Difference between revisions of "Astra Superstars"

From Sega Retro

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{{ScreenThumb|Astra Superstars Saturn, Character Select.png|width=200|Character select}}
 
{{ScreenThumb|Astra Superstars Saturn, Character Select.png|width=200|Character select}}
 
{{ScreenThumb|Astra Superstars Saturn, Gameplay.png|width=200|Gameplay}}
 
{{ScreenThumb|Astra Superstars Saturn, Gameplay.png|width=200|Gameplay}}
−
''Astra Superstars'' is an airborne fighting game. The basic mechanics are similar to other 2D fighting games (including [[Sunsoft]]'s own ''[[Galaxy Fight]]'' and ''[[Waku Waku 7]]''), except all battles take place in the sky with the combatants floating in midair. This allows more freedom of movement for the fighters, with the ability to "jump" both above or below each other. Unlike most fighting games, characters have normal moves and "super" moves that require building up a meter to use but no special moves. The goal of each round is to knock out the opponent, and each match is fought to the best of three rounds. Part of the health meter is green after taking damage, and this portion regenerates over time. Rounds are timed, and if time runs out, a judge determines the winner.
+
''Astra Superstars'' is an airborne fighting game. The basic mechanics are similar to other 2D fighting games (including [[Sunsoft]]'s own ''[[Galaxy Fight]]'' and ''[[Waku Waku 7]]''), except all battles take place in the sky with the fighters floating in midair in a manner inspired by anime such as ''[[:Category:Dragon Ball Z|Dragon Ball Z]]''. This allows more freedom of movement for the fighters, with the ability to "jump" both above or below each other. Unlike most fighting games, characters have normal moves and "super" moves that require building up a meter to use but no special moves. The goal of each round is to knock out the opponent, and each match is fought to the best of three rounds. Part of the health meter is green after taking damage, and this portion regenerates over time. Rounds are timed, and if time runs out, a judge determines the winner.
  
−
Characters are moved with {{left}} or {{right}} and dash with {{left}} {{left}} or {{right}} {{right}}. Continuing to hold the direction during a forward dash continues the dash until the button is released, or the dash can be canceled early by pressing in the opposite direction. The playfield has three levels, with battles taking place primarily in the middle level. Characters can ascend into the air with {{upleft}}, {{up}}, or {{upright}} or swoop down with {{downleft}}, {{down}}, or {{downright}}. They quickly return back to the middle level after leaving it, similar to the effect of gravity on a jump in a conventional fighting game. Holding the direction floats in that direction for longer before returning. Like jumping, these maneuvers can be used to close distance, dodge attacks, or move to the other side of the opponent. When next to the opponent, the player can "turn behind" the opponent (move to the other side of the opponent) by holding the D-Pad forward and pressing {{C}}.
+
Characters are moved with {{left}} or {{right}} and dash with {{left}} {{left}} or {{right}} {{right}}. Continuing to hold the direction during a forward dash continues the dash until the button is released, or the dash can be canceled early by pressing in the opposite direction. The playfield has three levels, with battles taking place primarily in the middle level. Characters can ascend into the air with {{upleft}}, {{up}}, or {{upright}} or swoop down with {{downleft}}, {{down}}, or {{downright}}. They quickly return back to the middle level after leaving it, similar to the effect of gravity on a jump in a conventional fighting game. Holding the direction floats in that direction for longer before returning, and characters can dash at any level. Like jumping, these maneuvers can be used to close distance, dodge attacks, or move to the other side of the opponent. When next to the opponent, the player can "turn behind" the opponent (move to the other side of the opponent) by holding the D-Pad forward and pressing {{C}}.
  
 
Characters attack with {{X}} or {{A}} for a light attack, {{Y}} or {{B}} for a medium attack, or {{Z}} or {{C}} for a heavy attack. The kinds of attacks performed vary depending on the character, but generally the {{A}}, {{B}}, and {{C}} buttons correspond to punches and the {{X}}, {{Y}}, and {{Z}} buttons are used for other attacks. Light attacks are quicker and can be linked easily into combos, while heavy attacks do more damage and usually send the opponent flying across the stage and bouncing off the side of the screen. Characters do not have special moves that are performed using special button combinations, as in most other fighting games, but many of the normal moves have characteristics similar to special moves such as launching projectiles or knocking the opponent upward or downward.
 
Characters attack with {{X}} or {{A}} for a light attack, {{Y}} or {{B}} for a medium attack, or {{Z}} or {{C}} for a heavy attack. The kinds of attacks performed vary depending on the character, but generally the {{A}}, {{B}}, and {{C}} buttons correspond to punches and the {{X}}, {{Y}}, and {{Z}} buttons are used for other attacks. Light attacks are quicker and can be linked easily into combos, while heavy attacks do more damage and usually send the opponent flying across the stage and bouncing off the side of the screen. Characters do not have special moves that are performed using special button combinations, as in most other fighting games, but many of the normal moves have characteristics similar to special moves such as launching projectiles or knocking the opponent upward or downward.
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Characters can guard by holding the D-Pad back. Guarding can be done while ascending or descending. If a character guards too many attacks in a short span of time, the guard breaks, briefly stunning the character. A character becomes dizzied after being hit by multiple successive attacks. Moving the D-Pad and pressing the attack buttons rapidly recovers more quickly. Hitting the opponent with an attack that knocks them away while they are stunned (either from a guard break or being dizzied) causes cause the opponent to bounce around the screen like a pinball. After being launched into the side of the screen by an attack, characters can recover by grabbing the wall (instead of bouncing off) by holding the D-Pad back and pressing any attack button or with a flying counterattack by holding the D-Pad forward and pressing any attack button.
 
