As a seasoned gamer with countless hours clocked into RPGs, I can confidently say that KEIZO’s latest offering, Astlibra: Cave of the Phantom Mist, has undeniably left an indelible mark on my gaming journey. Having dabbled in the original Astlibra, this spin-off was a delightful surprise, a sequel that didn’t feel like one but still managed to capture the essence of its predecessor.
Following my playthrough of the initial Astlibra game, I was excitedly waiting for more content from its creator, KEIZO. Considering how long the original game took to be developed, I didn’t foresee anything coming out soon. Yet, within less than a year, my wish unexpectedly came true with the expansion DLC named Astlibra Gaiden: Cave of the Phantom Mist. Despite appearing abruptly, this title had actually been in development for some time and was initially released on Japanese freeware sites as an early access project.
In playing the standalone title, “Cave of the Phantom Mist,” it’s best to experience the primary game, “Astlibra,” first. This is because certain events in the spin-off might reveal spoilers about the original game. Characters’ fates are a particular point of concern as they could affect key plot twists in the main game.
In “Cave of the Phantom Mist,” you assume the role of the Baker’s Daughter, a character hinted at in the original tale but not previously depicted. She is portrayed as remarkably strong, able to ward off demons when the initial character is absent. This spin-off delves into her past and her relationship with Polin, a speaking wolf who becomes part of the main game’s group later on. The story unfolds around the heroes from the original “Astlibra” vanishing during a mission to investigate the Phantom Cave. To find the lost crew, Polin recruits you, launching this exciting new journey.
In comparison to its storyline, the game Cave of the Phantom Mist really excels in its gameplay. It takes cues from the endgame cycle of Astlibra, focusing on roguelite aspects by randomly generating dungeons for exploration. A notable difference in gameplay is that the protagonist’s level starts anew each time she leaves the Cave, but unlike the original game, Force Gems—obtained by vanquishing adversaries—persist when you safely return home. These Force Gems are vital for activating the Grow system, where you can permanently boost the protagonist’s attributes.
In simpler terms, for those new to the Grow system, it operates as a massive, labyrinthine map filled with nodes. Unlocking each node provides upgrades or stat enhancements. In the game ‘Cave of the Phantom Mist’, the risk-reward element is intensified because you need to go back home to invest your Force Gems. Players must strategically decide how deep they delve into the cave, considering the possibility of losing their valuable resources. For those preferring a less intense gaming session, there are easier modes available that remove these penalties, enabling players to explore without worrying about losing their progress.
In contrast to the famously difficult game Astlibra, the bosses in Cave of the Phantom Mist are less demanding, possibly because of its roguelike design and fewer save points. Generally, you’ll find that you can only save at the end of a cave segment, thereby accentuating the game’s roguelike features.
As a devoted fan, I must say one captivating aspect is the wealth of secret treasures stashed outside the cave, cleverly camouflaged by the developers. Even though they’re skillfully disguised, players who have played the original game might recognize the clues and solve these puzzles swiftly. The game masterfully recycles and rearranges these secrets to delight veterans of Astlibra while keeping newcomers intrigued. For example, it’s only when you advance through the later stages of the original game that the hidden area beneath the Well reveals itself.
As I delved into the mystical world of Cave of the Phantom Mist, I quickly realized that despite its similarities with the original game, it felt like an entirely new adventure. Unlike the initial protagonist, The Baker’s Daughter boasts potential power levels through the roof! She possesses a unique super move tied to her class role, which adds a fresh layer of strategy to the gameplay.
As a gamer diving back into the world of Astlibra, I’m delighted to find that the interface has been significantly enhanced, making this intricate system more comprehensible, despite its underlying complexity. In this game, you’re tasked with placing items on the scale, each with unique values and bonus effects. Placing an item on one side of the scale and its counterpart on the other will nullify each other, rendering no effect. The trick is to balance the values for maximum impact; if two items have distinct bonuses, they’ll stack up instead. It may seem complex at first, but the updated UI in this DLC does a fantastic job of shedding light on the original game mechanics for those already familiar with it.
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Additionally, the Daughter of the Baker possesses a distinct collection of magical abilities that surpass the metamorphosis magic of the main character in the initial game. These freshly introduced spells have an enhanced power level and can be instantly activated by players. Furthermore, there’s greater clarity in combat situations as the invincibility frames become more visible during battles.
Cave of the Phantom Mist incredibly engaging and gratifying to play. This sequel effectively expands on the original game’s base while introducing fresh features that significantly improve the overall gaming experience, making it a must-play for longtime fans.
Moreover, I find it commendable that the game demonstrates self-awareness, especially in its PC version where there are achievements showcasing humorous aspects. An example of these achievements is one that raises curiosity: why does a character confined to bed have a gun for trade? This isn’t necessarily a flaw of the game, but it underscores the difference between the Switch and PC versions, as the latter lacks achievements despite comparable performance. The game looks impressive on a TV screen and maintains the same graphics as the initial release. However, character customization is reduced compared to the original protagonist who had a new sprite for every piece of equipment. In The Baker’s Daughter, you can only customize her appearance through outfits, but acquiring one is limited, which is my main letdown regarding this game.
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Regarding the soundtrack, it follows the pattern of the original, incorporating royalty-free tunes and introducing fresh tracks specifically for the cave scenes, while reusing popular songs for events taking place in familiar locations. The music selection remains top-notch, and KEIZO’s choices are impressive.
Ultimately, I had an absolutely wonderful experience playing the game titled “Astlibra: Cave of the Phantom Mist“. For the value it provides at just $9.99, it’s practically a bargain. That being said, I would suggest this game primarily to those who have enjoyed the original version; players new to the series may not find it as captivating if they haven’t experienced the original first.
8
Versions tested: Switch
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2024-10-11 11:58