RPG Maker Let's Play - Astoria Holders of Power Saga - Game Critique

Channel:

Studio Blue

Subscribers:

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Published on May 22, 2018 2:35:46 PM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaAsQyMLRz0

Game:

Astoria: The Holders of Power Saga (2017)

Category:

Let's Play

Duration: 57:04

990 views

29

Hello everyone! In this RPG Maker Let's Play, we examine the world of Astoria: The Holders of Power Saga and look deep into what does and doesn't work with this game.

We talk a lot in our critiques about balancing hero and enemy stats, and how many games fall short of it. Astoria does not, with some of the best basic stat-balancing we've seen in a while. You don't have much in the way of special powers at the start of the game, except to debuff the enemy and buff yourself, but the reality is you don't need it. Combat is fast-paced and very well balanced. The dungeon layout is good, and the dialogue, while wordy, is interesting enough.

The main problems in this game lay in three main areas: (1) Use of assets, (2) Presentation of the story, and (3) Suspension of disbelief regarding the Protagonist.

This game uses default assets, and while that is never a problem with us, the use of them is very rote and novice. Large boxy interiors, symmetrical maps, and everything set up in a nice, tidy, boring line make it hard to get into the atmosphere. Apart from the Slime Dungeon, the maps need to be redone.

After an exciting opening scene, the game drops you into a generic hero's journey with no compelling reason to continue. We assume that meeting Queen Delilah will reveal the story, but it's really too late. By the time we got to the end of our video, we were completely uninterested in continuing the game. There needs to be an impetus to play from the onset, and the fix for that is a rewrite of the game's first hour.

The protagonist is not very believable. It's the prince of some land on a secret mission, by himself, in a hostile wilderess. We've encountered that before and cannot get behind it--sovereigns will never go it alone, no matter the reason. And traveling with your real name in obviously regal regalia, with just a dagger and clothes? Nope, not buying it. Sorry, but this part of the game needs to be reworked from the ground up. We highly suggest a knight or two accompanying the prince. That way, there is a protective entourage, as well as people he can banter with to explain why he's on this trek to see some neighboring queen.

While a lot of work needs to go into this game before its ready, the seeds are there for a good story and good characters. On the positive side, we loved the character of Petra in the starting village and sorely wanted her to join the prince on his adventure.

Here is the link on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/669380/Astoria_The_Holders_of_Power_Saga/

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