Astral Courthouse

4.1 / 5

6,812 plays

indie

Game Information

Developer: SZ Games

Rating:

4.1/5

Released: April 2024

Last Updated: June 2025

Technology: HTML5 (Unity WebGL)

Platform: Browser

Size: ~15 MB

Plays: 6,812

Mobile Support: No

About Astral Courthouse

Prepare to plead your case and test your reflexes in Astral Courthouse, a high-stakes indie browser game where heavenly judgment awaits! Thrust into the cosmic courtroom of Heaven itself, you’re cast as a mischievous soul whose notorious antics have landed you in hot (or rather, divine) water — again. This isn’t your average trial; instead, Astral Courthouse challenges you to survive a series of escalating trials teeming with whimsical but deadly angelic creatures and devious obstacles that put both your focus and timing to the ultimate test.

Inspired by the theme of "Balance" from the renowned Gamedev.JS jam, Astral Courthouse seamlessly fuses the motif of justice scales and cosmic order with addictive arcade action. Your goal? Outsmart the celestial jury by dodging righteous rage, collecting shimmering 'shinies', and restoring your cosmic karma—all while running the tightrope between chaos and order.

Built on HTML5 for smooth browser play, Astral Courthouse boasts a vibrant pixel-art style, combining playful pastel hues with sharp, pixel-perfect animations that bring the astral plane to life. Each courtroom is uniquely designed—expect dynamic hazards, shifting platforms, and cunning AI foes keeping you literally on your toes. With a challenging difficulty level, the game rewards quick thinking, rapid reflexes, and strategic risk-taking. Can you survive the relentless onslaught of angelic enforcers and prove your innocence, or will the cosmic gavel fall?

Perfect for fans of indie gems, challenging arcade experiences, and those who appreciate wit and irreverent humor, Astral Courthouse delivers heart-pounding action and a chance to tip the divine scales your way—if you’re brave enough to face the otherworldly trials. Whether you’re seeking a quick adrenaline rush or determined to master every level, this free itch.io experience is sure to hook you from the very first court summons. Step into the halo-lit chaos and see if you can escape celestial justice before it’s game over!

How to Play

Jump into the astral chaos by hitting the 'Start' button on your browser. You’ll immediately find yourself in the celestial courtroom where heavenly creatures roam. Move your character using the arrow keys (or WASD) to run left and right, leap over obstacles, and maneuver through maze-like platforms. Your primary objective is to collect as many 'shinies'—glimmering cosmic orbs—as you can while avoiding angelic enforcers determined to bring you to high-spirited justice. Timing your jumps is essential: use the spacebar to execute precise leaps over enemies and dangerous traps. Always keep an eye out for moving platforms and shifting hazards that can knock your soul into the cosmic void.

Each level grows harder as you advance, introducing new patterns, enemy types, and environmental challenges that demand sharper reflexes. Shinies not only boost your score but can serve as your redemption; missing them can cost you the trial. Touching angelic foes or falling into pits will send you back to your last checkpoint or, on higher difficulties, restart the round. Survive all trials to escape the verdict—if you’re lucky, you might even receive a comedy-laced verdict screen!

Beginner tips: Start slow to learn enemy patterns, and focus on collecting shinies in less risky areas before going for trickier moves. Don’t rush—in Astral Courthouse, patience and balance are just as important as speed.

Controls

mouse

keyboard

Tips & Tricks

Master the jump timing—wait for enemies to patrol away before leaping over them.
Prioritize collecting safer shinies early, then riskier ones when you know the level layout.
Watch for environmental clues like glowing platforms—they often indicate secret paths or safe zones.
Replay earlier levels to perfect your skills and spot shortcuts for higher scores.
Listen for audio cues, as angelic foes often signal their attack patterns with sound.
Balance risk and reward—sometimes skipping a shiny is safer than risking a reset.
Keep an eye on moving hazards—they change speed and direction in later levels!

Game Features

Tough, skill-based gameplay blending platforming and arcade elements
Unique cosmic justice theme inspired by the 'Balance' motif
Vibrant retro pixel art with charming, hilarious character design
Dynamic levels featuring shifting platforms, hazards, and enemy AIs
Witty, irreverent writing and comical verdicts after each trial
100% free and instantly playable on desktop browsers—no downloads
Global leaderboards on itch.io for competitive players

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Astral Courthouse really free to play?

Yes! Astral Courthouse is completely free—no downloads, no paywalls. Just click and play in your browser on itch.io.

Can I play Astral Courthouse on my phone or tablet?

Currently, Astral Courthouse is only compatible with desktop browsers and not optimized for mobile devices.

Is there a way to save progress or use checkpoints?

Yes, certain levels include checkpoints. If you lose a life, you’ll restart from your last checkpoint. Some harder difficulties may require you to start over.

How do I improve my score or get a better verdict?

Collect as many shinies as possible and avoid mistakes to maximize your score. Speed, accuracy, and exploring every area can lead to special verdicts!