Info about Astrea: Six-Sided Oracles:

Official game description:
  
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.  
• **Unique dual “damage” system: Purification vs Corruption -** In Astrea there is a new type of “damage” system. Purification can be used to damage enemies or heal yourself. On the other hand, corruption can be used to damage yourself or heal the enemies. Pacify enemies through Purification, or Corrupt yourself to unleash abilities that help tip the scales.  
• **Dynamic Health Bar system -** With skills attached to your health bar, you can take Corruption to enable these skills and unleash powerful abilities. But be careful, if you take too much Corruption you will be consumed by it.  
• **Not cards, but dice! -** Build a dice pool that fits your playstyle. Choose from over 350 dice and three dice types; reliably safe, perfectly balanced, or powerfully risky. A dice type system designed with high-risk, high-reward in its core.  
• **Customize your dice -** Forge your fate by editing die faces with new actions, tipping the odds of powerful results into your favor.  
• **Choose from Six Brave Oracles -** Each possessing their own unique dice sets, abilities, and playstyles. From ingenious spellcasters to brutish berserkers, whether you like beating the opponent into submission or outsmarting them with clever plays, there’s an oracle for you.  
• **20 Upgradeable Support Sentinels -** Enchanted constructs that offer supportive dice rolls making them reliable companions in the heat of battle.  
• **Uncover Over 170 Modifying Blessings -** Imbue your Oracle with unique passives yielding potent effects that change up your fundamental tactics. Choose between Star Blessings, passive effects with lower power, or Black Hole Blessings, powerful passive effects with a drawback.  
• **More than 20 random events** - Find mysterious locations that can change the course of your run.  
• **Manipulate your enemies and control your fate -** Enemies attack using their own die, making it possible for you to manipulate their die to change their intent.  
• **16 Difficulty Levels -** Customize your experience using difficulty levels to test all your abilities.  
Long ago - when ancient ruins were once flourishing civilizations and their populace lived in idyllic bliss - a mystical star governed all. Loyal disciples, called Six-Sided Oracles, were blessed by their star, granting them the strength to seal away the gift of heavenly bodies within mystic relics.  
All was perfect and harmonious, until that one fateful day - The Crimson Dawn Cataclysm. A ferocious inferno sundered down from the sky, engulfing the entirety of the star system, crumbling the foundations of their society and corrupting the souls of the weak-willed. The disciples of the star were lost to the chaos - their creations scattered across a vast world of ruin. Could there still exist those who were capable of wielding their power?  
Eons later, descendants of the Six-Sided Oracles embark on a journey to finish the failed battle that their predecessors started and save their star system.

Release date: 21 Sep, 2023

Categories: Roguelike, Deckbuilding, Turn-based Combat, Character Progression, Character Customization, Strategic Combat, Single-player Story, Dice-based Gameplay


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Engaging & Replayable Gameplay (weight 0.71): The game offers a highly enjoyable and addictive gameplay experience with significant replayability. Players appreciate its accessibility, engaging loop, and overall fun factor, making it suitable for both casual and dedicated play.
- Innovative Roguelike Deck-builder (weight 0.61): The game is a fresh and innovative take on the roguelike deck-builder genre, particularly for fans of Slay the Spire. It introduces unique mechanics, such as dice instead of cards, offering a distinct experience while maintaining the core appeal of the genre.
- Stunning Art & Music (weight 0.44): The game features exceptional and unique art direction, visuals, and music. Reviewers consistently praise the stunning hand-drawn style, thematic color palettes, and atmospheric soundtrack, which significantly enhance the overall experience.
- Unique Dice Mechanics (weight 0.4): The dice-based combat system is a core innovation, replacing traditional cards with six-sided dice. This mechanic adds strategic depth, randomness, and satisfying tactical choices, as players can modify dice faces and mitigate luck.
- Strategic Depth & Accessibility (weight 0.34): The game strikes a balance between strategic depth and accessibility. While easy to pick up, it offers complex mechanics and encourages thoughtful decision-making, risk management, and experimentation, rewarding patient strategists.
- Extensive Build Variety (weight 0.31): The game offers extensive build variety and customization options, allowing players to create powerful and satisfying synergies. Each run feels unique due to the wide range of choices and the ability to minimize randomness.
- Tactical & Fluid Combat (weight 0.23): The combat system is fast, fluid, and tactical, requiring strategic thinking to overcome varied and well-designed enemies. The unique health system and diverse mechanics contribute to a tense and engaging battle experience.

