Review: Aarik and the Kingdom in Ruins

Shatterproof Games has crafted a unique puzzle experience in Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom. At the heart of this indie release is Aarik, a young prince faced with the daunting task of navigating a shattered kingdom. Armed with his father’s crown, this young royal embarks on a journey through cleverly designed isometric levels that shift and change to unveil hidden paths.

In this charming game, Aarik comes across vibrant crystals that unlock special abilities essential for overcoming obstacles. There are four types of these magical gems, each adding a unique twist to the gameplay. Picture this: the power to turn back time to repair blasted structures, the force to relocate towering constructions, or the ability to command mechanical companions—all at your fingertips. These features not only enrich the puzzle-solving experience but also segment the game into intriguing chapters.

The game leans heavily into a soothing vibe, with a laid-back atmosphere underscored by a mellow soundtrack that aligns with the straightforward nature of the puzzles. Designed intentionally to cap more on relaxing than frying your brain, Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom allows players to unwind while enjoying its narrative. Spanning about two hours, the journey presents puzzles that might twist your perspective but never left me utterly baffled.

For all the ease, though, there’s an Achilles’ heel in the control mechanics. Some powers, like the robot control, tend to deactivate unexpectedly, while others like telekinesis demand meticulous precision to align blocks. The rewind function can be finicky with path placements, causing enough friction to momentarily detract from the enjoyment.

Despite these minor bumps, Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom maintains its status as an endearing one-sitting adventure, bolstered by its delightful visuals and enchanting soundtrack. Although the crystal abilities add an exciting edge to the gameplay, they’re sometimes fiddly, which can jar the experience slightly.

Wrapping up, Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom offers a cozy, albeit short, adventure. While its brevity and somewhat temperamental mechanics are noticeable, the overall calming gameplay more than makes up for these minor shortcomings. It’s a game that effectively invites players to relax while tackling its clever perspective puzzles.

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

Overall Rating: 6/10

Summary: With a relaxing core, Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom intrigues players with its perspective puzzles. However, its short duration and some finicky elements might leave you wishing for a touch more refinement.