Astaroth: The Angel of Death (1989)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

Astaroth: The Angel of Death (1989)

Astaroth: The Angel of Death is a challenging and rewarding platformer released for the Commodore 64, Amiga, and Atari ST in 1989. The game follows the journey of Ozymandias, a powerful sorcerer who must traverse the catacombs of Astaroth’s domain to defeat the evil angel of death.

Gameplay

Astaroth is a side-scrolling platformer in which the player controls Ozymandias as he jumps and ducks over obstacles, collects powerups, and defeats enemies. The game’s nine mind powers act as powerups, granting Ozymandias a variety of abilities, including levitation, pyrokinesis, and shape shifting.

Ozymandias must use his mind powers to overcome the various challenges he encounters in Astaroth’s domain. These challenges include giant scorpions, beholders, and fire elementals. Ozymandias must also defeat Astaroth’s three guardians of the soul: a sphinx, a three-headed hydra, and a marlith demon.

Plot

The game’s story is told through a series of cutscenes that are interspersed between the levels. The cutscenes reveal that Astaroth, the angel of death, has stolen the souls of three innocent people. Ozymandias, a powerful sorcerer, is the only one who can defeat Astaroth and save the souls of the innocent.

Ozymandias’ journey takes him through the catacombs of Astaroth’s domain, where he must face a variety of challenges. Ozymandias must use his mind powers to overcome these challenges and defeat Astaroth’s guardians of the soul.

Reception

Astaroth: The Angel of Death was released to critical acclaim. The game was praised for its challenging gameplay, innovative mind power mechanic, and dark and atmospheric setting. Astaroth was also a commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide.

Legacy

Astaroth: The Angel of Death is considered to be one of the best platformers of the 1980s. The game’s innovative mind power mechanic has been praised by critics, and the game’s dark and atmospheric setting has been cited as an influence on later games in the genre. Astaroth is still enjoyed by retro gamers today, and it remains a challenging and rewarding experience.

Tips for Playing Astaroth: The Angel of Death

  • Use your mind powers wisely. Each mind power has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to use them strategically.
  • Be patient. Astaroth is a challenging game, so don’t get discouraged if you die a few times. Just keep practicing and you’ll eventually be able to defeat Astaroth and save the souls of the innocent.
  • Explore every nook and cranny. There are many hidden secrets in Astaroth, so be sure to explore every level thoroughly.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment. Astaroth is a game that rewards experimentation, so don’t be afraid to try different things. You might just find a new way to defeat your enemies or solve a puzzle.

Conclusion

Astaroth: The Angel of Death is a classic platformer that still holds up today. The game’s challenging gameplay, innovative mind power mechanic, and dark and atmospheric setting make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding platformer, then Astaroth: The Angel of Death is the game for you.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Profile photo of Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More