Astal
Astal is a visually stunning 2D platformer developed exclusively for the Sega Saturn. The game follows the journey of Astal, a crystalline warrior created by the Goddess of Light to protect the world Quartilia. With its vibrant hand-drawn artwork, parallax scrolling effects, and innovative gameplay mechanics, Astal showcases the Saturn's 2D capabilities at their finest.
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About This Retro Game
Astal stands as one of the most visually impressive 2D platformers of the 32-bit era, featuring lush, painterly backgrounds and fluid character animations that push the Saturn's hardware to its limits. The game's art direction was inspired by European fantasy illustrations, creating a unique aesthetic among Japanese platformers.
Gameplay combines traditional platforming with special abilities like Astal's earth-shaking roar and the assistance of his bird companion Leda. The control scheme makes innovative use of the Saturn's six-button controller, with different actions mapped to each button for responsive gameplay.
Though criticized for its short length, Astal remains a cult classic among Saturn collectors for its artistic achievements and as a showcase of what the system could accomplish with 2D graphics. The game's soundtrack, composed by Masaru Setsumaru, complements the fantasy atmosphere with orchestral and choral arrangements.
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