Kristala the soulslike action RPG reaches version 1.0 and marks the debut of the women led indie developer Astral Clocktower Studios


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Vinicius Melo
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Editor-chefe Watermelo, computer scientist, researcher on ADHD and VR, and writer about games.

terça, 28 de abril de 2026 21h 40min

Astral Clocktower Studios, Kristala the soulslike action RPG reaches version 1.0 and marks the debut of the women led indie developer
(credit image: Astral Clocktower Studios, Kristala the soulslike action RPG reaches version 1.0 and marks the debut of the women led indie developer )

Kristala reaches version 1.0 after eight years of development and marks the official debut of Astral Clocktower Studios on the global market with a simultaneous launch for PC PlayStation and Xbox. The dark fantasy action RPG surpassed 100 thousand wishlists even before release, highlighting strong player interest in a project that started small and grew alongside its community.


The production represents a significant milestone for the women led indie studio, which built a loyal player base through organic growth and a strong digital presence. Over the years the project evolved from a volunteer initiative into a large scale operation while maintaining a shared creative vision between the team and its community.


Game director Alexis Brutman emphasized the project’s journey and the impact of its release. According to her, "Kristala has been in development for eight years. It started with a small volunteer team and grew into a full scale studio united by a shared vision. Launching it worldwide for PC PlayStation and Xbox is a surreal milestone for us. Our goal was to expand what players expect from the genre by combining fast fluid combat with platforming and parkour in a world where cats are kings while also dedicating a portion of our profits to support animal rescue organizations around the world", said the director of Astral Clocktower Studios.


Set in the cursed world of Ailur, the game delivers fast paced and demanding combat inspired by genre classics, blending intense action with vertical exploration stealth elements and skill based progression. Players take on the role of an elite feline warrior tasked with uncovering the origin of a dark corruption threatening the balance of the realm.


The experience stands out for its dynamic pace, featuring aggressive enemies and systems that require precision in attacks dodges and defenses. Defined timing windows and difficulty that responds to player performance reinforce the challenge, while the visual identity and character design help establish a distinct presence within the genre.


Another key element is customization. Players can create their feline characters by choosing from different clans, each with unique magical abilities and rich traditions. Visual aspects such as fur and physical traits also influence gameplay, expanding strategic possibilities.


The magic system is directly tied to these clans, allowing the use of ancient elemental powers channeled through the Sacred Six Kristals. Throughout the journey players can unlock and upgrade new abilities, offering freedom to shape different combat styles.


The world of Ailur also stands out for its narrative depth, blending ancient prophecies corrupted creatures and lost civilizations. This backdrop creates a dense and immersive atmosphere supported by a sound design that includes original music with heavy metal influences.


Among the launch highlights is the participation of content creator MickeyMunch, known for his rat like persona and viral presence in popular games. He makes his voice acting debut as Gustav Gondasa, an important NPC who becomes one of the first allies players encounter during their journey.


The full release follows a period of strong pre launch momentum, driven by a well received demo and viral reach across social media. This helped establish an active and engaged community around the project.


Sarah Schaffstall co founder and marketing director at Astral Clocktower Studios highlighted the importance of this moment for the team. According to her, "As an indie team bringing Kristala to full release has been an extraordinary journey. This game represents years of perseverance collaboration with the community and a shared belief in the world we have built together over the past eight years. Launching the full version is a milestone we are incredibly proud of and truly it is only the beginning of everything still to come for the world of Ailur", reinforcing that the launch is only the beginning of what lies ahead for the franchise.




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