App Store Editors’ Notes

Excellent Premium RPG

So far, this is an excellent RPG for mobile. There is no gacha or microtransactions in it at all (though I do hope to see more “episodes” either sold or added in the future). Combat is simple but fun. Reminds me a bit of a mix between Honkai: Star Rail, Atelier Ryza, and the Persona series—with its own spins on the real-time/turn-based system. Visuals and world building are both excellent. It’s a very pretty game (I can’t stop taking screenshots). Story and lore are interesting and capturing my attention, and the delivery of it (item descriptions, enemy compendium, etc.) reminds me of many classic RPGs. Finally, the character designs look great too. I certainly recommend giving this game a chance! While I do play and love gachas too, I think it’s also entirely worth showing support for the premium model, especially for one this high-quality and well-made.

Outstanding

Ex Astris is an outstanding RPG priced at just ten dollars it is worth the cost. Its turn-based combat system is uniquely engaging, allowing players to string together multiple skills for a satisfying combo while also providing intense moments of dodging and parrying enemies. The game boasts a compelling story with excellent world-building, further enhanced by some of the best graphics I have seen in a mobile game. However, Ex Astris isn't without its flaws. Upon completing the game, I noticed several issues with the story. Firstly, some translations were poorly executed, leading to confusion about the intended message. Secondly, a lack of explanation for many terminologies posed a significant hurdle in understanding the story, particularly at the beginning when numerous unfamiliar terms were introduced without clarification. Despite these shortcomings, Ex Astris has the potential for improvement. Implementing a glossary to explain unfamiliar terms used in the story could address this issue effectively. PROS: Great world-building Compelling story Engaging combat system Outstanding graphics CONS: Story issues Translation problems

9.5/10

Please please add controller support. This game looks fantastic - and I haven’t even played 20 minutes but the story already captured me entirely - I am a game designer and very seldomly do I still have the time to dive deep into games (so I curate my selection substantially) since most of the time… well i’m designing games instead. This game caught me for real - I am playing this till the end - but tbh the lack of controller support was a substantial disappointment that I wish will be addressed. I have however to state, that I haven’t felt “the need” for the controller (but I’ve barely played it to this moment); touch controls have been fine (though the sensitivity of the moving joystick could use some options, I like walking in games and this joystick’s range is so short it makes the character run quite quickly if you move your finger a bit too far from the “initial contact point”). Please consider adding controller support in the future - no “true game” at this point should be missing this feature - and clearly, this is a TRUE GAME 🫡.

Such a Fun Game

It’s been great playing this. Be aware, as of writing this, controller support isn’t available. However, the game is designed with its interactions for touch only. Sure, maybe it could be added, but the game plays well without it. The story and gameplay are a lot of fun, and the price is very reasonable considering its high quality. I really hope I get to play more games by this developer, because this is quickly becoming one of my favorite paid mobile games, especially for a one-time purchase. Definitely give it a play if you like turn-based jrpgs

Worth your money

Support this game, everyone!! The $10 is nothing compared to game titles on consoles or your typical P2W gacha. You only pay once and enjoy the whole game! How many other game developers are producing content like this? This should become the norm and I’m so excited that this game is showing others that you don’t need gacha or dailies to be a fun game. You play at your own pace. Saving is super easy and cloud saves are easily accessible and not buggy at all. Fun turn based combat with the ability to parry incoming attacks. The story is refreshing as well and I can’t wait for future DLC!!

Better then Star Rail

This game instantly hooked me with it’s story. I wish other gacha games were like this. Very high quality from the storytelling to the music to even the artwork. The combat is better than Star Rail. This game gives you all the combat features you would need for a turn based game. Nothing is locked behind micro transactions. The 10 dollar price tag is well worth it.

Not worth it

-Pacing for dialogue, story, and character development is all out of whack. I don’t know what’s going on because the text goes by too quick. Even anime eng subs are perfectly paced to the mouths. The mouths don’t move with their VOs anyways -Very shallow banter. Hard to like characters -Really just disappointed about the dialogue. Currently don’t have a clear idea of the ongoing plot. I’m barely onto the next area. -Battle system is satisfying and and so far some characters are well designed. Some were definitely locked into the sidelines right from glancing at their move kits. So much wasted potential for a powerful portraying character. -Level design and animation are pretty good save some clipping and things being buggy. Platforming is weird. Just add a jump button. Unless that is too difficult to put into the game. -Can’t access some ziplines outside the trade center because it is perma bugged stuck on the opposite side where the ladder hasn’t been lowered. Overall: there’s better unless you want a semi fresh battling style

Hopeful

Game looks good but current controller limitations are holding it back at this point, which is confusing because it was released as a premium game. Mobile gaming has progressed and without controller support, games are limited. Too many games are released to really give this a solid go. The thought of a premium, turned based rpg that is premium is so attractive and exciting, unfortunately without controller support in the day and age limits gameplay for hardcore mobile gamers. Graphics are great and am hopeful for future support down the road.

GRYPH FRONTIER PTE.LTD. When the first satellite passes through the atmosphere, we believe we shall conquer the universe someday.

TouchArcade Mon Jun 02 2025

Co-publishers GRYPHLINE and HyperGryph, and developer Gryph Frontier shared new gameplay for Ex Astris, showing off more of the strategy RPG...

Niche Gamer Mon Jun 02 2025

Real-time / turn-based hybrid premium 3D RPG Ex Astris will launch for iOS via App Store and Android via Google Play on February 27 for...

Gematsu Fri May 02 2025

GRYPHLINE, previously known as Gryph Frontier, the global publishing brand of Arknights creator and developer Hypergryph has announced the release date for...

GamerBraves Fri May 02 2025

In a major development the brand-new global game publisher, GRYPHLINE, officially launched after the rebranding of Gryph Frontier.

GamingonPhone Sun Mar 02 2025

Arknights creator Hypergryph announced the launch of Gryphline, its new global publishing brand which was called "Gryph Frontier" previously.

GamerBraves Sun Mar 02 2025