Characters can guard by holding the D-Pad back. Guarding can be done while ascending or descending. If a character guards too many attacks in a short span of time, the guard breaks, briefly stunning the character. A character becomes dizzied after being hit by multiple successive attacks. Moving the D-Pad and pressing the attack buttons rapidly recovers more quickly. Hitting the opponent with an attack that knocks them away while they are stunned (either from a guard break or being dizzied) causes cause the opponent to bounce around the screen like a pinball. After being launched into the side of the screen by an attack, characters can recover by grabbing the wall (instead of bouncing off) by holding the D-Pad back and pressing any attack button or with a flying counterattack by holding the D-Pad forward and pressing any attack button.
  
−
A "Star Rank" meter for each character appears on the bottom of the screen, which fills with energy as the character attacks, blocks, or takes damage. Landing the first hit in a round gains a third of the meter. Once the meter is filled, it resets and a stock of meter is saved. Up to three stocks can be held in reserve, and these are carried over between rounds of a match. A stock of meter can be spent to perform a super move called a "Star Special." These moves are flashier and do more damage than regular moves. Each character has two Star Specials, one performed with {{Z}}+{{C}} and one performed with {{Y}}+{{B}}. Alternatively, a stock of meter can be spent to "Speed Up" by pressing {{X}}+{{A}}, which causes the character to glow for a duration. While this effect is active, the recovery time of attacks is reduced, allowing moves to be linked together into combos more easily (similar to Custom Combos in ''[[Street Fighter Alpha 2]]''). Players are given a letter rank (S, A, B, C, D, or E) depending on their performance in a match, which appears above the Star Rank meters and upgrades in real time. This rank affects the judgment if time runs out.
+
A "Star Rank" meter for each character appears on the bottom of the screen, which fills with energy as the character attacks, blocks, or takes damage. Landing the first hit in a round gains a third of the meter. Once the meter is filled, it resets and a stock of meter is saved. Up to three stocks can be held in reserve, and these are carried over between rounds of a match. A stock of meter can be spent to perform a super move called a "Star Special." These moves are flashier and do more damage than regular moves. Each character has two Star Specials, one performed with {{Z}}+{{C}} and one performed with {{Y}}+{{B}}. Alternatively, a stock of meter can be spent to "Speed Up" by pressing {{X}}+{{A}}, which causes the character to glow for a duration. While this effect is active, the recovery time of attacks is reduced, allowing moves to be linked together into combos more easily (similar to Custom Combos in ''[[Street Fighter Alpha 2]]'').
 +
 
 +
Players are given a letter rank (S, A, B, C, D, or E) depending on their performance in a match, which appears above the Star Rank meters and updates in real time. This rank affects the judgment if time runs out.
  
 
===Modes===
 
===Modes===
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The Saturn version has the following modes:
 
The Saturn version has the following modes:
  
−
*'''Story Mode:''' The main single-player mode. The player chooses a character, then fights a match against all eight playable characters (with the last match being a mirror match against a duplicate of the chosen character). Each battle is preceded by a brief dialogue scene with the opponent. The player is sometimes prompted to choose of three responses, and the answer can potentially "heat up" (strengthen) or "cool down" (weaken) the opponent. After defeating all of the playable characters, the player fights a single-round battle against the boss Satan Volte. If victorious, there is a final battle against the test character Test-kun. The game ends if the player loses a match but can be continued any number of times. A second player can enter the game to challenge the first player to a match by pressing {{Start}} at any time.
+
*'''Story Mode:''' The main single-player mode. The player chooses a character, then fights a match against all eight playable characters (with the last match being a mirror match against a duplicate of the chosen character). Each battle is preceded by a brief dialogue scene with the opponent. In each conversation, the player is prompted to choose of three responses, where one choice "Heats Up" (strengthens) the opponent, one choice is neutral, and one choice "Cools Down" (weakens) the opponent. After defeating all of the playable characters, the player fights a single-round "bonus" battle against the boss Satan Volte. If victorious, there is a final "exhibition" match against the test character Test-kun. The game ends if the player loses a match. It can be continued any number of times, except the match against Satan Volte, which cannot be continued. The game shows the ending for the character if the player loses against Satan Volte or wins against Test-kun. A second player can enter the game to challenge the first player to a match by pressing {{Start}} at any time.
−
*'''1P vs 2P:''' A two-player versus mode where players choose a character to play and a stage, then fight a match against each other.
+
*'''1P vs 2P:''' A two-player versus mode where players choose their characters to play and a stage, then fight a match against each other.
 
*'''1P vs COM:''' A one-player versus mode where the player chooses a character to play, an opponent, and a stage, then fights a match against a computer-controlled opponent.
 
*'''1P vs COM:''' A one-player versus mode where the player chooses a character to play, an opponent, and a stage, then fights a match against a computer-controlled opponent.
 
*'''COM vs COM:''' A watch mode where the player chooses two characters and a stage and watches two computer-controlled characters fight a match.
 
*'''COM vs COM:''' A watch mode where the player chooses two characters and a stage and watches two computer-controlled characters fight a match.
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===Characters===
 
===Characters===
 +
====Playable====
 
Players can choose between four different color schemes for each character by pressing {{up}} or {{down}} on the character select screen.
 