Common complaints:
- Excessive Randomness (weight 0.88): The game's high reliance on randomness, particularly with dice rolls, leads to frustrating and inconsistent gameplay. This often forces players to save-scum or restart runs, diminishing strategic depth and player agency.
- Overly Complex Mechanics (weight 0.79): The game's mechanics are overly complex and difficult to understand, leading to a steep learning curve and mental fatigue. This complexity often feels unnecessary and hinders enjoyment, especially for new players.
- Unbalanced Difficulty Scaling (weight 0.62): The difficulty scaling is inconsistent and often too high, especially at advanced levels, leading to frustrating experiences and a reliance on save-scumming. The early game at high difficulty is particularly punishing.
- Limited Content Variety (weight 0.58): The game suffers from a lack of content variety, including enemy types, bosses, and overall gameplay scenarios. This leads to repetitive experiences and reduced replayability, causing players to lose interest quickly.
- Rigid Build Construction (weight 0.46): Deck/build construction is rigid and often relies on specific, hard-to-obtain dice, limiting strategic flexibility. Many dice are considered useless outside of very narrow archetypes, making it difficult to create diverse or synergistic builds.
- Weak Story & Polish (weight 0.46): The game's narrative and lore are underdeveloped, abstract, and largely forgettable, failing to engage players who seek a compelling story. Additionally, the game is perceived as lacking overall depth and polish.
- Slow Game Pace (weight 0.43): The game's pace is slow due to lengthy and unskippable animations, particularly during combat and dice rolls. This contributes to a tedious and unengaging gameplay experience.
- Inferior to Slay the Spire (weight 0.14): The game is frequently compared unfavorably to 'Slay the Spire,' with reviewers noting it lacks the depth, balance, intuitiveness, and overall polish of its competitor. This comparison highlights areas where the game falls short.
- Poor UI/Icon Readability (weight 0.13): The user interface is cluttered, unintuitive, and difficult to navigate, with many similar-looking icons and small dice faces. This poor UI design hinders readability and makes it challenging to track effects and information during gameplay.

Gameplay feedback:
- Dice-based Deckbuilder (weight 0.82): The game innovates on the roguelike deckbuilder genre by replacing traditional cards with six-sided dice. This core mechanic introduces a unique layer of randomness and strategic depth, as players must manage not only which dice to include in their 'deck' but also the varying effects of each dice face upon rolling.
- Purification/Corruption Mechanic (weight 0.46): The core combat revolves around a 'Purification' and 'Corruption' mechanic. Purification damages enemies and heals the player, while Corruption damages the player and heals enemies, creating a constant tug-of-war that influences both offensive and defensive strategies.
- Diverse Character Playstyles (weight 0.45): The game offers six distinct characters, each with unique mechanics, playstyles, and dice sets. This diversity ensures high replayability and encourages players to explore different strategies, as mastering each character feels like learning a new game.
- Risk-Reward Dice System (weight 0.44): The game features a nuanced risk-reward system tied to dice types, categorized as safe, balanced, and risky. Players can choose dice with powerful effects that come with significant drawbacks, encouraging strategic decision-making and the use of mechanics like rerolling and dice modification to mitigate randomness.
- Dynamic Health as Resource (weight 0.33): A unique health system allows players to use their health as a resource. By intentionally taking damage or managing their 'purification' and 'corruption' levels, players can activate powerful character-specific 'virtue' skills, adding a dynamic layer of tactical depth to combat.
- Short Runs & Save Options (weight 0.24): Runs are relatively short, typically lasting 1-2 hours, making the game accessible for quick play sessions. The game also features a save-scumming option before combat, allowing players to restart battles if dissatisfied with the outcome, which can impact the perceived difficulty.
- Extensive Unlockable Content (weight 0.2): The game features extensive unlockable content, including new characters, dice, and blessings (relics). This progression system provides a steady stream of new strategic options and replay value, encouraging players to continue playing and experimenting with different builds.
- Slay the Spire Similarities (weight 0.17): The game is frequently compared to Slay the Spire, sharing a similar roguelike deckbuilder framework with a three-act structure and path-based maps. However, it differentiates itself with its dice mechanics and often presents a different difficulty curve, with some players finding it easier or more complex.
- Challenging Enemy Mechanics (weight 0.11): At higher difficulties, enemies introduce complex mechanics, such as damage nullification, retaliatory effects, and corruption-inducing abilities. This significantly increases the challenge and often necessitates precise calculations and strategic use of the game's mechanics, sometimes leading to reliance on save-scumming.
- Horizontal Meta-Progression (weight 0.08): The game incorporates a meta-progression system where characters level up, unlocking new dice, blessings, and additional difficulty levels. This horizontal progression expands the available content and complexity for each character rather than providing direct stat boosts.
- Austra's Luck-Based Playstyle (weight 0.07): Austra, one of the characters, is heavily focused on luck-based mechanics, utilizing critical chance and evasion. Her abilities and dice often involve random outcomes, making her playstyle highly reliant on RNG, which can be either frustrating or rewarding depending on player preference.

