Visually sumptuous platformer, one of Saturn's most beautiful games. Gameplay is simple but effective, fairy-tale atmosphere is charming. Short and fairly easy, but the visual journey alone is worth it.
Your verdict
Category
Action Adventure1 player7+
Description
Poetic tale in which Astal, a mystical creature with powerful arms, protects the young Yuki. Published by Sega, released in Japan in 1995. Levels with lavish hand-drawn backdrops, enemies grabbed and hurled as weapons, impressive bosses and an orchestral soundtrack by Hitoshi Sakimoto. The original Japanese release of this overlooked visual gem of the Saturn.
Kisuishou Densetsu Astal review
MAX
Art direction
★★★★★
"Iconic"
4/5
Music
★★★★★
"Excellent"
3/5
Story
★★★★★
"Solid"
Colourful sprites of magnificent roundness, settings painted like a fresco and a dazzling palette: the game stood as a graphic showcase at the Saturn's launch. The fluidity of the animation and the richness of the colours overflow with charm. This visual generosity, polished and warm, remains a jewel of the 2D action game.
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"From the very first minutes"
Addictiveness
"Engaging"
Difficulty
"Balanced"
Lifespan
"Average"
Technical info
💾0,51 GB📅28/04/1995
Published by Sega
Kisuishou Densetsu Astal (Saturn) price, value & rarity
Original Japanese edition of Astal, distributed by Sega in April 1995 under the Kisuishou Densetsu Astal title, the local version of the Sega CS 2D platformer four months ahead of the North American release. Sega rigid case with intact obi, cover in richer colours than the US version, 1M or 4M specification depending on the run. Sega Japan run was short, complete with obi marked Kisuishou Densetsu remains a central archive object for Sega CS enthusiasts attentive to the original Japanese printing.
An underrated gem
A living painting in motion, this platformer unfolds hand-painted backdrops of rare beauty, where Astal grabs and hurls his enemies to protect little Yuki. Short and demanding, it suffered from the console's small install base. But its enchanting art direction makes it a marvel ripe for rediscovery by anyone who loves polished pixel art.
Is Kisuishou Densetsu Astal still worth playing in 2026?
A 2D platformer by Sega, Astal offers a poetic adventure where the young hero and his bird companion Leda traverse a fantasy world with sumptuous scenery. The absolutely sublime watercolour art direction, precise handling and enchanting soundtrack make it an absolute visual gem of the Saturn catalogue. For anyone fond of artistic 2D platformers or seeking an aesthetic showcase of the Sega machine, a warm recommendation still valid today without any hesitation for contemplative 2D genre fans truly indeed here.
