Asterfel: 13 Minutes of Gothic Action-RPG Gameplay

Enjoy this 13-minute gameplay slice from Asterfel, an upcoming gothic fantasy action-RPG inspired by 2000s-era RPGs where you play a shipwrecked survivor on the island of Asterfel. Choose to align yourself with one of the island’s three factions and battle the wrath of an ancient god as your choices shape your character’s fate.

Try it for yourself as part of Steam’s Medieval Fest: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3892510/Asterfel/

Asterfel: 13 Minutes of Gothic Action-RPG Gameplay

A measured hands-on look at Asterfel’s 13 minute gameplay snippet reveals a game that leans into mood as much as movement. Set in a fog-blanketed city, the demonstration threads exploration with sharp combat and environmental storytelling. The segment drops you into a ruined quarter where stained glass furnishes pockets of color against stone and iron, and shadow becomes a tactical element as you pace between lantern-lit alleys and collapsing arches.

Visuals and atmosphere: Asterfel’s art direction uses chiaroscuro to depth charge the Gothic mood. Damp textures, medieval architectural details, and particles from ember-lit torches combine to create a convincing sense of place. Lighting responds to your positioning, revealing secrets in seemingly ordinary corners. The world builds its own language through signage, hidden altars, and relics that hint at a longer history without spelling it out.

Combat and pacing: The core loop is built around deliberate engagements rather than mindless button mashing. You carry a main melee option with a choice of light and heavy strikes, paired with a stamina/poise mechanic that discourages reckless spamming. Timing a parry or a precise dodge opens windows for a counter, and successful sequences spill into slow-motion flourishes that emphasize weight and consequence. A secondary resource powers occasional spells or telekinetic effects, used sparingly to punctuate encounters rather than overwhelm them.

Movement and level flow: The segment demonstrates verticality through rooftop routes, catwalks, and shattered interiors, rewarding careful map reading and timing. Puzzles and optional routes sit alongside combat arenas, encouraging players to plan a route rather than mow through every space. The tempo feels measured—moments of quiet lore give way to sudden clashes that test your nerve and reflexes in equal measure.

Sound design and score: Asterfel pairs its visuals with a score that blends orchestral swells and ambient drones. Footsteps, armor clinks, and the creak of wooden beams anchor your sense of space, while choral hints and eerie synths cue rising tension in key encounters. The result is a sonic signature that reinforces the Gothic mood without overpowering the action.

Progression and systems: From the snippet, progression appears to revolve around relics and skill options that broaden combat choices and defensive tools. Expect a blend of weapon forms and magic-like abilities that reward careful investment rather than quick gains. The feedback loop—explore, learn, upgrade—feels aligned with the genre’s tradition while aiming for a modern, responsive feel.

Initial impression and outlook: The 13 minute window showcases a game that advice and design teams can build upon. Asterfel promises a cohesive Gothic action-RPG experience where atmosphere, mechanics, and pace are attuned to one another. If the full game maintains this trajectory, players can anticipate a thoughtful companion to classics in the genre rather than a frenetic clone. Developers appear to be balancing restraint with spectacle, offering a world that invites exploration as much as it invites combat.

24/7 Video Game

All the best video games, all the time. Watch no commentary gaming videos live and on demand. By Adrian M ThePRO the Game Professional.

Join The Pro Gamers Community

• You are a pro gamer! • Share your content! • Get discovered!

Join The Pro Gamers Community on social media or login to 24/7 Video Game and submit your posts right to this website.

Up Game Shop

New & used video games, consoles, handhelds, retro, and gaming merchandise. Up Game Shop has the latest and greatest video game deals on the internet.