Astebros [Review]
Astebros is an impressive Megadrive game.
Image: Neofid Studios / PixelHeart
After a successful Kickstarter, Neofid Studios developed Astebros as a 16-bit Megadrive / Sega Genesis game available on cartridge or as a ROM. PixelHeart publishes the game on Steam and consoles. The game is a side-scrolling platformer roguelite that features co-op multiplayer for two.
I don’t know how Astebros performs on the original hardware, but it looks like it makes full use of the Megadrive hardware. Visually and in its gameplay, it feels like the game comes from late in the 16-bit era, a game from the pinnacle of that generation.
Image: Neofid Studios / PixelHeart
Astebros is a prequel to Demons of Asteborg, a side-scrolling platformer also developed by Neofid Studios. You play as a trio of adventurers out to explore the newly discovered continent of Asteborg.
You can choose to play as any of the three heroes—Knight, Ranger, or Mage—as you enter one of the game’s levels. Each hero has strengths and weaknesses that are well suited to different play styles. The Knight focuses on melee combat; the Ranger is quick and fights at range with a bow and an animal companion; and the mage casts powerful medium range spells.
The game has a world map with levels that you’ll be able to unlock as you find the orbs scattered throughout. Each level’s layout is randomly generated for each run. Back at camp, you can smith new weapons that will the appear in levels, boost your stats, or switch chatacters.
Image: Neofid Studios / PixelHeart
Combat can be difficult, but all enemies and bosses have distinct patterns you can learn. The game’s difficulty and feel in general matches what you’d expect from a game of the era it evokes. However, the challenge is softened by the fact that the game is a roguelite and character improvement is progressive.
If you’re a fan of 16-bit games, Astebros is a solid game. There are better games in the side-scrolling roguelite genre, but seeing it pulled off authentically within the constraints of a Sega Genesis game is impressive.
Astebros is available now on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One / Series X|S.
Overall Score: 6/10
Played on: PS5
