Astralia (XBLIG): "50% Shmup & 50% Strategy"

Astralia is a new breed of shoot 'em up that incorporates strategy into it's gameplay. I wasn't really quite sure what to expect when I first layed eyes on this unique XBLIG title, but I was definitely pleasantly surprised. Astroboid Games, the developer behind this shmup hybrid brings the game to life with a unique story about materia, AI, and the fall of the universe as a result of it. The game features one of the most visually impressive tutorials I have ever seen. It not only includes a video to go along with the tutorial, but the game also does a nice job of explaining the rules as you actually play. Once you get a handle on the controls you'll be set to enjoy this amazing science fiction adventure as it is told through this indie game's presentation.

Astralia is a game that will suit the tastes of both shmup fans, and fans of strategy games. Astroboid Games (the developer) did a very nice job of combining the two genres in a way that is user friendly. There is a learning curve to the game, but definitely not a steep one. For the most part the top shoulder, and trigger buttons control the command selections menus while (X, Y, B, A) control the choices you make. For the core part of the game you will control 'Astrid' an AI ship who has found itself in a fight for survival. You can repair Astrid, build assistant drones, and even fire different types of weapons from Astrid/drones. As the game progresses new ships (Gros Michel, Franz) will be introduced that you must protect and use as you try to achieve your objectives. The missions get increasingly more difficult as you go along. If you fancy a real challenge there is a hard mode setting available at the start menu. If you're like me though you'll likely go for the easy, or normal difficulty settings.

The graphics, and sound of Astralia are amazing. I found everything about the game to be of top quality. For an XBLIG it definitely offered an in-depth story, as well as some very involved gameplay scenarios. The pace of the story, and the story itself seemed to be well thought out. While it wasn't as detailed as a science fiction novel it still stood it's ground with with an interesting mythology that suited the core gameplay very well. I even found my self a little attached to the three main AI characters (Astrid, Gros Michel, Franz) even though there wasn't much background given on them. They had a sort of human quality that you could relate to. After doing a complete playthrough of the game I can honestly say this 'is' worth the asking price. It's a unique tale told through a shmup/strategy hybrid game.