Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Astal offers classic side-scrolling platform action that feels both familiar and refreshingly unique. Players guide the titular hero through lush environments, negotiating perilous jumps, navigating hidden passages, and timing precise attacks against a variety of menacing foes. Controls are intuitive, with responsive movement and straightforward button mappings for jumping, attacking, and using special items.

One of Astal’s standout mechanics is the ability to rescue a stranded bird companion in each level. Once freed, this feathered ally provides invaluable aerial support, swooping in to harry enemies or reach distant switches. Collecting power-ups is equally rewarding: smart bombs can clear the screen of minor threats, while collectible orbs boost your attack strength or grant temporary invincibility.

Level design in Astal keeps the pacing brisk without ever feeling repetitive. Early stages teach the ropes with simple platforming puzzles, while later worlds introduce moving platforms, environmental hazards like crumbling pillars, and multi-tiered arenas. Secret alcoves hide extra lives and bonus points, making exploration as exciting as the main path. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned platform veteran, there’s enough variety to keep you engaged throughout.

Graphics

Visually, Astal is a feast for the eyes. Antowas’s world is rendered in vibrant, anime-inspired hues that pop on screen, from crystal-clear waterfalls to the fiery interiors of Jerado’s lair. Each backdrop features layered parallax scrolling, giving a genuine sense of depth as Astal dashes across foreground platforms.

Character sprites are lovingly detailed and animated with fluid motion. Astal himself moves with graceful lunges and spins, while enemies exhibit distinctive attack patterns that are easy to read at a glance. The dramatic design of boss encounters—giant mechanical guardians, winged demons, and shadowy sorcerers—underscores the game’s fairy-tale aesthetic without sacrificing an edge of tension.

Technical polish is evident in every pixel. Frame rates remain steady even during chaotic multi-enemy battles, and transition sequences between levels include atmospheric fades and quick cutscene illustrations. On both original hardware and modern re-releases, Astal’s art direction holds up remarkably well, ensuring that new players can appreciate its timeless style.

Story

Astal’s narrative is simple yet effective, framed as a classic rescue quest. The idyllic realm of Antowas pulses with happiness—Astal and his beloved Leda frolic beneath rainbow skies—until the villainous Jerado shatters this peace. In a single devastating assault, he abducts Leda, setting Astal on an urgent mission to reclaim his world.

Though dialogue is sparse, the emotional stakes are conveyed through evocative sprite stills and expressive animations. Leda’s wide-eyed fear, Jerado’s sinister grin, and Astal’s determined posture communicate volumes without uttering a word. This minimalist approach to storytelling lets players fill in gaps with their own imagination, deepening the personal investment in the rescue.

Cutscenes appear at key junctures, offering glimpses of Antowas’s wide-ranging locales and the escalating threat. The final showdown builds tension through atmospheric music swells and rapid-fire visuals, culminating in a triumphant resolution that rewards perseverance. While the plot doesn’t boast countless twists, its fairy-tale structure remains timeless and emotionally resonant.

Overall Experience

Astal is an exemplar of ’90s platforming charm that still holds up in modern retrospection. Its blend of tight controls, imaginative power-ups, and varied level design creates an engaging playthrough from start to finish. The rescue-the-princess premise never feels stale thanks to thoughtful pacing and dynamic boss battles.

Visually, the game stands out with anime-esque backgrounds that transport players to a realm of pure wonder. Combined with an evocative soundtrack and crisp animations, every stage feels like a living painting. Though relatively short by today’s standards, Astal encourages replay through its hidden secrets and optional challenge rooms.

For fans of side-scrollers, Astal is a must-play adventure that balances nostalgia with enduring quality. Whether you’re drawn to its vibrant art style, its straightforward yet satisfying gameplay, or its heartfelt storyline, this title delivers a memorable journey through a land of magic, danger, and hope. It’s an ideal pick for anyone seeking a classic platformer experience with modern appeal.

Retro Replay Score

7.1/10