Astara

Astara, as briefly seen during the intro.

Astara is a former planet where Vexx lives. When the Rift Hub was opened, the Shadowraiths destroyed it, reducing it to a mere asteroid belt. Astara is known to have had two moons and two suns. From space, it looked a bit similar to Earth, though it's never specified how big it is. During gameplay, only one moon can be seen, so it can only be concluded that Astara's destruction caused the other moon to drift away, or it got destroyed along with it.

Worlds

700 years after being torn into pieces, it is discovered that several large chunks of Astara are still inhabitable, including: 

• Timberdale, a forest-themed area that includes rivers, a forest, and a very large tree, where a powerful boss called Sumo Kin can be found. The world has 10 Wraithhearts.
• Dragonreach, an arid area with a ginormous dragon skeleton reaching for the sky. The world has 9 Hearts.
• The Neverglades, a tropical region set in a jungle with temples and statues. The world has 9 Hearts.
• Tempest Peak Manor, a huge house that once belonged to the Storm Giant. It includes a TV, clock, bookcase and a large piano. A hideous creature can be found on the floor trying to eat Vexx. The world has 9 Hearts.
• The Below, a massive water dome, where Vexx can find the Leviathan, help a trio of pirates, and enter Sumo Kin's other arena. The world has 10 Hearts.
• Daggercrag, another arid area that consists of a towering temple and its surroundings, suspended above a crater. The world has 9 Hearts.
• Summit of the Sages, another forest-themed world like Timberdale, but rather than having a large tree as the center of attention, it has three gigantic rocks with faces carved into them. One face you may recognize. The world has 8 Hearts.
• Frostblight Mill, an icy setting with a giant windmill in the center of everything. Over to the right is the giant igloo, and flying around the area is an unmanned flying pirate ship. The world has 9 Hearts.
• Citadel of Shadows, a dark world filled with many difficult platform segments, a bottomless pit directly below it, and a frozen wasteland waiting outside.  The world has 8 Hearts.

An wall tapestry rendition of the invasion of Astara by the Shadowraiths 700 years ago (including the invasion of the Shadowraiths) found in the Neverglades.

Level Overview

A mural of the Astani fighting against Dark Yabu and the Wraiths 700 ago, also in the Neverglades.

Vexx, Cruel fortune has cast you from your home and into the shattered world of Astara. The vicious Dark Yabu has destroyed all you've known and ever held dear. Now, thirst for vengeance is the fuel that drives you through these forsaken remains of a once mighty planet. On your quest you'll discover the ancient ruins and natural wonders of Astara. From the towering, twisted arbor of Timberdale, the shadowy depths of the Neverglades, to the frozen outlands of Frostblight Mill. Through ancient temples of wonder and chambers of mechanical horrors to the massive foeboding Tempest Peak Manor, over majestic summits and afloat upon treacherous winds. As you discover your new powers, you'll dash through the deserts that rose out of Astara's apocalyptic past, where holy shrines and prehistoric beastsbboth succumbed to the cruelties of time. Soar past the tattered edges of Astara and dive into the mysterious depths of the Below. Go where you must to collect the Wraithhearts and unlock the stoic chambers of the Landspire as you prepare for your final confrontation with Dark Yabu. But beware nightfall, when the six bells of the Landspire toll and creatures become vicious shadows of their daylight selves. And beware that which drives you, young Vexx. The ache for vengeance sits somewhere deep within the soul,  but a deeper mystery is about to be unraveled by your own Talon-clad hands. Beware, A friend — A level overview found in the instruction manual.

Language

The Astaran language is the official language of the realm of Astara. In the game, the symbols can indeed be translated into English, though this is not directly told to the player. However, in the beta version of the game, a collectible known as the Sigils, small disks with an Astani letter or number engraved on them, were going to be used to "unlock the secrets of the Astani language," according to a developer interview. When the game was heavily trimmed down for release, Acclaim removed all of the Sigils. Had they been included, the mission for them would've involved collecting 6 in each world for a Wraithheart.

Trivia

• One sigil is left inside the game, which can only be found through hacking the game to allow Vexx to explore the icy pool in Frostblight Mill's igloo. This remaining sigil appears to have the number '7' engraved on it, and can actually be picked up, but does nothing beyond that.

  

  Vexx - Hidden Beta Item

  A video showing the last remaining sigil.