It's okay... I like the graphics and music but the controls bug me.
Reviews for "Astral Guard"
This game could have earned 4.5 stars, but for one big problem, and a few little ones. It's a good retro-feel game in many ways. BUT:
The game just doesn't stay saved. If I exit by way of the main menu (which is annoyingly only available in the end-of-level screen) the save file sticks around for a few hours, but is gone within 12 or so. I play a while, break to sleep or work, and when I come back, the save game is gone. VERY FRUSTRATING.
Seriously, the spells need hotkeys. The recharge rate on them is so painfully slow, there's no real chance of ever filling the recharge meter in the first 9-12 levels. Also, as mentioned by others, the spells aren't necessary, cute, but not really worth the investment.
And a minor design flaw: There's no ability to choose which level you're playing, so if/when you get to a boss fight, and you're not strong enough to beat it, you have no choice but to play that boss fight -dying pointlessly a few dozen times- scraping up the loose change -so very slowly- until you can buy an upgrade. It's aggravating.
Close to a really good game, but not there yet.
I really, really wanted to like this, but first off, it's infuriating to have to use the mouse. The screen doesn't allow you to move, but you get stuck with hundreds of bad guys and you're dead. Not great, sorry.
If you dont buy the add slot in desert u cant buy it if u pass to inner.
Not enough of all of the following:
--mana regeneration
--specials regeneration
--room to move
--money to buy things
and on top of it all you cant skip the ending scene after you die, AND you don't get a "grace period" of invincibility after you get damaged (like, seriously? in this kind of game? especially on a screen this small. jeez)
But other than all that, it was great!