Astonishia Story

 PSP
  • Publisher: Ubisoft
  • Release Date: Jun 6, 2006
Metascore
48

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 35
  3. Negative: 16 out of 35
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  1. Yahoo!
    70
    The game's controls and user-interface are clean and intuitive: the analog stick and four face buttons are all that's needed to play, and the unobtrusive onscreen icons give you necessary information when you need it.
  2. eToychest
    70
    It’s fun to play through, and easy to pick up and put down again pretty quickly, both a must for a handheld port and a rarity in the SRPG subgenre.
  3. Play UK
    68
    The battles are over-long and while the game is pretty short, you'd be hard-pushed to see it through to the end. [Issue 142, p.88]
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  5. Digital Entertainment News
    66
    If you're looking for a PSone/early PS2-quality turn-based RPG on PSP... keep on looking.
  6. Gaming Horizon
    61
    Lackluster story, flat characters, and a mere fifteen or so hours of gameplay really make this hard to recommend even to the most hardcore RPG players.
  7. GameSpot
    60
    The rudimentary design of Astonishia Story isn't surprising, given that it's a no-frills remake of a 1994 PC game. However, that doesn't excuse the very apparent lack of story, character, and depth in Astonishia Story.
  8. GameZone
    60
    If you’re looking for a generic role-playing game that isn’t half-bad despite its dated gameplay then Astonishia Story might just be the PSP game you’ll want to buy.
  9. Worth Playing
    60
    Broken down to choosing an RPG for PSP, Astonishia Story is the best available next to the import-only "Tales of Eternia," which you should get instead if you have access to it.
  10. RewiredMind
    60
    The graphics are poor, the game play is old fashioned, the music is just plain annoying, but it has character. This attribute alone elevates it above the rest of the samey RPGs out there, but it still manages to be just that – samey.
  11. Games Master UK
    59
    Sweet sprites and backdrops really aren't enough to hide a pretty bog standard RPG. [Aug 2006, p.72]
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  12. Gamers' Temple
    58
    The only thing astonishing about this game is how bland and generic it manages to be.
  13. IGN
    55
    Astonishia Story abandons depth and interesting characters for the barest bones of plot and combat, which will easily leave RPG fans wanting more.
  14. PSM3 Magazine UK
    52
    Predictable, weary, soulless, money-for-old-rope fodder. [Sept 2006, p.85]
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  15. RPG Fan
    52
    In a word: yuck.
  16. Deeko
    50
    From the moment you turn on the system, you won't be able to ignore the fact that this game sucks you into a sub-SNES warp: and not in a good way.
  17. GameSpy
    50
    It's competent, and weird, and will be infamous in a couple years. That's gotta count for something, right? Even Young Lady With Full of Troubles could appreciate that.
  18. Next Level Gaming
    50
    A lack of an engaging storyline.
  19. PSM Magazine
    50
    The English translation is awful, the skill system is poorly designed, and the load times are nearly unbearable. [Sep 2006, p.87]
    All this publication's reviews
  20. PSW Magazine UK
    50
    It looks charming in an early-90s 2D sort of way and is well put together, but the benchmark this generic title has set will easily be smashed by the likes of "Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII."

Awards & Rankings

71
#71 Most Discussed PSP Game of 2006
39
#39 Most Shared PSP Game of 2006

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
5.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 23
  3. Negative: 9 out of 23
  1. EricK.
    Aug 2, 2006
    0
    I am deeply troubled by the fact that I paid 40 bucks for this game. The only thing good I can say about it is that purchasing Astonishia, I am deeply troubled by the fact that I paid 40 bucks for this game. The only thing good I can say about it is that purchasing Astonishia, and being completely disgusted with its quality, has caused me to research my future PSP game purchases a bit more.… Full Review »
  2. ZacheryG.
    Jul 8, 2006
    0
    I wish i could go in to the negative on this one. Horrible game. No quest book. Character not at all customizable. Most of the time you look I wish i could go in to the negative on this one. Horrible game. No quest book. Character not at all customizable. Most of the time you look like a chicken with your head cut off because you have no idea what you are supposed to be doing. I would pay them to take this game back.… Full Review »
  3. KOGFanstarks161
    May 30, 2020
    8
    This game is seriously underrated and people need to stop giving it crap. The combat system adds a layer of depth to the turn based combatThis game is seriously underrated and people need to stop giving it crap. The combat system adds a layer of depth to the turn based combat system by adding area and locomotion control which affects everything from the skills you cast to how you attack. The characters are solid with each having their distinctive traits and personality. Story encompasses a lot of elements of drama, romance action and a hint comedy. themes such as war, revenge , adversity and manipulation play a heavy role in the story. The lore is enthralling and amazing. And the visuals, while are dated give a sense of charm and pay homage to what gaming was before.… Full Review »
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