Astral Dive Is a Gorgeous Pixel-Art RPG with a Unique Magic Card-Based Combat System

Written by Marcello TBL

Overviews

R-Games and R-Factory are preparing a hand-drawn JRPG-inspired adventure for PC, currently planned for Q1 2027.

There’s a new fantasy RPG on the horizon for players who enjoy classic JRPGs (like me) but want something a little different in battle.

Astral Dive, developed by R-Games and published by R-Factory, has appeared on Steam with a planned release window of Q1 2027, introducing a hand-drawn pixel-art adventure centered on magic, astral portals, and turn-based combat powered by cards.

Astral Dive RPG

The game follows Atlas, a young mage drawn into a mystery tied to the academy of magic and the strange events that shook it years before.

His journey will take him beyond astral portals and into a series of unusual dimensions, each one hiding enemies, lore fragments, and new challenges. Astral Dive uses its portal-based premise as a way to move between distinct worlds and visual styles.

Astral Dive features a classic turn-based combat system but mixes it with a card-driven spell system built around what the developers call stellar tiles. Players will collect new spells, customize their deck, and look for synergies capable of turning difficult fights in their favor.

Astral Dive Portals

Bosses and strange creatures are part of the package with a balance between JRPG party battles and deckbuilding strategy.

Regarding the exploration, the Steam page mentions seven biomes, each with its own visual identity, enemies, and pieces of lore to uncover. These areas range from enchanted forests to mystical ruins and more surreal locations, all tied together by the concept of traveling through astral portals.

Combat System

Along the way, Atlas will meet companions with their own abilities and personal stories, allowing players to experiment with party formations and unlock additional dialogues.

Visually, Astral Dive features a traditional 2D RPG look, highlighting its hand-drawn pixel art and animated spell effects. It is currently in development for PC via Steam, where it can already be wishlisted ahead of its planned Q1 2027 launch.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Marcello TBL

Italian Dad in love with Turn-Based RPGs and Indie Games. In 2018 he started Turn Based Lovers and now he can't live without it. A huge fan of RPGs in general, raised on the glorious video games of the '90s that shaped who he is today. Always hopeful that XCOM 3 will arrive one day.