0 
0 Kristala is a dark fantasy action-rpg available now in early access on PC by developer Astral Clocktower Studios. It is self-published and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch upon full launch.
Welcome to your Feline Fighter Fantasy
Fresh off my latest preview of No Rest for the Wicked, I thought a look at a similar genre game would be interesting. This brought me to check out Kristala. While many others were returning for DLC for that one game with a really old circle, I was busy getting my butt handed to me once more in a different game. Sometimes we are just gluttons for punishment!
Gameplay
In Kristala, you take on the role of a feline warrior on their quest to master six magic specialties of the sacred Kristals. The intent by doing so is to join the ranks of powerful protectors of your species. Along the way you will discover that a curse has twisted and transformed the world, bringing further conflict and dilemma to your quest.
Kristala early access has been broken up into seven different segments that are labeled Episodes. As of right now, only Episode 1 is available with the next tentatively scheduled for September of this year. Each episode will primarily add an additional clan biome along with updates and changes to the different skill trees. Purchasing the game right now grants you access to all episodes as they become available. Episode one is equal to 4-12 hours worth of content. If you aren’t terrible at the game like me.
Though Kristala doesn’t specifically label itself as a souls-like game, but it definitely has a lot of similar influences. You can only save the game upon reaching crystal shards and your collective experience drops when you die. However you are able to pick up the lost experience by returning to that location. Blocking and countering enemies is also crucially important to stay alive. Effectively balancing different weapon types and skills along with strategy will get you farther.
The controls in Kristala overall feel fairly solid. Movement is unique in that you have a bit more flexibility in how you approach a fight and traverse the area. Delivering death from above your enemies generally results in their quick and ultimate demise. The only issue I really struggled with was the lock-on camera mechanic, as it became more of a burden when there were collision items or multiple enemies.
Graphics & Audio
Kristala is currently only available via Steam in Early Access. I did try and play it on my Steam Deck but there were some quirks. For example being prompted to install C++ runtimes, not loading my save games and full freezing/crashing. All issues indicative of Early Access. The game looks amazing though and is certainly on par with your typical AAA game releases. The environments as well as character models are very detailed. Each provide that dark fantasy feel without being completely dark and unbearable. I’m eager to see what the additional biomes will look like.
Another unique mechanic that I consider to be more along the line of graphics than gameplay in Kristala is the slowing of time during certain attacks. It gives a Matrix or cinematic feel which is very cool. It’s not as cool when you’re trying to find multiple enemies and keep track of them though. More often than not I’d find myself on the floor because I lost track of where an enemy was relative to the one I was fighting.
Audio effects and background music in Kristala are fitting for the genre and setting. With a name and focus around Kristals there are certainly a lot of crystal chime noises. Especially in the menus! But thankfully these were not to the point of being completely obnoxious like some games tend to be.
Longevity
Kristala currently has 4-12 hours of gameplay according to Astral Clocktower Studios. It also has three difficulty settings – Pet, Stray and Feral – the former of which adjusts dynamically to how you’re playing. With the additional content, skills, and gear that will eventually be in the game I believe this will be a significant time sink for those that want to experience everything.
Final Thoughts
Kristala has a lot of potential. It’s not quite the dreary dark fantasy environment of similar games but it’s definitely in that realm. It also has a familiar playstyle and enough promise to keep playing. I’m looking forward to returning to it as the additional episodes release and additional areas of magic and weaponry become available.
If you enjoyed this preview, be sure to check out my other articles here.
Disclaimer: A code was received in order to write this preview.
YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Discord | Podcast
About Author
