Astrae Oratio: First Gameplay Reveal at TGS 2026
At Tokyo Game Show 2026, the first gameplay footage of Astrae Oratio was unveiled. Developed by Dinamis One and published by NC, this new-classic RPG has been generating buzz through its CBT recruitment, but this marks its first true test in action.
The developers at Dinamis One appear to be aiming for a nostalgic revival of the late 90s and early 2000s aesthetic. Unlike many modern subculture games that rely on a single star illustrator, Astrae Oratio opts for a unified art style across all characters. This approach, while potentially polarizing for some, seems to be a deliberate attempt to capture a specific era of RPG design.
The combat system is a fast-paced, real-time turn-based hybrid. It draws inspiration from the ATB system seen in Final Fantasy, where enemy action gauges dictate turn order, allowing for aggressive preemptive strikes. The gameplay features a combo system, parrying, and a three-person tag-team mechanic. Players can swap characters mid-battle to manage health or execute special tag attacks. A key feature is the "Territory Declaration," a fever-time mechanic that restores AP and resets cooldowns, enabling high-speed skill chains reminiscent of fighting games.
Narratively, the game leans heavily into the visual novel tradition. Rather than standard mobile RPG dialogue boxes, the story uses text overlaid on high-quality CG backgrounds, reminiscent of Type-Moon titles like Fate/Stay Night. The demo showcased a tutorial involving a confrontation with the mage Yuria Kujo, transitioning into a story focused on the daily lives of girls in the Minato district, blending urban settings with occult mysteries.
While the atmosphere and combat flow are compelling, the demo revealed some areas for improvement. The UI/UX felt somewhat cluttered and the text size was small, making it difficult to track buffs and debuffs during intense combat sequences. Nevertheless, Astrae Oratio shows a clear passion for its genre, aiming to offer a refined, modern take on classic RPG sensibilities.
At TGS 2026, the developers at Dinamis One presented more than just mechanics; they presented a vision. The core focus is on returning to the roots: the game attempts to recreate the atmosphere of late 90s RPGs while maintaining a modern pace.
The combat revolves around resource management and timing. Beyond standard basic attacks and ultimates, players must manage AP and cooldowns. The parry system allows players to intercept enemy turns, while the tag mechanic adds strategic depth to character positioning. A standout feature is the "Territory Declaration"—a critical combat moment where accumulated AP allows for a devastating skill chain, reminiscent of a fighting game's modern mode.
The narrative also leans into nostalgia. Instead of the standard dialogue boxes found in many mobile RPGs, the game uses a format similar to visual novels. This approach allows for a deeper immersion into a world where occult mysteries and supernatural events are woven into everyday urban life. The demo effectively showcased the transition from high-octane action to quiet, character-driven storytelling.
However, the UI/UX requires further refinement. In the current build, the interface and information panels appeared somewhat difficult to read during fast-paced combat. Despite this, Astrae Oratio stands as an ambitious attempt by NC and Dinamis One to not just copy old hits, but to offer the "taste" of the classics in a modern package.
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