ANALYSIS / Aarik and the Kingdom in Ruins

Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom invites players into a world of perspective-based puzzles crafted by the indie team at Shatterproof Games. In this engaging adventure, you step into the shoes of Aarik, a young prince dealing with the pressures of a sick father, an absent mother, and, unsurprisingly, a kingdom in ruins. Using his father’s crown, Aarik must maneuver through creatively designed isometric levels that twist and change, revealing hidden paths forward.

Throughout the game’s journey, Aarik is equipped with unique crystals that grant him special abilities, enhancing the puzzles’ diversity. These come in four colors, each offering different powers. Think of controlling time to reconstruct demolished structures, shifting towers, or commanding robot allies to help work out these brain teasers. The introduction of these abilities adds a refreshing layer to the puzzles, neatly dividing the game into separate intriguing sections.

From the moment you dive in, Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom envelops you in its cozy atmosphere. Every detail, from the soothing music to the gentle complexity of the puzzles, is designed to provide a relaxing experience. Shatterproof Games has clearly aimed to offer a game that is as much about enjoyment as it is about challenge. Even as I progressed through its approximately two-hour storyline, I never encountered a puzzle that was excessively difficult.

Nevertheless, the journey isn’t without its bumps. The controls, at times, proved to be a bit frustrating. Some abilities didn’t always cooperate when needed. Occasionally, the robot control would deactivate unexpectedly, aligning blocks with the telekinesis power could be a task, and using the rewind power could be sporadic in setting up paths correctly. While these hiccups aren’t deal-breakers, they are noticeable enough to disrupt the otherwise smooth experience.

Wrapping up, Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom delivers a charming, laid-back adventure fit for completion in a single sitting. Its visual and auditory elements create a delightful ambiance that’s easy to get lost in. Though the crystal abilities add enjoyable complexity to the gameplay, their sometimes temperamental nature can introduce a bit of irritation. Overall, it’s a quaint journey that fits perfectly into a cozy afternoon.

This review is based on a retail version of the game provided by the publisher. Ah, a short, yet peaceful adventure with just a few rough edges. I’d rate it a 6 out of 10. If you’re someone who enjoys solving puzzles in a calm setting, you might find it a delightful little escape, even with its quirks.