REVIEW: Aarik and the Kingdom in Ruins

Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom comes to us from the indie creators at Shatterproof Games. This intriguing puzzle game is built around a unique perspective mechanic. Step into the shoes of Aarik, a young prince faced with a kingdom in ruins, a father confined to bed, and a missing mother. Armed with his father’s crown, Aarik journeys through a world of isometric environments that morph and shift, leading him on his quest.

The game gifts Aarik with special crystals along the way, enhancing his abilities with distinct powers manifested in four different colors. These magical gems allow him to perform feats like turning back time to rebuild fallen structures, moving towers, and enlisting the help of robotic allies to unravel the puzzles that lie ahead. These enhanced abilities keep the gameplay dynamic, dividing the game into engaging segments that maintain a fresh experience.

The developers place a high priority on creating a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. Everything from the soothing musical score to the gentle pace of the puzzles is designed to create a calm gaming experience. The game doesn’t bombard you with overly complex challenges; instead, focuses on shifting your perspective in novel ways. Designed to be a tranquil adventure, I found the roughly two-hour experience to be a peaceful one, without any puzzles that left me scratching my head in frustration.

However, not everything is smooth sailing. Some control issues pop up throughout the game, providing minor frustrations. The power to control robots was sometimes unpredictable, leaving me to wrestle with mechanical companions more than I would have liked. Aligning blocks using telekinesis also proved tricky at times, and reversing time wasn’t always precise, leading to paths that didn’t align as expected. While these hiccups didn’t mar the entire experience, they were noticeable enough to stir a bit of disruption.

In conclusion, Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom offers a pleasing retreat for players looking for a short and relaxing adventure. Its charming visuals and calming soundtrack combine perfectly, making it a delightful experience that’s easy to enjoy in one session. The crystal powers are a clever way to spice things up, but their implementation could use a bit of polish to avoid those pesky frustrations.

This review was crafted based on a retail copy of the game provided by the publishers. With a few gameplay tweaks, this enchanting game has potential for an even more seamless experience.