Introduction
Upon beginning your journey in Astra: Knights of Veda, the immediate realization is that death is inevitable. The game thrusts you into a chaotic war, pitting you against armored adversaries in a medieval setting. However, the game takes a dark turn as your foes transform into undead creatures, ultimately leading to your demise. This sets the stage for a compelling narrative as you are resurrected in a kingdom plagued by tragedy.
The Storyline
As the Master of the Book, bestowed with the title of the “Chosen One” by the Goddess Veda, your mission involves aiding in the recovery of her fragmented “heart” while accompanied by Belle, a diminutive version of the deity. Despite the primary objective, the narrative shifts towards the overthrow of the corrupt King Magnus and combating the Undead scourge. Unraveling the mysteries of your lost memories and the apocalyptic circumstances takes precedence, adding depth to the storyline.
Character Development
Knights of Veda intricately weaves together the tales of allies you meet along the way, intertwining their personal quests with the kingdom’s history. The focus on character-driven chapters enhances the narrative, even if at times it ventures into convoluted storytelling territory. The game demands a certain suspension of disbelief to fully immerse yourself in the interconnected web of relationships.
The Dark Fantasy World
Unlike conventional anime RPGs, Knights of Veda’s world is steeped in dark fantasy, evident in its gruesome enemies and macabre landscapes. The graphic depiction of violence and decay adds a gritty realism to the game’s environment, highlighting the troubled times of the realm in stark contrast to typical lighthearted RPG settings.
Combat System
The game’s combat mechanics blend side-scrolling action akin to arcade beat ‘em ups with RPG elements such as party management and character progression. Strategically swapping between characters to optimize synergies adds depth to the gameplay, requiring a balance of tactics and reflexes to overcome formidable foes.
Progression and Grinding
Similar to games like Genshin Impact, Knights of Veda features intricate leveling systems for characters, weapons, and skills, necessitating a grind for enhancement materials. This continuous resource management adds to the sense of progression but can also lead to resource scarcity, hampering character exploration and experimentation.
Live Service and Future Prospects
As a live service game, Knights of Veda offers six chapters with approximately 30 hours of gameplay, promising ongoing updates and content expansions. The first story arc delves into the truth behind the ongoing conflict and your role in the kingdom, leaving players eager for the upcoming narrative developments.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite its engaging storyline and complex combat system, Knights of Veda struggles with pacing issues and repetitive grinding requirements. The game’s reliance on grinding for enhancement materials, reminiscent of free-to-play RPGs, may deter some players seeking a more streamlined experience.
Conclusion
While Knights of Veda presents a compelling narrative and intricate gameplay mechanics, its emphasis on grinding and resource management may hinder the overall enjoyment for some players. The game’s potential lies in its dark fantasy setting, challenging combat, and character-driven storytelling, offering a unique experience for fans of the genre.