Every time I think I’ve finally moved on from Astlibra Revision, it finds a new way to capture my attention. The peculiar and underappreciated JRPG of 2022 has made a comeback once again, this time with an intriguing side story that transforms the side-scrolling action into a roguelike adventure, offering procedural loot and levels for an additional “20+ hours” of gameplay with a fresh protagonist.
Astlibra Gaiden: The Cave of Phantom Mist, sporting a title that seems to improve with each iteration, made its debut on PC on February 13 for $9.99 (with a Switch release expected “soon”). I’ve been delving into it, and it seems I’m not alone in my enjoyment; currently, it boasts 338 Steam reviews with a 93% positive rating.
Gaiden presents a distinct narrative focusing on a girl employed at a bakery in the same town where the main game’s heroes reside.
With the heroes mysteriously absent, a talking dog enlists this inexperienced girl, whose combat repertoire is limited to swatting slimes with a broom, to explore a mystical dungeon crafted from the memories of warriors who have defeated demons across four dimensions.
Motivated by her ailing sister who needs the heroes’ medicine, she courageously embarks on this quest, and I must admit, she’s handling it surprisingly well.
While the combat mechanics have seen some adjustments, it largely remains the familiar 2D hack-and-slash affair, now complemented by a new magic system. Players venture into the dungeon, traversing floor after floor to gather new items and gear, accumulating XP for permanent character upgrades.
Encounters vary from straightforward battles to engaging minigames and challenging monster arenas, providing a satisfying rhythm of progression. Though I believe certain basic abilities could have been unlocked sooner—perhaps the main character could have started with them—it typically takes just one successful expedition to gain momentum.
Opting for the second-hardest difficulty, I’ve steered clear of the aptly named “Impossible” mode, which the game warns is “completely unreasonable.” Having experienced the developer’s penchant for challenging gameplay, I’ve settled for the demanding Hell difficulty, which is already quite formidable.
In essence, this expansion serves as another opportunity to immerse oneself in the world of Astlibra, and I’m certainly not complaining. The progression and gear systems seamlessly complement the roguelike experience, offering players a fresh perspective through the eyes of a new protagonist.
Despite its uneven aspects, including esoteric upgrade systems and somewhat discordant visuals, Astlibra Gaiden remains captivatingly earnest. Its narrative may strain to contain its extensive lore, but its charm and dynamism make it difficult to resist.
If the original game didn’t quite resonate with you, I understand, and I doubt this DLC will alter your perception. However, if, like me, you find yourself unable to shake the allure of Astlibra Revision, this roguelike mode provides a compelling reason to return for more adventures.
