The game-play in Astal is interesting. There is a cave-part where you will be "warned" of incoming monters. The screen will grow dark, and all you'll see is the glowing eyes of beasts, your companion and Astal. If you like Odin's breath-taking graphic's, you'll like Astal. It's almost in the same fashion as Odin's background. The Boss fights somewhat remind me of Castlevania Rhondo of Blood remake for the psp. There are animated cut-scenes and voice-acting. The game also reminds me of "Crystal Maze" for the Atari. Remember you had to finish the level before the grim-reaper came? Well Astal has its version of the reaper. Finish quickly or there will be something unpleasant stalking you. You'll also want to smack the Goddess for punishing Astal then suddenly falling asleep for no reason, thus leaving the universe vulnerable to be destroyed by her enemy. She then stupidly leaves afterwards for good, so she has no purpose other than just being a "goddess". The in-voicing is somewhat cheesy.