Performance notes:
- Inconsistent Optimization (weight 0.02): The game's optimization is inconsistent, with some users reporting good performance on high settings with dedicated graphics cards, while others experience general optimization issues.
- Good Steam Deck Performance (weight 0.02): The game performs well on the Steam Deck, providing a smooth and enjoyable experience for players on this portable device.
- Memory Leak Issues (weight 0.01): Some players encounter memory leak issues, which can be temporarily resolved by restarting the game to reset RAM usage.
- Post-Update Frame Rate Drop (weight 0.01): A recent update has negatively impacted the game's frame rate, leading to a significant drop in performance for some users.
- Slow Dice Drawing Stage (weight 0.01): The dice drawing stage in the game is reported to be slow, though this issue might be related to individual computer specifications.

Recommendations:
- Highly Recommended Game (weight 0.66): The game is highly recommended, especially for fans of roguelike deck-builders and dice-based games. Many reviewers compare it favorably to Slay the Spire, suggesting it offers a fresh and engaging experience within the genre.
- Good Value, Buy on Sale (weight 0.39): The game's value for money is a recurring theme, with many recommending it, especially when on sale. Some reviewers believe it's worth the full price, while others suggest waiting for a discount.
- Not Recommended by Some (weight 0.08): Some players do not recommend the game due to various issues, including UI problems, perceived mediocrity, and a lack of balance patches. These issues led some to uninstall the game or advise against purchase.
- Try the Demo First (weight 0.05): Reviewers strongly advise trying the game's demo before purchasing. This allows players to determine if the game's unique mechanics and style align with their preferences, especially given its specific genre appeal.
- Hope for Future Improvements (weight 0.04): Players express hope for future optimizations and improvements, particularly regarding UI and balance. There's a strong desire for continued development to address current issues and enhance the overall experience.
- Translation Errors Need Fix (weight 0.01): There are mentions of translation errors within the game. Players hope these issues will be fixed in future updates to improve clarity and overall experience.
- Mixed Player Engagement (weight 0.01): Player engagement varies, with some planning to complete the game entirely and others deciding to end their playthroughs. This indicates a mixed reception regarding long-term replayability or satisfaction.

Other player notes:
- Pleasing Music & Sound (weight 0.12): The game's music and sound design generally receive positive feedback, with many finding the soundtrack enjoyable, fitting the theme, and contributing to the atmosphere. However, some players note that the music can become repetitive or generic over time, particularly the victory music.
- Extensive Playtime (weight 0.06): The game offers substantial playtime, especially for players aiming for 100% completion or unlocking all characters. Reviewers report many hours of gameplay, indicating good value for money and a high degree of content completion.
- Repetitive Enemy Variety (weight 0.04): Players desire more variety in enemy combinations and appearances, as the current selection can lead to repetitive encounters after many runs. There's also a hope for continued developer support through balance fixes and new content to address these issues.
- Workshop Support Needed (weight 0.02): There is a strong desire for Steam Workshop support to allow community-made tools and content, which would enhance the overall player experience and extend the game's longevity.
- Rich World & Content (weight 0.02): The game is noted for its well-developed world view and background story, along with a substantial amount of content, contributing to a rich and engaging experience.
- Cohesive Thematic Design (weight 0.02): The game successfully unifies its mechanics, gameplay, and art within a cohesive theme of purified stars and corrupted seas, with combat often involving the purification of opponents.
- More Characterization Desired (weight 0.02): While character designs and lore are generally praised, some players wish for more in-depth characterization to further develop the playable cast.
- Unique Core Theme (weight 0.02): The game's core theme revolves around the concept of 'gambling life for character power,' where actions that seem detrimental can ultimately be beneficial, reflecting a unique philosophical approach to gameplay mechanics.