Players can choose between four different color schemes for each character by pressing {{up}} or {{down}} on the character select screen.
−
====Playable====
 
 
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=320|
 
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=320|
 
{{InfoRow
 
{{InfoRow
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| info4=69 kg
 
| info4=69 kg
 
| desc=A sprightly adventurer and skilled fighter from China who travels the world. He is friends with Sakamoto and has known Maron since they were children.
 
| desc=A sprightly adventurer and skilled fighter from China who travels the world. He is friends with Sakamoto and has known Maron since they were children.
−
{{MoveListTable|
+
{{MoveListTable|desc=Star Specials|
 
{{MoveListRow|Heartbeat Rush<br>(ハートビートラッシュ)|{{Z}}+{{C}}|Lettuce charges forward while shielded in an arc of energy. This move bounces the opponent off the side of the screen.}}
 
{{MoveListRow|Heartbeat Rush<br>(ハートビートラッシュ)|{{Z}}+{{C}}|Lettuce charges forward while shielded in an arc of energy. This move bounces the opponent off the side of the screen.}}
 
{{MoveListRow|Platinum Spark<br>(プラチナスパーク)|{{Y}}+{{B}}|Lettuce throws a ball of violent energy across the screen.}}
 
{{MoveListRow|Platinum Spark<br>(プラチナスパーク)|{{Y}}+{{B}}|Lettuce throws a ball of violent energy across the screen.}}
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| info4=42 kg
 
| info4=42 kg
 
| desc=A happy but naïve teenage angel student who aims to become the highest-ranking angel. Her hobby is helping others find love. Her mother is an archangel.
 
| desc=A happy but naïve teenage angel student who aims to become the highest-ranking angel. Her hobby is helping others find love. Her mother is an archangel.
−
{{MoveListTable|
+
{{MoveListTable|desc=Star Specials|
 
{{MoveListRow|Angel Twister<br>(エンジェルツイスター)|{{Z}}+{{C}}|Maron twirls upward like a tornado while ribbons of energy spin around her.}}
 
{{MoveListRow|Angel Twister<br>(エンジェルツイスター)|{{Z}}+{{C}}|Maron twirls upward like a tornado while ribbons of energy spin around her.}}
 
{{MoveListRow|Love Love Arrow<br>(ラブラブアロー)|{{Y}}+{{B}}|Maron takes out an oversized bow and shoots a heart-tipped arrow across the screen. Every other arrow launched dizzies the opponent.}}
 
{{MoveListRow|Love Love Arrow<br>(ラブラブアロー)|{{Y}}+{{B}}|Maron takes out an oversized bow and shoots a heart-tipped arrow across the screen. Every other arrow launched dizzies the opponent.}}
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| info4=51 kg
 
| info4=51 kg
 
| desc=A legendary witch who has lived for over a thousand years. She wields a magical wand with a sentient white glove attached to it. She devotes herself to the study of magic and taught Coco magic when she was little.
 
| desc=A legendary witch who has lived for over a thousand years. She wields a magical wand with a sentient white glove attached to it. She devotes herself to the study of magic and taught Coco magic when she was little.
−
{{MoveListTable|
+
{{MoveListTable|desc=Star Specials|
 
{{MoveListRow|Pentamaras Stream<br>(ペンタマラス・ストリーム)|{{Z}}+{{C}}|Stella holds her hands out and fires five stacked energy beams that reach all the way across the screen.}}
 
{{MoveListRow|Pentamaras Stream<br>(ペンタマラス・ストリーム)|{{Z}}+{{C}}|Stella holds her hands out and fires five stacked energy beams that reach all the way across the screen.}}
 
{{MoveListRow|Graces Thalia<br>(グレイセス・タレイア)|{{Y}}+{{B}}|Stella transforms into a big flower, then spits out grains of pollen. If a grain of pollen hits the opponent, they are transformed into a flower briefly (which is able to move but unable to attack). The pollen can be dodged but not blocked.}}
 
{{MoveListRow|Graces Thalia<br>(グレイセス・タレイア)|{{Y}}+{{B}}|Stella transforms into a big flower, then spits out grains of pollen. If a grain of pollen hits the opponent, they are transformed into a flower briefly (which is able to move but unable to attack). The pollen can be dodged but not blocked.}}
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| info4=90 kg
 
| info4=90 kg
 
| desc=A police officer with a strong sense of justice. He has the blood of a demon and can shapeshift into an enormous oni. He is friends with Lettuce.
 
| desc=A police officer with a strong sense of justice. He has the blood of a demon and can shapeshift into an enormous oni. He is friends with Lettuce.
−
{{MoveListTable|
+
{{MoveListTable|desc=Star Specials|
 
{{MoveListRow|Enma Gougouzan<br>(閻魔業劫斬)|{{Z}}+{{C}}|Sakamoto grows in size and advances forward with multiple sword slashes.}}
 
{{MoveListRow|Enma Gougouzan<br>(閻魔業劫斬)|{{Z}}+{{C}}|Sakamoto grows in size and advances forward with multiple sword slashes.}}
 
{{MoveListRow|Onigiri Retsuga<br>(鬼斬烈呀)|{{Y}}+{{B}}|Sakamoto transforms into a giant oni and swipes a clawed hand down. This move bounces the opponent off the side of the screen.}}
 
{{MoveListRow|Onigiri Retsuga<br>(鬼斬烈呀)|{{Y}}+{{B}}|Sakamoto transforms into a giant oni and swipes a clawed hand down. This move bounces the opponent off the side of the screen.}}
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| info4=22 kg
 
| info4=22 kg
 
| desc=A young girl who wears a Santa Claus outfit (in reference to the game's illustrator [[Santaclaus]]). She fights using a bag full of tricks that also functions as a mode of transportation. She is friends with Coco and Maron.
 
| desc=A young girl who wears a Santa Claus outfit (in reference to the game's illustrator [[Santaclaus]]). She fights using a bag full of tricks that also functions as a mode of transportation. She is friends with Coco and Maron.
−
{{MoveListTable|
+
{{MoveListTable|desc=Star Specials|
 
