Dear Villagers and Artisan Studios have confirmed that their hand-drawn turn-based JRPG Astria Ascending will release on Nintendo Switch later this year.
Promising to tell “an expansive story of fate, sacrifice and new beginnings,” the game will boast contributions from composer Hitoshi Sakimoto (Final Fantasy XII, Vagrant Story), narrative by Kazushige Nojima (Final Fantasy X, Final Fantasy VII Remake) and art from CyDesignation (Akihiko Yoshida and Hideo Minaba).
Set in a world where chaos looms, you will take control of the Demigods – eight heroes who have been charged with the fate of the world. Each character will have their own story which is explored across five cities, 25 dungeons and around “30 hours of gameplay up to 50 for 100 percent of completion.” Aside from turn-based combat, you can also expect side quests and mini-games, which will include an original fantasy-themed token game.
“In Astria Ascending we wanted to explore how people cope in extraordinary times,” explains Artisan Studio game director Julien Bourgeois. “Each hero has their own perspective, but it’s the relationships they form with one another that truly brings the story to life.”
Dear Villagers head of publishing Guillaume Jamet adds: “Seeing this world come together has been a delight. And it’s an honor to have so many legends on the team helping out – like a childhood dream come true. Astria Ascending is more than an homage to the classics. It’s the perfect next step in our publishing line of ambitious JRPGs.”
Astria Ascending will release on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch worldwide in 2021.
