Unearth the World of Astra

Prepare for the ultimate battle against darkness in Alchemy Stars: Aurora Blast. Tencent Games and Tourdog Studio brings this line strategy RPG to life with an epic storyline that rivals high fantasy novels. Alchemy Stars combines simple colored tile battle sequences and text-based narratives for an immersive experience. Build an epic team of elemental companions and fight back in this classic tale of good vs. evil.

The journey begins 17 years after the Eclipsites waged war on Astra, destroying the lands in a hostile takeover. All that remains are the Aurorians, you the only surviving Caelestite and the last ancient colossus, Soroz. The Caelestites were able to psychically connect with their colossus, unlike the other races. Players will join forces with a team of Aurorians who wield unique elemental abilities. You must defeat the Eclipsites and discover the truth about the loss of your people, the Caelestites.

Comet Me, Bro

Alchemy Stars is a line-based strategy game using colored tiles to move across the battlefield. Players build a team of five fighters. Within a vast range of characters and elemental abilities, there are four elements total: frost, molten, emerald and thunderbolt. Each element corresponds to a colored tile. Characters’ special abilities grow stronger the more matching tiles you can link, creating a chain combo. Alchemy Stars battle sequences aren’t complicated. In other words, having a strategic team is the key to winning.

The Eclipsites are also elemental like the Aurorians. Opponents will take more damage against certain elements, like frost against molten. Like similar gacha games, Alchemy Stars offers resources that are won and purchased to help upgrade Aurorians. It’s important to pay attention to the recommended level within the chapters. If your team needs a boost, players can unlock dispatch missions for extra bonuses.

Beyond Alchemy Stars’ main story are unlockable side quests. As a result, these are especially helpful for gaining resources and other bonuses, like secret territories and weekly events. Players move up in the achievement level and chapters, rooms will unlock inside the colossus. The colossus transports players around the game board and as a shelter for characters and side stories. Players can also summon more characters and eventually collect all character cards. It’s fairly simple to move through the stages successfully without spending real-world money. Additionally, there is an auto-play feature. So, after completing a stage, players can return to previous levels and gain extra bonuses without having to play through again.

A Colossus Misstep

Alchemy Stars is a skillfully crafted heroic fantasy RPG. Yet, it does have its share of drawbacks. For example, if players are interrupted during a battle or gameplay.  Alchemy Stars will restart from the beginning of the last uncompleted stage. Therefore, when players need a break, it’s best to complete the stage before exiting. It’s also unclear exactly what all the resources do for each character or how it benefits gameplay. Unfortunately, there are also moments where the dialogue seems drawn out. These basic conversations are just small talk and add nothing to the story.

It’s the Final Countdown

Alchemy Stars isn’t the most challenging of games. Some players might find the colored tile battlefield repetitive. Similar to other gacha games, strategy is vital. The beautifully designed, live 2D artwork makes Alchemy Stars cutscenes reminiscent of large console gaming. It’s equal parts story and game action. Alchemy Stars seamlessly intertwines story, battle action and interactive dialogue by breaking up story mode and gameplay.