{{MoveListRow|Present for You<br>(プレゼント・フォー・ユー)|{{Z}}+{{C}}|Rouge flings her bag up, and giant toys spill into the air and tumble down.}}
 
{{MoveListRow|Present for You<br>(プレゼント・フォー・ユー)|{{Z}}+{{C}}|Rouge flings her bag up, and giant toys spill into the air and tumble down.}}
 
{{MoveListRow|Dokkan Frost<br>(どっかんフロスト)|{{Y}}+{{B}}|Rouge shoots three immense snow boulders in a row out of her bag.}}
 
{{MoveListRow|Dokkan Frost<br>(どっかんフロスト)|{{Y}}+{{B}}|Rouge shoots three immense snow boulders in a row out of her bag.}}
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| screenshot=AstraSuperstars Saturn JP SSPlayer06-1.png
 
| screenshot=AstraSuperstars Saturn JP SSPlayer06-1.png
 
| info1name=Origin
 
| info1name=Origin
−
| info1=7th West City
+
| info1=Western City
 
| info2name=Age
 
| info2name=Age
 
| info2=13
 
| info2=13
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| info4=30 kg
 
| info4=30 kg
 
| desc=A young, soft-hearted, and flamboyant sorcerer who is the crown prince of Onion Country. He learned magic from Stella when he was a child, and he is good friends with Rouge.
 
| desc=A young, soft-hearted, and flamboyant sorcerer who is the crown prince of Onion Country. He learned magic from Stella when he was a child, and he is good friends with Rouge.
−
{{MoveListTable|
+
{{MoveListTable|desc=Star Specials|
 
{{MoveListRow|Onion Strike<br>(オニオンストライク)|{{Z}}+{{C}}|Coco summons a gigantic onion that falls from the sky onto his opponent. This move has a high chance of dizzying the opponent.}}
 
{{MoveListRow|Onion Strike<br>(オニオンストライク)|{{Z}}+{{C}}|Coco summons a gigantic onion that falls from the sky onto his opponent. This move has a high chance of dizzying the opponent.}}
 
{{MoveListRow|Loran Precious<br>(ロランプレシャス)|{{Y}}+{{B}}|Coco summons a large barbarian swordsman who flies diagonally upwards with a sword slash.}}
 
{{MoveListRow|Loran Precious<br>(ロランプレシャス)|{{Y}}+{{B}}|Coco summons a large barbarian swordsman who flies diagonally upwards with a sword slash.}}
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| info4=169 kg
 
| info4=169 kg
 
| desc=An enormous, bald-headed giant who is a warrior for his tribe. He is cheerful and loves children.
 
| desc=An enormous, bald-headed giant who is a warrior for his tribe. He is cheerful and loves children.
−
{{MoveListTable|
+
{{MoveListTable|desc=Star Specials|
 
{{MoveListRow|Cupe Special<br>(キュープ・スペシャル)|{{Z}}+{{C}}|Cupe charges forward while headbutting repeatedly, ending with a powerful punch. This move bounces the opponent off the side of the screen.}}
 
{{MoveListRow|Cupe Special<br>(キュープ・スペシャル)|{{Z}}+{{C}}|Cupe charges forward while headbutting repeatedly, ending with a powerful punch. This move bounces the opponent off the side of the screen.}}
 
{{MoveListRow|Cupe Beam<br>(キュープ・ビーム)|{{Y}}+{{B}}|Cupe yells, firing a tall energy beam that reaches all the way across the screen.}}
 
{{MoveListRow|Cupe Beam<br>(キュープ・ビーム)|{{Y}}+{{B}}|Cupe yells, firing a tall energy beam that reaches all the way across the screen.}}
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| screenshot=AstraSuperstars Saturn JP SSPlayer08-1.png
 
| screenshot=AstraSuperstars Saturn JP SSPlayer08-1.png
 
| info1name=Origin
 
| info1name=Origin
−
| info1Black City
+
| info1=Black City
 
| info2name=Age
 
| info2name=Age
−
| info2=
+
| info2=Unknown
 
| info3name=Height
 
| info3name=Height
 
| info3=201 cm
 
| info3=201 cm
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| info4=78 kg
 
| info4=78 kg
 
| desc=A ruthless and heartless gang leader who is a member of the demon race. One of his subordinates is a friend of Lettuce. He does not get along with Stella.
 
| desc=A ruthless and heartless gang leader who is a member of the demon race. One of his subordinates is a friend of Lettuce. He does not get along with Stella.
−
{{MoveListTable|
+
{{MoveListTable|desc=Star Specials|
 
{{MoveListRow|Midnight Storming<br>(ミッドナイトストーミング)|{{Z}}+{{C}}|Fooly punches with a flaming fist, then uppercuts the opponent into the air and finishes by shooting a fireball from his hands. This move bounces the opponent off the side of the screen.}}
 
{{MoveListRow|Midnight Storming<br>(ミッドナイトストーミング)|{{Z}}+{{C}}|Fooly punches with a flaming fist, then uppercuts the opponent into the air and finishes by shooting a fireball from his hands. This move bounces the opponent off the side of the screen.}}
 
{{MoveListRow|Infernal Volley<br>(インファーナルボレイ)|{{Y}}+{{B}}|Fooly rapidly throws multiple small fireballs diagonally downwards, then throws a big fireball diagonally downwards.}}
 
{{MoveListRow|Infernal Volley<br>(インファーナルボレイ)|{{Y}}+{{B}}|Fooly rapidly throws multiple small fireballs diagonally downwards, then throws a big fireball diagonally downwards.}}
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}}
 
}}
 
====Bosses====
 
====Bosses====
 +
These characters are not playable, except for Test-kun, who is playable outside of the Story Mode in the Saturn version.
 
