Hitoshi Sakimoto bringing his full orchestral weight to a modern JRPG that desperately wanted to be a classic. Astria Ascending was developed by Artisan Studios with character designs by CyDesignation's Akihiko Yoshida, and Sakimoto's score is arguably the strongest thing about it.
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"Focus!" is a battle theme with that signature Sakimoto layering, horns and strings weaving together with propulsive percussion, and "Protectors of Harmony" as the boss theme escalates into something genuinely grand. The zodiac temple themes each carry their own identity.
"Temple of Shala, the Virgo Astrae" feels contemplative and sacred, while "Temple of Helicon, the Sagittarius Astrae" pushes into something more adventurous. "Ranta, Home of the Zefts" nails that welcoming town atmosphere Sakimoto perfected back in his Vagrant Story and Final Fantasy XII days.
This is a sound selection rather than the full OST, so it is a curated snapshot. "Ulan, Leader of the Demi-gods" and "Defying Fate" hint at the narrative stakes, and "A 3 Years Mission" grounds the whole thing in the weight of its premise.
Sakimoto fans already know the quality. Everyone else should start with that boss theme.