One of the very first tasks in the tower teaches you some keys differences: Algus can use his magic through walls to activate certain switches Kyuli can wall jump to get some extra height and Arias can break through seemingly impenetrable blue veins with his powerful yet short-ranged sword. Each character has strengths and weaknesses, as well as abilities, that serve to progress. Early in the game, you can only change characters at campsites where you can save your game and rest, but later on you will gain an item that allows you to change characters more freely. ![]() The other major gameplay mechanic is that you are controlling three different characters, but not at the same time. It is a unique approach to the genre, and it blends perfectly with the story at hand. This may sound like a daunting task, but Algus uses his previous knowledge to access shortcuts, elevator passage, and teleportation passage to quickly get back to previously visited areas. Instead, when you die, Algus returns to Epimetheus who offers things to purchase, such as upgrades and special items, before returning to the very first room of the game. However, the major difference which ties in with the story is that there are no save points or save stations to cement your progress like your Metroids or Castlevanias. This is an action platformer similar to many of the metroidvanias that have come before it. The gameplay is incredible, albeit quite difficult at times. Seeing the strong conviction of both sides creates a scenario where it is difficult to truly villainize anyone, but it is clear who the real protagonists are and thankfully you are playing as them. Astalon: Tears of the Earth also tells the story from the other side so you understand the Gorgons and why they are running the tower the way they are. There is a desperation, and it is one that requires a whole lot more than simply willpower, because apparently there is a plot against the village and its people and our heroes are faced with an even bigger threat than they initially conceived. You can sense the real desire to succeed from all of them, especially Algus, who has genuinely sacrificed his life for the betterment of his home village and friends. I was constantly drawn by each meaningful conversation, and the dynamics between Algus, Kyuli, and Arias are rich with history and complication. This is one of the most complex and compelling indie game stories I have ever played. Kyuli and Arias are left in the dark, and it is assumed that they think they are making perfect progression through the tower with no complications as they are unfamiliar with the many deaths they experience along their journey. However, the only person who remembers the previous experiences is Algus himself, so his conversations with Epimetheus upon death are his alone. Our heroes, Algus the mage, Kyuli the archer, and Arias the warrior, have no idea what they are about to face, but the twist is that Algus made a horrific decision to ensure their victory.Īlgus has basically sold his soul to the demon Epimetheus, and now in a Groundhog Day like scenario, death has lost its sting. Three heroes band together to stop this to save their village, so they traverse to the tower to begin their ascension. A village is being plagued by a poison that is oozing from a nearby tower that is full of negative energy, evil, and cult-like behavior. Note: I assume there are REVENGE options for the other bosses too.The story of Astalon: Tears of the Earth is legendary. (Was bugged but should now be fixed.)ĥ0 souls per candle? - Relights the green HP-recovery candles around the Tower.ġ00 souls - The Black Knight's story begins to make more sense.ģ00 souls - The Black Knight's story begins to make even more sense.ĩ00 souls - Reveals the final part of the Black Knight's story. (requires Death Orb).Ģ000 souls - Gives a second chance upon death. Break it to gain 40% of your max HP (as temp health?).Ĩ0 souls - Mark the last place you died on your map with a + symbol. ![]() No more chasing!Ģ80 souls - Leave behind a Death Orb when you die. It isn't a bug.ġ50 souls - Soul orbs are now automatically collected. * There is actually a bonus dev area that is NOT shown by this map-though it is marked on mine in the GUIDE-so if you have the Titan's Ego upgrade and see an Epimetheus statue off to the east of the Catacombs, that's why. ![]() (requires Gift)Ģ00 souls - Marks locked doors on map after you've encountered them.ġ5,000 souls - Shows all* rooms in the game, including unexplored areas (greyed out). This includes Relics in your inventory which have more fleshed-out descriptions, and future purchases from Epimetheus too.Ħ66 souls - You can talk to Epimetheus with Algus at statues located around the tower.Ĥ00 souls - Reveals Epimetheus statue locations on your map. 180 souls - Item descriptions now reveal more detail about what they do.
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