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Rating: 6 (out of 10)

Yeah, Astal is 2D. It's also a side-scroller. If you're that close-minded about things like this then you should go away right now. This isn't three dimensional or rendered, and it doesn't have breakthrough new ways of playing.

What it is, however, is fun. The graphics are drawn beautifully, and the music is absolutely the best on Saturn. The control is dead-on (I don't know what some people are talking about, because Astal responds very well, although he does take a little getting used to. Also, Astal isn't slow, it just isn't as fast as, say Sonic the Hedgehog or NiGHTS.

The real fun comes in exploring each world (although, granted, there aren't separate paths you can take). Each level is entirely new, and they are all drastically different from each other. While the Saturn's 3D chips are taxed, the 2D ones are pushed to the max, with vibrant colors, huge sprites, warping effects on the background (Behemoth's background is so cool). Also included are reflection effects, and transparancies.

The graphics feel so perfect, and the music totally wraps itself around you and you forget yourself, and just become totally involved in the game. I don't know one other game on the Saturn that does this so well.

Plus, it's on discount everywhere, since it's so old. I picked mine up for $15 after renting it 8 or 9 times (I rented a Saturn several times before purchasing one, just so I could play this game!)

When I first played it, I didn't like it too much, but as soon as you get used to the controls, you'll be absolutely absorbed. Give it an hour or so.

Graphics: 9/10 Beautiful, hand-drawn art (no tiles!)

Music: 9/10 Would have been 10/10 except for Volcano Valley

Sound: 8.5/10 Crystalline sound effects and Astal's Japanese voice are done perfectly, but Astal's English voice is really bad. I really like the voice of the soldier who's holding Astal's bird captive, though.. I laugh at it whenever I hear it.

Gameplay 7/10 Solid gameplay, but nothing special.

Fun 9/10 Some of the best times I've had on my Saturn have been with this game (and yes, I do own many of the top titles (NiGHTS, Tomb Raider, VF2, Sega Rally, etc., etc.)

My recommendation would be to at least rent this game, and give it a try. (A real try, don't just play for 2 min, then discard it... beat up until after the first boss at least). It's one of my favorite games.