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=320|
 
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=320|
 
{{InfoRow
 
{{InfoRow
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| title=Satan Volte (サタン・ボルテ)
 
| title=Satan Volte (サタン・ボルテ)
 
| screenshot=AstraSuperstars Saturn JP SSBoss-1.png
 
| screenshot=AstraSuperstars Saturn JP SSBoss-1.png
−
| desc=A huge demon who is the King of the Demon World. Appears as the ninth opponent. His battle consists of a single round. He is not playable.
+
| desc=A huge demon who is the King of the Demon World. Only his head is vulnerable. Appears as the ninth opponent. His battle consists of a single round, and the player only has one chance to defeat him or the game ends. He is not playable.
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{InfoRow
 
{{InfoRow
 
| title=Test-kun (テストくん)
 
| title=Test-kun (テストくん)
 
| screenshot=AstraSuperstars Saturn JP SSPlayer09-1.png
 
| screenshot=AstraSuperstars Saturn JP SSPlayer09-1.png
−
| desc=A stick figure. Appears as the final opponent. In the Sega Saturn version, it is playable only in the versus modes.
+
| desc=A stick figure test character, similar to Bonus-kun from ''[[Galaxy Fight]]'' and ''[[Waku Waku 7]]''. Appears as the final opponent if the player defeats Satan Volte. It is only playable in the versus modes of the Sega Saturn version.
−
{{MoveListTable|
+
{{MoveListTable|desc=Star Specials|
 
{{MoveListRow|Triple Blast|{{Z}}+{{C}}|Test-kun throws three big energy balls in a row.}}
 
{{MoveListRow|Triple Blast|{{Z}}+{{C}}|Test-kun throws three big energy balls in a row.}}
 
{{MoveListRow|Rising Upper|{{Y}}+{{B}}|Test-kun flies into the air with an uppercut.}}
 
{{MoveListRow|Rising Upper|{{Y}}+{{B}}|Test-kun flies into the air with an uppercut.}}

Revision as of 20:09, 22 June 2024

n/a

  • ST-V
  • Saturn

AstraSuperstars title.png

AstraSuperstars Saturn JP Title.png

Astra Superstars
System(s): Sega Titan Video, Sega Saturn
Publisher: Sunsoft
Developer:
Sound driver:
Sega Saturn
SCSP (1 track)
Peripherals supported:
Sega Saturn
Extended RAM Cartridge (1MB/4MB)
Genre: Fighting Action/Taisen Action (対戦アクション)[1], Action[2]

















Number of players: 1-2
Release Date RRP Code
Arcade (Sega Titan Video)
JP		 ¥? ?























Sega Saturn
JP 		¥5,800 (6,090)5,800e[3] T-1521G
Sega Rating: All Ages

Astra Superstars (アストラスーパースターズ) is a fighting game for the Sega Saturn and Sega Titan Video arcade hardware. It was illustrated and designed by Santaclaus and developed and published by Sunsoft. It was only released in Japan.

Story

The champions of a magical kingdom are competing with each other to challenge the evil Satan Volte and put an end to his reign of terror.

Gameplay

Astra Superstars Saturn, Character Select.png

Character select

Astra Superstars Saturn, Gameplay.png

Gameplay

Astra Superstars is an airborne fighting game. The basic mechanics are similar to other 2D fighting games (including Sunsoft's own Galaxy Fight and Waku Waku 7), except all battles take place in the sky with the fighters floating in midair in a manner inspired by anime such as Dragon Ball Z. This allows more freedom of movement for the fighters, with the ability to "jump" both above or below each other. Unlike most fighting games, characters have normal moves and "super" moves that require building up a meter to use but no special moves. The goal of each round is to knock out the opponent, and each match is fought to the best of three rounds. Part of the health meter is green after taking damage, and this portion regenerates over time. Rounds are timed, and if time runs out, a judge determines the winner.

Characters are moved with Left or Right and dash with Left Left or Right Right. Continuing to hold the direction during a forward dash continues the dash until the button is released, or the dash can be canceled early by pressing in the opposite direction. The playfield has three levels, with battles taking place primarily in the middle level. Characters can ascend into the air with Up-left, Up, or Up-right or swoop down with Down-left, Down, or Down-right. They quickly return back to the middle level after leaving it, similar to the effect of gravity on a jump in a conventional fighting game. Holding the direction floats in that direction for longer before returning, and characters can dash at any level. Like jumping, these maneuvers can be used to close distance, dodge attacks, or move to the other side of the opponent. When next to the opponent, the player can "turn behind" the opponent (move to the other side of the opponent) by holding the D-Pad forward and pressing C.

Characters attack with X or A for a light attack, Y or B for a medium attack, or Z or C for a heavy attack. The kinds of attacks performed vary depending on the character, but generally the A, B, and C buttons correspond to punches and the X, Y, and Z buttons are used for other attacks. Light attacks are quicker and can be linked easily into combos, while heavy attacks do more damage and usually send the opponent flying across the stage and bouncing off the side of the screen. Characters do not have special moves that are performed using special button combinations, as in most other fighting games, but many of the normal moves have characteristics similar to special moves such as launching projectiles or knocking the opponent upward or downward.

Characters can guard by holding the D-Pad back. Guarding can be done while ascending or descending. If a character guards too many attacks in a short span of time, the guard breaks, briefly stunning the character. A character becomes dizzied after being hit by multiple successive attacks. Moving the D-Pad and pressing the attack buttons rapidly recovers more quickly. Hitting the opponent with an attack that knocks them away while they are stunned (either from a guard break or being dizzied) causes cause the opponent to bounce around the screen like a pinball. After being launched into the side of the screen by an attack, characters can recover by grabbing the wall (instead of bouncing off) by holding the D-Pad back and pressing any attack button or with a flying counterattack by holding the D-Pad forward and pressing any attack button.

