Written by Anthony L. Cuaycong
Title: Epic Astro Story
Developer: Kairosoft
Publisher: Kairosoft
Genre: Simulation
Price: $12.00
Also Available On: Android, iOS
First things first: Epic Astro Story is Japan-based Kairosoft’s latest in a series of ventures to port its mobile-gaming intellectual properties to the Nintendo Switch. Moreover, the simulation title is far from a new one, and even as it made its way to the Android and iOS platforms seven years ago, its roots continue to be evident in its hybrid-console iteration. From the home screen thumbnail to the presentation to the interface, there are aspects that will undoubtedly serve as reminders of its small-screen origins. That said, it’s nothing short of excellent, succeeding in its intent to keep gamers engrossed in its proceedings.
Like any other simulation title, Epic Astro Story essentially makes gamers operations managers of its realm. Unlike any other simulation title, it dreams big. It’s not about building a tennis club or ski resort or even a village from scratch. Rather, it sets as its main objective the management of a colony in space and, concomitantly, the exploration of other planets. Needless to say, proper handling and investment of resources are required, and doing so enables progress. Development leads to more citizens attracted, which leads to more demand for land, which leads to the fostering of harmonious relations with neighboring planets (or, as the case may be, the conquering of hostile forces), which leads to more areas to forage. And so on and so forth.
Epic Astro Story may sound daunting, but, in truth, it’s rollicking good fun helped in no small measure by its irreverent humor especially pandering to Trekkies. If there’s any negative, it’s that the proceedings can drag; the option to speed up and fast-forward the colony’s evolution is made available only after one playthrough. In sum, though, it’s a delightfully stress-free game that time and again provides a sense of accomplishment. Perfect for easy negotiating on the go, it generates tons of replay value and figures to be on any self-respecting simulation buff’s steady rotation of titles for some time to come.
THE GOOD
THE BAD
First things first: Epic Astro Story is Japan-based Kairosoft’s latest in a series of ventures to port its mobile-gaming intellectual properties to the Nintendo Switch. Moreover, the simulation title is far from a new one, and even as it made its way to the Android and iOS platforms seven years ago, its roots continue to be evident in its hybrid-console iteration. From the home screen thumbnail to the presentation to the interface, there are aspects that will undoubtedly serve as reminders of its small-screen origins. That said, it’s nothing short of excellent, succeeding in its intent to keep gamers engrossed in its proceedings.
Like any other simulation title, Epic Astro Story essentially makes gamers operations managers of its realm. Unlike any other simulation title, it dreams big. It’s not about building a tennis club or ski resort or even a village from scratch. Rather, it sets as its main objective the management of a colony in space and, concomitantly, the exploration of other planets. Needless to say, proper handling and investment of resources are required, and doing so enables progress. Development leads to more citizens attracted, which leads to more demand for land, which leads to the fostering of harmonious relations with neighboring planets (or, as the case may be, the conquering of hostile forces), which leads to more areas to forage. And so on and so forth.
Epic Astro Story may sound daunting, but, in truth, it’s rollicking good fun helped in no small measure by its irreverent humor especially pandering to Trekkies. If there’s any negative, it’s that the proceedings can drag; the option to speed up and fast-forward the colony’s evolution is made available only after one playthrough. In sum, though, it’s a delightfully stress-free game that time and again provides a sense of accomplishment. Perfect for easy negotiating on the go, it generates tons of replay value and figures to be on any self-respecting simulation buff’s steady rotation of titles for some time to come.
THE GOOD
- Dreams big, and succeeds for the most part
- Addictive gameplay laced with humor
- Generates tons of replay value
THE BAD
- Proceedings can drag
- Fast-forward option not available until after first playthrough
- Mobile roots evident from the get-go
RATING: 9/10
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