REVIEW / Aarik and the Decayed Realm

Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom is a fascinating perspective-based puzzle game crafted by indie developer Shatterproof Games. You take on the role of Aarik, a young prince grappling with the challenges of a kingdom in disrepair, a missing mother, and a father who is unwell. With the help of the king’s crown, Aarik maneuvers through levels that dynamically change and shift, revealing new paths in a captivating isometric landscape.

Throughout his journey, Aarik discovers unique crystals, each offering a distinct ability to aid him on his quest. These crystals come in four colors, each unlocking varying powers. These remarkable abilities let Aarik rewind time to mend broken structures, relocate towers, or control mechanized allies to crack the puzzles. The introduction of these powers not only makes the game more intriguing but also segments it into memorable parts, keeping players engaged.

Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom exudes a cozy ambiance that can be felt in every aspect of the game. From its soothing atmosphere to its tranquil music, everything complements the gentle nature of the puzzles. These puzzles are designed to challenge your perspective without overwhelming you, allowing for a relaxing gameplay experience that lacks the frustration of overly difficult puzzles. Even after spending about two hours to complete the story, I didn’t encounter any obstacle that was too difficult to overcome.

The main issues I encountered stemmed from the game’s controls. Some abilities, like the robot control, would deactivate at inconvenient times, and using telekinesis required precise alignment of blocks, which wasn’t always easy. Additionally, the rewind time ability was a bit temperamental when it came to aligning paths just right for progression. These control quirks, while generally minor, occasionally disrupted the smooth flow of play.

Wrapping up the journey, Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom offers a restful adventure easily accomplished in a single sitting. Its delightful visuals and calming soundtrack enhance the overall charm, ensuring the game leaves a pleasant impression without dragging on. Nevertheless, some might find the finicky controls a bit frustrating when it comes to utilizing the otherwise intriguing crystal powers.

To sum it all up, Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom provides a genuinely relaxing experience centered around clever perspective puzzles. Despite its short duration and a few gameplay issues, the game largely succeeds in crafting an engaging adventure that invites players to sit back and enjoy. Overall, this laid-back journey nets a respectable 6 out of 10. This review is based on a retail copy of the game provided by the publisher.