Ex Astris Review: A Thrilling Combat Experience That Demands Mastery – Nous Wave Studio’s Premium Gem

Ex Astris Review: A Masterclass in Mobile JRPGs by Nous Wave Studio

Over the past two weeks, I’ve experienced a myriad of “ohhhhs” and “ahhhs” while playing Ex Astris on my phone. This premium single-player JRPG, developed by Nous Wave Studio and published by Hypergryph, is a testament to intricate gameplay and rich lore. However, the tutorials and storytelling occasionally falter in conveying the game’s depth, demanding players to invest time in understanding its nuances—a commitment that proves to be highly rewarding.

A Bold Move from Hypergryph

Known for their popular gacha game Arknights, Hypergryph’s decision to release Ex Astris as a one-time purchase JRPG without in-game monetization is refreshing. This move deviates from the prevailing trend and sets the stage for an intriguing commercial outcome.

Exploring the Overworld

Ex Astris is split into two main components: overworld exploration and combat. The exploration aspect combines elements of Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail. Players traverse limited areas, interact with NPCs, gather materials, and discover treasure chests. The game’s movement mechanics are generally fluid, allowing for jumping between platforms, descending cliffs, and climbing ladders, though touchpad controls can sometimes feel imprecise.

In certain sequences, quick reflexes are required, such as evading attacks from a giant creature by taking cover behind rubble. These fast-paced sections highlight some limitations in movement mechanics, like encountering invisible walls, which can be slightly frustrating.

Strategic and Dynamic Combat

Combat in Ex Astris is a blend of turn-based strategy with real-time elements, reminiscent of HoYoverse games. Players have a set number of actions per turn, which can be allocated among team members to execute powerful combos. Each character boasts an extensive skill tree, offering opportunities for strategic depth and synergy.

The combat system’s complexity demands careful study of skill descriptions and strategic planning. Some abilities can alter enemy positions, adding another layer of tactical consideration. Quick-time events and parry mechanics introduce an element of real-time action, making battles dynamic and engaging.

Visuals and Performance

Ex Astris impresses with its visuals, featuring beautifully animated landscapes and impactful combat animations. However, performance can occasionally lag, especially when initiating combat in the overworld.

Subsystems and Storytelling

Complementing exploration and combat are subsystems like cooking and equipment forging. Cooking boosts stats through meals, while forging involves a puzzle-like mini-game to craft gear. These elements add depth and variety to the gameplay.

While the game’s lore is rich, the storytelling often feels overwhelming due to dense walls of text. The protagonist, an Earth investigator on the alien world of Allindo, must unravel the narrative’s mysteries, but the presentation can sometimes lack motivation.

Conclusion

Ex Astris stands as a commendable achievement for Nous Wave Studio, offering a deep combat system and a rich JRPG experience without the pitfalls of gacha mechanics. While it may not match the production values of titles like Honkai: Star Rail, it provides a unique and rewarding journey for those willing to delve into its intricacies. Available on Android and iOS, Ex Astris is a must-try for mobile RPG enthusiasts seeking a premium gaming experience.