Review: Aarik and the Kingdom in Ruins

Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom is a unique puzzle experience crafted by the indie team at Shatterproof Games. You step into the shoes of Aarik, a youthful prince dealing with a kingdom in disarray. His father’s bedridden, his mother is absent, and as for the kingdom—well, it’s seen better days. What makes this game stand out is its isometric levels that shift and morph, revealing the path ahead as you engage with the king’s mystical crown.

Navigating through the game, Aarik gains access to special crystals that grant intriguing new abilities. These come in four distinct colors, each unlocking its own special power. Some of these capabilities can turn back time to restore demolished structures, relocate towers, or even control mechanical companions to solve brain-teasing puzzles. These features not only enrich the gaming experience but also divide the journey into diverse and engaging segments.

What really sets Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom apart is its laid-back atmosphere. The game’s soothing aesthetic is complemented by its serene soundtrack, underscoring puzzles that are designed to challenge your perspective without overtaxing your brainpower. This deliberate choice ensures the game remains a tranquil experience that feels almost meditative. Throughout the roughly two-hour adventure, none of the challenges were insurmountable.

However, not everything in Aarik’s quest is smooth sailing. The controls occasionally present minor annoyances, especially when using certain powers. For instance, the robot-control ability can deactivate unexpectedly, while the telekinesis feature sometimes makes it tricky to precisely position blocks. Additionally, the rewind function could be a bit finicky, which can unintentionally break the flow of gameplay. Although these issues were slight, they were noticeable enough to disrupt the otherwise seamless experience.

In conclusion, Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom offers a delightful, though brief, escapade that’s perfect for a single gaming session. The striking visuals and gentle soundtrack create the perfect backdrop for this cozy little adventure. The crystal powers add an exciting twist to the game, though their implementation could use a bit more polish to avoid small frustrations.

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

Overall Rating: 6/10

Summary: Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom is a game designed to soothe with its perspective-based puzzles, though it struggles slightly with some fiddly elements.