Review: Aarik and the Kingdom in Ruins

"Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom" is an intriguing puzzle game crafted by the indie team at Shatterproof Games. At its heart is young prince Aarik, who finds himself in a difficult situation: his father is unwell, his mother is nowhere to be found, and you guessed it, his kingdom lies in ruins. Armed with his father’s crown, Aarik embarks on a journey through cleverly designed isometric levels that shift and change to guide him forward.

As Aarik ventures deeper into the game, he discovers mystical crystals that grant him an array of magical abilities. These crystals, which come in four distinct colors, bestow powers such as reversing time to restore broken structures, shifting towers around, or enlisting robotic allies to solve tricky puzzles. These abilities are not only creative but also help to diversify the challenges and breathe new life into each phase of the game.

The game is all about relaxation and simplicity. From the peaceful soundtrack to the soothing atmosphere, the developers have masterfully crafted a gaming experience that’s gentle on the mind. The puzzles are thoughtfully constructed to provide a shift in perspective without being overly complex. This deliberate design choice ensures that players can unwind as they journey through the game, and I found myself completing the adventure in roughly two hours without any major hurdles to overcome.

However, not everything proceeds as smoothly as one might hope. The controls can be quirky at times. For instance, powers like controlling a robot can inadvertently turn off, requiring careful reactivation. Similarly, aligning objects with the telekinesis ability can prove to be a bit cumbersome, and the time-rewind mechanism occasionally positions pathways unpredictably. These issues, while minor, can disrupt the overall flow of the game and momentarily break the immersive experience.

Visually, the game is stunning, and coupled with its melodic soundtrack, it truly makes for a cozy little adventure. Although the crystal powers add a refreshing twist to the gameplay, their finicky nature can sometimes lead to frustration. Nevertheless, "Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom" stands out as a game that you can easily finish in one sitting, offering an engaging escape from everyday life.

Reflecting on my time with "Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom," I can say that it’s a delightful, albeit brief, adventure. It perfectly suits those seeking a laid-back gaming session, although it comes with the minor caveat of some persnickety controls. Overall, I’d give it a solid 6 out of 10 for its charm and innovation, marred slightly by those occasional hiccups in gameplay.

This review is based on a retail copy of the game provided by the publisher.