A "Star Rank" meter for each character appears on the bottom of the screen, which fills with energy as the character attacks, blocks, or takes damage. Landing the first hit in a round gains a third of the meter. Once the meter is filled, it resets and a stock of meter is saved. Up to three stocks can be held in reserve, and these are carried over between rounds of a match. A stock of meter can be spent to perform a super move called a "Star Special." These moves are flashier and do more damage than regular moves. Each character has two Star Specials, one performed with Z+C and one performed with Y+B. Alternatively, a stock of meter can be spent to "Speed Up" by pressing X+A, which causes the character to glow for a duration. While this effect is active, the recovery time of attacks is reduced, allowing moves to be linked together into combos more easily (similar to Custom Combos in Street Fighter Alpha 2).

Players are given a letter rank (S, A, B, C, D, or E) depending on their performance in a match, which appears above the Star Rank meters and updates in real time. This rank affects the judgment if time runs out.

Modes

Astra Superstars Saturn, Story Mode.png

Story Mode

Astra Superstars Saturn, Art Gallery.png

Illust Gallery

The Saturn version has the following modes:

  • Story Mode: The main single-player mode. The player chooses a character, then fights a match against all eight playable characters (with the last match being a mirror match against a duplicate of the chosen character). Each battle is preceded by a brief dialogue scene with the opponent. In each conversation, the player is prompted to choose of three responses, where one choice "Heats Up" (strengthens) the opponent, one choice is neutral, and one choice "Cools Down" (weakens) the opponent. After defeating all of the playable characters, the player fights a single-round "bonus" battle against the boss Satan Volte. If victorious, there is a final "exhibition" match against the test character Test-kun. The game ends if the player loses a match. It can be continued any number of times, except the match against Satan Volte, which cannot be continued. The game shows the ending for the character if the player loses against Satan Volte or wins against Test-kun. A second player can enter the game to challenge the first player to a match by pressing  START  at any time.
  • 1P vs 2P: A two-player versus mode where players choose their characters to play and a stage, then fight a match against each other.
  • 1P vs COM: A one-player versus mode where the player chooses a character to play, an opponent, and a stage, then fights a match against a computer-controlled opponent.
  • COM vs COM: A watch mode where the player chooses two characters and a stage and watches two computer-controlled characters fight a match.
  • Watch Mode: A watch mode where the player watches matches between randomly selected characters on randomly selected stages.
  • Character Profile: A gallery of profile pages for all of the playable characters.
  • Illust Gallery: A gallery of artwork. This mode is unlocked after completing the Story Mode with any character.

There are eight difficulty levels for computer-controlled opponents, and players can change the time limit (30, 60, or 90 seconds or unlimited).

Characters

Playable

Players can choose between four different color schemes for each character by pressing Up or Down on the character select screen.

AstraSuperstars Saturn JP SSPlayer01-1.png

Lettuce (レタス)
Origin:
China
Age:
19
Height:
176 cm
Weight:
69 kg
A sprightly adventurer and skilled fighter from China who travels the world. He is friends with Sakamoto and has known Maron since they were children.
Move list (Star Specials)
Name Command Description
Heartbeat Rush
(ハートビートラッシュ) 		Z+C Lettuce charges forward while shielded in an arc of energy. This move bounces the opponent off the side of the screen.
Platinum Spark
(プラチナスパーク) 		Y+B Lettuce throws a ball of violent energy across the screen.

AstraSuperstars Saturn JP SSPlayer02-1.png

Maron (マロン)
Origin:
The Sky Temple
Age:
16
Height:
161 cm
Weight:
42 kg
A happy but naïve teenage angel student who aims to become the highest-ranking angel. Her hobby is helping others find love. Her mother is an archangel.
Move list (Star Specials)
Name Command Description
Angel Twister
(エンジェルツイスター) 		Z+C Maron twirls upward like a tornado while ribbons of energy spin around her.
Love Love Arrow
(ラブラブアロー) 		Y+B Maron takes out an oversized bow and shoots a heart-tipped arrow across the screen. Every other arrow launched dizzies the opponent.

AstraSuperstars Saturn JP SSPlayer03-1.png

Stella (ステラ)
Origin:
Forest Garden
Age:
1,024
Height:
170 cm
Weight:
51 kg
A legendary witch who has lived for over a thousand years. She wields a magical wand with a sentient white glove attached to it. She devotes herself to the study of magic and taught Coco magic when she was little.
Move list (Star Specials)
Name Command Description
Pentamaras Stream
(ペンタマラス・ストリーム) 		Z+C Stella holds her hands out and fires five stacked energy beams that reach all the way across the screen.
Graces Thalia
(グレイセス・タレイア) 		Y+B Stella transforms into a big flower, then spits out grains of pollen. If a grain of pollen hits the opponent, they are transformed into a flower briefly (which is able to move but unable to attack). The pollen can be dodged but not blocked.

AstraSuperstars Saturn JP SSPlayer04-1.png

Sakamoto (サカモト)
Origin:
Eastern Country
Age:
30
Height:
196 cm
Weight:
90 kg
A police officer with a strong sense of justice. He has the blood of a demon and can shapeshift into an enormous oni. He is friends with Lettuce.
Move list (Star Specials)
Name Command Description
Enma Gougouzan
(閻魔業劫斬) 		Z+C Sakamoto grows in size and advances forward with multiple sword slashes.
Onigiri Retsuga
(鬼斬烈呀) 		Y+B Sakamoto transforms into a giant oni and swipes a clawed hand down. This move bounces the opponent off the side of the screen.

