Astrea is a DICE-deck-building roguelike that flips the script on deckbuilders by using dice instead of cards and a unique dual “damage” system: Purification vs Corruption. Build a dice pool strong enough to purify Astrea's out-of-control corruption and save the Star System.
Instead of the traditional card-based system, this game tasks players with building a pool of six-sided dice. Each die face offers a different effect, introducing an extra layer of strategy as players must consider the probabilities of rolling desired outcomes. The game offers three main die types - safe, balanced, and risky - allowing players to customize their level of risk versus reward.
One of the core innovations is the "dual damage" system. Players can use Purification to damage enemies or heal themselves, while Corruption can damage the player or heal enemies. Effectively managing this Purification-Corruption dynamic is crucial, as players must carefully balance offense and defense to succeed.
The health bar is tied to character abilities, with skills unlocking as the player takes Corruption damage. This risk-reward system encourages players to accrue just the right amount of Corruption to gain access to powerful abilities, while avoiding being "consumed" by it.
The game features six playable characters, each with their own distinct dice pools, abilities, and playstyles. From the spellcasting Moonie to the berserker Sothis, the wide variety of approaches allows for a high degree of replayability as players experiment with different strategies.
Beyond the base dice, players can customize their pool through various upgrades and blessings. They can edit die faces, reroll results, and even manipulate enemy dice, creating a deep deckbuilding experience. The "Star Blessings" and "Black Hole Blessings" further enhance customization options, enabling players to tailor their playstyle.
The game's roguelike structure, with branching paths, random events, and challenging boss battles, provides a compelling loop of risk and reward. The combination of deck-building, dice manipulation, and character abilities creates a gameplay experience that is both deep and highly replayable as players strive to overcome increasing difficulty levels.