Review: Aarik and the Kingdom in Ruins

Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom is an engaging puzzle game developed by the indie team at Shatterproof Games. Set in a realm plagued by chaos, players step into the shoes of Aarik, a young prince dealing with a kingdom in ruins. With a father who is confined to bed and a mother who’s disappeared, Aarik’s journey is far from easy. Donning the king’s crown, he embarks on an adventure through isometric levels that shift and reveal pathways as you solve perspective-based puzzles.

Throughout the game, Aarik discovers special crystals, each providing unique powers to aid him on his quest. These crystals come in four distinct colors, each having its own ability. They grant Aarik the power to rewind time to mend broken structures, manipulate towers, and even control robotic sidekicks to crack puzzles. These abilities bring variety to the puzzles and help divide the game into unique segments.

The game excels in creating a relaxing atmosphere. From the serene visuals to the soothing soundtrack, every element emphasizes a cozy vibe. The puzzles are crafted to gently challenge the player without causing undue stress, making it clear that Shatterproof Games intended Aarik to be a stress-free experience. It took me around two hours to reach the end of this charming adventure, and at no point did I find myself overly challenged or stuck.

That said, the journey isn’t without its minor frustrations. Some powers didn’t always respond smoothly. For instance, the robot control function sometimes deactivated unexpectedly, and accurately positioning blocks with telekinesis proved a bit fiddly. Additionally, the rewinding ability could be particular about aligning paths correctly, which occasionally interrupted the flow of play. Although these issues were minor, they were noticeable enough to slightly detract from an otherwise seamless experience.

In short, Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom offers a delightful adventure that can easily be completed in one sitting. The combination of charming visuals and a relaxing soundtrack makes for a pleasant gaming experience, though the crystal powers can sometimes be a bit temperamental.

Despite these small hiccups, Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom remains a delightful little journey. Thanks to its tranquil approach and well-balanced puzzles, it’s a perfect escape for anyone looking to unwind for a couple of hours. However, be prepared for a few moments of slightly awkward controls.

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

Overall Score: 6/10

In summary, Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom stands out as a pleasantly relaxing game with its perspective puzzles. However, its brief duration and some finicky gameplay elements slightly dampen the experience.