Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom is a unique puzzle game crafted by the indie developers at Shatterproof Games. It invites players to step into the shoes of Aarik, a young prince burdened with the responsibility of a crumbling kingdom. His father’s ill, his mother’s vanished, and as you can imagine, things aren’t looking good. Guiding Aarik with just his late father’s crown, players are set to explore isometric levels that morph and change, revealing new paths as they tackle each puzzle.
Throughout his journey, Aarik discovers special crystals that endow him with new skills needed to navigate his challenges. These crystals come in four vibrant colors, each wielding distinct powers. From turning back time to reconstruct ruins to moving towers and even controlling robotic allies, these abilities keep the gameplay fresh and engaging, effectively dividing the game into different segments that each bring something new to the table.
The overall mood of Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom leans heavily into creating a cozy experience for players. Its soothing ambiance, underscored by a calming musical score, perfectly complements the straightforward nature of its puzzles. The objective isn’t to leave you scratching your head in frustration; instead, the game aims to offer a chill experience, allowing players to unwind. Over a span of about two hours—just enough time to reach the end—I didn’t encounter anything too perplexing.
However, not everything goes off without a hitch. Some technical hiccups crop up along the way, especially concerning the game’s controls. Occasionally, the robotic control ability would shut off unexpectedly, and telekinesis could be a bit tricky when arranging blocks just right. The rewind feature also had moments where lining up paths proved to be difficult. These minor annoyances, though slight, did interrupt the smooth flow of gameplay at times.
In the end, Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom offers a relaxing escape that can easily be enjoyed in one sitting. Its charming visuals and soundtrack contribute beautifully to its quaint appeal, although there are moments where the controls fall short, causing slight frustration. Overall, the game does well in weaving in various crystal powers to spice up the adventure, despite their occasional quirks.
This review is based on a retail copy of the game provided by the publisher. The game scores a 6/10, standing out for its relaxing qualities and innovative puzzles, even if some gameplay elements feel a bit rough around the edges.