Emotions:
- Satisfaction (weight 0.32): Players are highly satisfied with the game's innovative dice-based deckbuilder mechanics, unique character designs, and strategic depth, which offer high replayability and diverse build options. The appealing art style, music, and overall polish also contribute significantly to a positive and enjoyable gameplay experience, often highlighted by the ease of achieving powerful combos and a forgiving learning curve.
- Frustration (weight 0.17): Frustration primarily stems from the high randomness of dice rolls and perceived imbalanced mechanics, especially at higher difficulties, often necessitating save-scumming. Players also struggle with overwhelming UI, complex keyword systems, and unclear information, leading to difficulty in tracking effects and making informed decisions. Technical issues like freezing and poor localization further exacerbate these frustrations.
- Disappointment (weight 0.13): Disappointment arises from the game's perceived lack of depth and content variety, leading to repetitive gameplay and limited replayability for some. Players also express dissatisfaction with balance issues, particularly at higher difficulties, and a feeling that the game doesn't fully live up to its potential or comparisons to other genre leaders like Slay the Spire. Issues with randomness overpowering strategy and unfulfilling progression also contribute to this sentiment.
- Excitement (weight 0.07): Excitement is driven by the game's innovative mechanics, unique design, and high replayability, which offer a fresh take on the roguelite deckbuilder genre. Players are thrilled by discovering powerful combos, exploring diverse character builds, and the overall high quality of the art, characters, and strategic depth. The game's ability to provide a novel and engaging experience keeps players motivated to continue playing and exploring its possibilities.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.06): Players enjoy the game due to its unique dice mechanics, appealing art style, and engaging strategic gameplay. The variety of characters, customizable dice, and the satisfaction of finding powerful combos contribute to a fun and addictive experience. The moderate difficulty and smooth performance also enhance the overall enjoyment, making it a relaxing yet strategically rich game.
- Appreciation (weight 0.05): Players appreciate the game's high-quality art style, music, and unique combat system, which create an immersive and aesthetically pleasing experience. The developers' commitment to updates and the game's overall polish, combined with its innovative mechanics and diverse character designs, are highly valued. The game's unique take on the genre and its value for money also contribute to a strong sense of appreciation.
- Joy (weight 0.04): Joy is derived from the game's fun and strategic gameplay, combined with its beautiful art style, appealing atmosphere, and engaging music. Players find delight in the rich character builds, the satisfaction of completing runs, and the overall positive experience the game provides. The game's value for money and the simple pleasure of rolling dice also contribute to this joyful sentiment.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Admiration is primarily directed towards the game's exceptional aesthetic, including its gorgeous visuals, atmospheric soundtrack, and unique character art. Players are impressed by the game's high level of polish, creative system design, and overall quality, often comparing it favorably to other genre leaders. The ingenuity of its combat system and strategic depth also inspire admiration.
- Confusion (weight 0.02): Confusion arises from the game's complex mechanics, overwhelming number of special terms, and unclear UI/icons, making it difficult for players to understand core systems and track effects. Issues with misleading translations and a steep initial learning curve further contribute to this sense of bewilderment, particularly for new players trying to grasp the game's intricacies.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Players express surprise at the game's unexpected quality, unique gameplay, and how much fun they had despite initial skepticism. The game's high polish, variety, and the ease of clearing runs often exceed players' expectations, leading to a pleasant and unexpected enjoyment of the experience.
- Engagement (weight 0.01): Engagement is driven by the game's strategic depth, complex mechanics, and addictive quality, which effectively hook players. The need for deep strategic thinking, combined with extensive customization features and diverse build options, keeps players immersed and invested in the gameplay experience.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Boredom sets in due to repetitive gameplay after completing all characters or a certain number of runs, coupled with easy combat and a lack of engaging content. The tutorial design and a general lack of novelty after the initial experience also contribute to players losing interest.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Anger is caused by perceived unfairness, particularly due to excessive RNG and imbalanced character designs, leading to frustrating and unpleasant experiences. Players express strong dissatisfaction with specific design choices, such as the 'Rhino character' being deemed 'pure garbage,' and the feeling that their time invested is wasted due to poor balance and difficulty spikes.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Hope is centered on the desire for future content, continued improvements, and specific fixes, such as optimization of random events and balance adjustments. Players express a wish for more challenge and the implementation of quality-of-life features like an option to disable dice.
- Interest (weight 0.01): Interest is sparked by the game's unique dice system, innovative dual damage system, and overall game complexity. Players are drawn to the distinctiveness of its mechanics and the strategic depth they offer, indicating a desire to explore and understand these novel elements.
- Annoyance (weight 0): Annoyance stems from specific negative design choices and missing quality-of-life features, such as negative upgrade perks, the lack of a surrender or restart option, and a perceived 'disgusting setting' requiring all heroes to be cleared for the final boss. Translation errors also contribute to this irritation.
- Challenge (weight 0): The game presents a challenge through its steep learning curve and the necessity of keeping track of numerous effects. This indicates that players find the game demanding in terms of mental effort and adaptation to its systems.
- Exhaustion (weight 0): Exhaustion is caused by the game's complexity, which leads to brain-draining gameplay and long, tedious battles. The mental effort required to manage intricate mechanics and extended combat encounters contributes to players feeling worn out.
- Mild disappointment (weight 0): Mild disappointment arises from minor issues such as visual monotony, limited levels, imbalanced buffs, and a simplistic story. These aspects, while not game-breaking, detract slightly from the overall experience and prevent it from reaching its full potential.
- Love (weight 0): Players express love for the game due to its engaging dice rolling mechanic, well-designed characters, and overall high quality. This indicates a strong emotional connection and deep appreciation for the core gameplay and aesthetic elements.}