Astral Throne, developed and published by Zero Sun Games, is a captivating blend of retro-style turn-based strategy and roguelike elements. It merges the grid-based combat of classic Strategy RPGs with the build crafting and replayability of modern roguelikes. This unique combination has garnered attention and praise from RPG and strategy enthusiasts alike. The game is set in a once-prosperous island kingdom shrouded in a memory-stealing fog, presenting a mysterious world to explore and conquer.

A Unique Gameplay Experience

Astral Throne is described as a “Roguelike Fire Emblem”. It takes the core mechanics of games like Fire Emblem and Final Fantasy Tactics, known for their grid-based, turn-based battles, and infuses them with roguelike element . This means that while combat encounters are carefully handcrafted to maintain a strategic experience, many other aspects of the game vary between playthroughs. These elements include:

• World Map: The layout of the overworld map is procedurally generated, ensuring a fresh experience each run.
• Recruitable Units: The characters you can recruit vary between runs, encouraging diverse team compositions and strategies.
• Equipment: Loot and equipment availability changes with each playthrough, requiring adaptable build strategies.
• Story Events: The story can branch based on the characters you recruit and the decisions you make, resulting in a dynamic and personalized narrative experience.

Story and Setting

The game is set in a kingdom struck by a mysterious shooting star which unleashed a fog that steals memories. This fog has corrupted the royalty and the peasantry alike, drawing them into the grasp of a cult. The player is tasked with solving the mystery of the fallen star, with the story changing based on the characters you recruit and the choices you make during each playthrough. Each hero in the game has unique character traits and stories that contribute to the game’s rich and compelling world. There are over one hundred story branches and two dozen unique endings to discover through multiple runs.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

• Handcrafted Encounters: Combat encounters are carefully designed to provide a tight strategic experience.
• Roguelite Elements: Level-ups and loot are incorporated with a roguelite approach.
• Permadeath: The game features permadeath, adding an extra layer of challenge and strategic depth.
• Character Customization: You can customize your party with flexible classes and varied encounters.
• Synergy-Based Team Building: Success relies on your ability to synergize your party’s classes, equipment, weapons, and skills.
• Weapon and Magic Triangles: Strategic depth is added with a classic weapon and magic triangle system.
• Dynamic Narrative: The game’s narrative adapts to your choices and the characters you recruit, providing a unique experience each time.
• Procedural Overworld: The overworld map is procedurally generated, featuring mini-bosses, shops, and duel arenas.
• Collectable Memories: Players can collect memories that affect the mechanics of the entire team.
• Difficulty Modifiers: Multiple difficulty modifiers are available to test your skills.
• Deep Tooltip System: The game includes a deep tooltip system for maximum clarity of information.

Zero Sun Games: The Indie Studio Behind Astral Throne

Astral Throne is the creation of Zero Sun Games, an indie studio based in Ontario, Canada. The studio was founded by four friends who left their corporate jobs to pursue their passion for game development. Despite their small size, the team is known for its speed and efficiency, developing new games at an impressive pace without sacrificing quality. They are dedicated to creating fun and engaging games for players worldwide.

Reception and Recognition

Astral Throne has been generating excitement among RPG and strategy enthusiasts since its inception in 2022. It has drawn comparisons to titles such as Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance and Into the Breach. The game also received praise at the Indie Cup Canada festival, with the jury commending its in-depth mechanics and handcrafted combat scenarios. As of February 2025, the game has a 94% positive review score from 18 user reviews on Steam.

Key Features and Selling Points

• Unique Blend of Genres: Astral Throne masterfully blends roguelike, strategy, and RPG elements.
• High Replayability: The procedurally generated world, varied characters, and branching story ensure that no two playthroughs are the same.
• Strategic Depth: The game offers a variety of strategic layers, including permadeath, weapon triangles, character customization, and team synergy.
• Engaging Story: The mysterious plot, combined with unique character stories, create a compelling and immersive world.
• Handcrafted Combat Encounters: Each combat encounter is meticulously designed to provide a tight, strategic experience.
• Retro Aesthetic: The game embraces a retro style, appealing to fans of classic strategy RPGs.
• Music: The music in Astral Throne adapts to the player’s actions.

Where to Find Astral Throne

Astral Throne is available on Steam. It was released on February 7, 2025. The game is also available as part of a bundle that includes the soundtrack and a digital art book.

Astral Throne is a unique and compelling title that should appeal to fans of strategy RPGs and roguelikes. Its blend of classic and modern gameplay elements, combined with its replayability and engaging story, makes it a standout in the indie gaming scene. With its handcrafted combat, flexible customization options, and a mysterious world to explore, Astral Throne offers a fresh and dynamic experience with every run. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding strategy RPG adventure, Astral Throne is definitely worth checking out.