Astlibra Gaiden: The Cave of Phantom Mist stars the daughter of Rspadar Castle Town’s baker as the new protagonist, someone who was mentioned briefly in the base game but is essentially an empty slate for your adventure. After a demon attack traps many of the guild, including the main hero of Astlibra revision, in the cave of Phantom Mist, our new heroine must enter the dungeon to set things right and free everyone. There is more to it though, as the Cave of Phantom Mist takes from the memories of those who enter, which means that familiar enemies and locations from the main game will appear.
As a Roguelike, Astlibra Gaiden: The Cave of Phantom Mist expands on the randomized dungeon encountered towards the end of the game. You will take on groups of 10 floors, with each ending with a boss from the main game. Combat still feels like it did in the base game here, and you will have access to weapons, one and two-handed, as well as shields and armour, and using these will give you new skills to keep you trying to max out everything.
I do not know if it was a case of more content having been added since I last played Astlibra Gaiden: The Cave of Phantom Mist on Steam, but it feels like the game has been expanded since then, when there was a major problem of lack of variety killing the experience for me. Roguelikes need variety to keep players interested but Astlibra Gaiden: The Cave of Phantom Mist felt a bit too repetitive, but now it feels like there is more to be done in general. You still carry over nearly everything between runs and can leave at any time to bank your Force instead of losing it when dying, but it has been toned down and no longer feels like it breaks the game here.
One flaw that does come up is that there is not as much story as was expected. Even Roguelikes usually have some degree of story that is gradually revealed throughout the experience, but Astlibra Gaiden: The Cave of Phantom Mist just kind of meanders in this area. This combined with the fact that the game lacks a major challenge to it, means Astlibra Gaiden: The Cave of Phantom Mist just never lives up to its potential, especially when the base game had an amazing story and could be very challenging at times.
I wanted to like Astlibra Gaiden: The Cave of Phantom Mist because I loved Astlibra Revision so much, but this DLC turned side game just fell short for me. There are some good gameplay innovations, such as new upgrade systems, new styles that offer different skills and state bonuses and additions to the gameplay experience since launch, but the overall experience just does not feel as enjoyable and there is something lacking here. There is some new music to go along with the recycled visuals, but that is not enough to keep the value where it needs to be for returning players, but those coming in new to the experience may find something to enjoy.
I was ultimately disappointed with Astlibra Gaiden: The Cave of Phantom Mist for its lack of variety and challenge and minimal story even for a Roguelike, and feel it falls far short of the main game. Astlibra Revision truly is an amazing experience, but the side gamejust leaves too much to be desired. But if all you want is just combat that lets you mow down enemies, you may find some enjoyment here.
Disclaimer: A review key was provided for this review
