rewards their perseverance and exploration. I would highly recommend checking this little game out, as you’ll totally get lost in the action and won’t want to put the controller down.
