Astra Bestiary Puts A Unique Spin On The Typical Creature Capture Genre 1
Image: Bicho Feo

Creature-catching games have been popping up left and right ever since Palworld fired the first shot, so to speak, marking the start of this genre's massive expansion beyond the pre-established games of the past and into the hands of more independent developers. While we have seen a few 3D releases like Palworld and Animo, Astra Bestiary is different and piqued my interest, as it is heavily SNES-inspired, with gorgeous 2D sprites and a simple but charming world.

Astra Bestiary sees you set off on a journey to uncover the lost secrets of a fallen civilisation by noting down your discoveries alongside forging bonds with the beasts that roam the land. This world is non-linear and open, meaning you can explore to your heart's content and uncover mysteries at your own pace.

The creatures you find are going to be your best friends on your quest, and are able to be hatched and then raised all the way from infant to adult, but be careful – your choices impact how they will grow; will they become a fearsome tyrant, a kind monarch, or a sly Archon? There's only one way to find out.

I think this mechanic is incredible for a creature-catching RPG like this, as it really reinforces those RPG elements, with each choice shaping the companions you spend the game with. This will lead to everyone having a different combination of unique monsters depending on the way they go about achieving their goal (and also increases replayability, which I am a huge sucker for).

Another quite unique feature of this game is that these beasts sadly don't stay around forever; they will pass away over time. Now, I know what you are thinking: this might not sound all that fun, but in reality it makes for a way to power up your new beasts even more, as when one beast passes on, it leaves behind an item that can be consumed by another of its kind to increase their power even more than it ever could normally.

This feature is yet another that I think really deepens the RPG immersion and emotional connection you will end up having with these creatures (I know that's what usually happens to me), and the feature reminded me of a Tamagotchi, accompanied by the pain that inevitably comes with them.

If you are looking for a cosy, retro-inspired experience, then I think Astra Bestiary is going to be something you will love, and if you aren't so sure, then go and try the free demo out yourself, or even buy the game at a nice 15% percent discount right now, making it £14.86 instead of $17.49.