AstraSuperstars Saturn JP SSPlayer05-1.png

Rouge (ルージュ)
Origin:
Northern Country
Age:
10
Height:
131 cm
Weight:
22 kg
A young girl who wears a Santa Claus outfit (in reference to the game's illustrator Santaclaus). She fights using a bag full of tricks that also functions as a mode of transportation. She is friends with Coco and Maron.
Move list (Star Specials)
Name Command Description
Present for You
(プレゼント・フォー・ユー) 		Z+C Rouge flings her bag up, and giant toys spill into the air and tumble down.
Dokkan Frost
(どっかんフロスト) 		Y+B Rouge shoots three immense snow boulders in a row out of her bag.

AstraSuperstars Saturn JP SSPlayer06-1.png

Coco (ココ)
Origin:
Western City
Age:
13
Height:
145 cm
Weight:
30 kg
A young, soft-hearted, and flamboyant sorcerer who is the crown prince of Onion Country. He learned magic from Stella when he was a child, and he is good friends with Rouge.
Move list (Star Specials)
Name Command Description
Onion Strike
(オニオンストライク) 		Z+C Coco summons a gigantic onion that falls from the sky onto his opponent. This move has a high chance of dizzying the opponent.
Loran Precious
(ロランプレシャス) 		Y+B Coco summons a large barbarian swordsman who flies diagonally upwards with a sword slash.

AstraSuperstars Saturn JP SSPlayer07-1.png

Cupe (キュープ)
Origin:
Southern Island
Age:
Unknown
Height:
232 cm
Weight:
169 kg
An enormous, bald-headed giant who is a warrior for his tribe. He is cheerful and loves children.
Move list (Star Specials)
Name Command Description
Cupe Special
(キュープ・スペシャル) 		Z+C Cupe charges forward while headbutting repeatedly, ending with a powerful punch. This move bounces the opponent off the side of the screen.
Cupe Beam
(キュープ・ビーム) 		Y+B Cupe yells, firing a tall energy beam that reaches all the way across the screen.

AstraSuperstars Saturn JP SSPlayer08-1.png

Fooly (フーリー)
Origin:
Black City
Age:
Unknown
Height:
201 cm
Weight:
78 kg
A ruthless and heartless gang leader who is a member of the demon race. One of his subordinates is a friend of Lettuce. He does not get along with Stella.
Move list (Star Specials)
Name Command Description
Midnight Storming
(ミッドナイトストーミング) 		Z+C Fooly punches with a flaming fist, then uppercuts the opponent into the air and finishes by shooting a fireball from his hands. This move bounces the opponent off the side of the screen.
Infernal Volley
(インファーナルボレイ) 		Y+B Fooly rapidly throws multiple small fireballs diagonally downwards, then throws a big fireball diagonally downwards.

Bosses

These characters are not playable, except for Test-kun, who is playable outside of the Story Mode in the Saturn version.

AstraSuperstars Saturn JP SSPlayer10-1.png

My Devil (マイデビル) / My Angel (マイエンジェル)
A devil or an angel that transforms into the player's character for a mirror match. Whether a devil or an angel appears depends on the dialogue choices that the player has made up to this point, with the angel requiring particular responses to meet. Appears as the eighth opponent.

AstraSuperstars Saturn JP SSBoss-1.png

Satan Volte (サタン・ボルテ)
A huge demon who is the King of the Demon World. Only his head is vulnerable. Appears as the ninth opponent. His battle consists of a single round, and the player only has one chance to defeat him or the game ends. He is not playable.

AstraSuperstars Saturn JP SSPlayer09-1.png

Test-kun (テストくん)
A stick figure test character, similar to Bonus-kun from Galaxy Fight and Waku Waku 7. Appears as the final opponent if the player defeats Satan Volte. It is only playable in the versus modes of the Sega Saturn version.
Move list (Star Specials)
Name Command Description
Triple Blast Z+C Test-kun throws three big energy balls in a row.
Rising Upper Y+B Test-kun flies into the air with an uppercut.

Stages

Every character has his or her own stage when faced in the Story Mode. The stage can be selected in the other modes.

AstraSuperstars Saturn JP SSPlayer01-2.png

Sukatto Konchikusyo-!
(スカッとコンチクショー！)
Stage of Lettuce.

AstraSuperstars Saturn JP SSPlayer02-2.png

Utawazuniwa Irarenai!
(歌わずにはいられない！)
Stage of Maron.

AstraSuperstars Saturn JP SSPlayer03-2.png

Densetu no Daimahoutukai
(伝説の大魔法使い)
Stage of Stella.

AstraSuperstars Saturn JP SSPlayer04-2.png

Oni naredo, Mononofu
(鬼なれど、もののふ)
Stage of Sakamoto.

AstraSuperstars Saturn JP SSPlayer05-2.png

Chiisana Santa Claus
(小さなサンタクロース)
Stage of Rouge.

AstraSuperstars Saturn JP SSPlayer06-2.png

Howahowa Oujisama
(ほわほわ王子様)
Stage of Coco.

AstraSuperstars Saturn JP SSPlayer07-2.png

Kuufuku Senshi no Hirusagari
(空腹戦士の昼下がり)
Stage of Cupe.

AstraSuperstars Saturn JP SSPlayer08-2.png

Grayish Rhapsody
(グレイッシュ・ラプソディ)
Stage of Fooly.

AstraSuperstars Saturn JP SSPlayer10-2.png

Kokoro no Akuma / Kokoro no Tenshi
(心の悪魔 / 心の天使)
Stage of My Devil / My Angel.

AstraSuperstars Saturn JP SSBoss-2.png

Saa, Ware wo Tanoshimasete kure
(さあ、我を楽しませてくれ)
Stage of Satan Volte.

AstraSuperstars Saturn JP SSPlayer09-2.png

Tabidatsu Kimi no Tame ni...
(旅立つキミの為に…)
Stage of Test-kun.

Production credits

  • Planning: 岡坂 道夫(SANTACLAUS), めいそんだっしー(SANTACLAUS)
  • Planning Support: 朝 茂之(SANTACLAUS)
  • World Design: めいそんだっしー(SANTACLAUS)
  • World Design Support: 岡坂 道夫(SANTACLAUS)
  • Game Programming: 岡坂 道夫(SANTACLAUS)


  • Character Design: めいそんだっしー(SANTACLAUS)
  • Background CG Design: 岡坂 道夫(SANTACLAUS)
  • Graphic Design: 朝 茂之(SANTACLAUS), めいそんだっしー(SANTACLAUS), 齋藤 真紀(SANTACLAUS), 望月 綾子(SANTACLAUS)
  • Graphic Assist: 村田 信夫(SANTACLAUS)
  • Illustration: めいそんだっしー(SANTACLAUS)


  • Music: 二井 和男(SUNSOFT), 高田 敦司(SUNSOFT), 浅野 論(SUNSOFT)
  • Sound Effect: 浅野 論(SUNSOFT)
  • Recording: 高田 敦司(SUNSOFT), 二井 和男(SUNSOFT)
  • Voice Actor: 藪下 貴子, 堀田 和則, 益田 真理子, おおみ ちとせ, 斧 篤, 高橋 充, 杉浦 俊, 浅井 たかえ
  • Vocal: 黒田 やよい
  • Sound Coordinate: 見廣 篤(PHASE OUT)


  • Sales and marketing: 河合 正人(SUNSOFT), 門脇 清次(SUNSOFT), 横地 宏和(SUNSOFT), 高橋 英昭(SUNSOFT), 高橋 広志(SUNSOFT)
  • Sales Promotion: 森 達男(SUNSOFT), 今関 いずみ(SUNSOFT)
  • Package / Manual Design: 渡辺 和幸(SUNSOFT)
  • Producer: 竹内 昭人(SUNSOFT)
  • General Manager: 吉田 喜春(SUNSOFT), 北島 光晴(SUNSOFT)
  • Special Thanks: テクモ株式会社, 株式会社ビーアンドエフ, GOO, 植田 祐一(SUNSOFT), 清水 薫樹(SUNSOFT), 村本 顕(SUNSOFT), 喜多 鋼毅(SUNSOFT), 長谷 守(SOFTBANK), 緒形 光哲(SOFTBANK), プレイしてくれたすべての人達


Source:
In-game credits
AstraSS Saturn JP SSEnding.pdf
[4]

Magazine articles

Main article: Astra Superstars/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) #1998-23: "1998-23 (1998-08-07,14)" (1998-07-24)
Logo-pdf.svg

Physical scans

Sega Titan Video version

Sega Titan Video,
Notavailable.svg
"Long" instructions
AstraSuperstars STV Cart.jpg
Cart
Notavailable.svgNotavailable.svg
Instuction card(s)

Saturn version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
Famitsu (JP) NTSC-J
65
[5]
Saturn Fan (JP) NTSC-J
60
[6]
Saturn Fan (JP) NTSC-J
74
[7]
Sega Saturn Magazine (UK) NTSC-J
86
[8]
Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
73
[9]
Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
88
[10]
Sega Saturn
 74
Based on
6 reviews

Astra Superstars

Saturn, JP
AstraSuperstars Saturn JP Box Back.jpgAstraSuperstars Saturn JP Box Front.jpg
Cover
AstraSuperstars Saturn JP Spinecard.jpg
Spinecard
AstraSuperstars Saturn JP Disc.jpg
Disc

Technical information

Main article: Astra Superstars/Technical information.

ROM dump status

System Hash Size Build Date Source Comments
Sega Saturn
✔
CRC32
MD5
SHA-1
604,685,088 1998-06-20 CD-ROM (JP) T-1521G V1.001

Track list

1. Data track  
2. CD Warning message (0:08) 
► Running time: 0:08

Extra content

This game has extra content which can be viewed when accessing the disc on a PC.

Saturn (JP) Extra files
Folder / File Type Size description
ASS_ABS.TXT TXT (Abstract) 533 About this game.
ASS_BIB.TXT TXT (Bibliographiced) 29 About this game
ASS_CPY.TXT TXT (Copyright) 50 Copyright
README.DOC TXT 8,905 Messages from the developers.


References

  1. ↑ File:AstraSuperstars Saturn JP Box Back.jpg
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://sega.jp/history/hard/segasaturn/software_l.html#tab04 (Wayback Machine: 2019-12-07 02:59)
  3. ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "1998-23 (1998-08-07,14)" (JP; 1998-07-24), page 22
  4. ↑ File:AstraSS Saturn JP SSEnding.pdf
  5. ↑ Famitsu, "1998-08-14" (JP; 1998-07-31), page 1
  6. ↑ Saturn Fan, "1998 No. 15" (JP; 1998-07-24), page 141
  7. ↑ Saturn Fan, "1998 No. 19" (JP; 1998-10-02), page 118
  8. ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "October 1998" (UK; 1998-09-xx), page 64
  9. ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "1998-23 (1998-08-07,14)" (JP; 1998-07-24), page 209
  10. ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "Readers rating final data" (JP; 2000-03), page 11


Astra Superstars

AstraSuperstars title.png

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