Aarik: and the Ruined Kingdom: Review

This game was reviewed on PC.

Reviewed by:  David Cameron

Aarik: and the Ruined Kingdom by Shatterproof Games is a charming yet familiar action-adventure RPG set in a beautifully crafted world filled with mystery, danger, and a touch of old-school nostalgia. The game brings players into the role of Aarik, a lone adventurer tasked with uncovering the secrets of a once-great kingdom, now lying in ruin. While the game shines in its world-building and atmosphere, some areas feel a bit undercooked, preventing it from becoming a top-tier entry in the genre.

Gameplay: Familiar Mechanics with a Few Twists

At its core, Aarik: and the Ruined Kingdom follows a tried-and-true formula for action-adventure RPGs. You'll explore vast, detailed environments, take on quests from various NPCs, and engage in real-time combat against an array of enemies, from bandits to fantastical beasts. The combat system is solid, with a mix of light and heavy attacks, dodging, and parrying, giving battles a satisfying weight. However, the combat can sometimes feel sluggish, and certain enemy encounters lack the variety needed to keep things exciting.

The RPG elements are relatively straightforward—there's a leveling system, skill trees, and an inventory full of gear and items to collect. While progression feels rewarding, it doesn't stray far from genre norms. If you've played similar titles, you'll know what to expect in terms of character building and equipment management.

Where the game does stand out is in its exploration. The world of Aarik is full of hidden treasures, puzzles, and lore-rich locations that beg to be explored. Shatterproof Games has done a great job crafting a visually appealing world, filled with ruins, dungeons, and forgotten towns, each with its own unique story to tell. This sense of discovery is one of the game's strongest aspects, giving players a reason to venture off the beaten path.

Visuals and Sound: Beautiful World, But Some Rough Edges

Visually, Aarik: and the Ruined Kingdom is a mixed bag. On the one hand, the art direction is fantastic. The environments are lush, atmospheric, and filled with detail. The ruined kingdom feels appropriately desolate, yet alive with hidden secrets and history. The character models and animations, however, don't quite hit the same high mark. Aarik's movement can be stiff at times, and some of the enemy designs, while creative, lack polish.

The sound design complements the game's atmosphere well. The soundtrack is appropriately epic when it needs to be, with sweeping orchestral themes that set the tone for exploration and combat. Ambient sounds—wind sweeping through ruined temples, the distant cries of monsters—help immerse players in the world. The voice acting, while serviceable, sometimes veers into the overly dramatic, but it fits the game's overall fantasy vibe.

Story: A Familiar Fantasy Tale

The story in Aarik: and the Ruined Kingdom is an age-old tale of a fallen kingdom and a hero on a quest to restore order. While it's not the most original plot, it's well-executed, with a focus on environmental storytelling and lore. As Aarik, you'll uncover the history of the ruined kingdom piece by piece, through ancient texts, NPCs, and your own exploration. The narrative won't blow you away, but it's engaging enough to keep you pushing forward to see how it all unfolds.

The game's characters, however, could use more depth. Aarik himself is a bit of a blank slate, and while the supporting cast is colorful, many of them fall into predictable fantasy archetypes. The dialogue is functional, but it rarely reaches the emotional heights you'd hope for in a story about a kingdom's downfall.

Final Thoughts: A Solid, If Safe, Adventure

Aarik: and the Ruined Kingdom is a solid action-adventure RPG that does a lot right, even if it doesn't break new ground. Its world is beautifully crafted, and the exploration is rewarding, but the game's combat and story are a bit too familiar to truly stand out. Fans of the genre will find plenty to enjoy, especially if they love uncovering hidden lore and exploring atmospheric environments. However, for those looking for a game that pushes the boundaries of what an action RPG can be, Aarik may not offer enough innovation.

In the end, Aarik: and the Ruined Kingdom is a fun and engaging journey, even if it doesn't stray far from the well-trodden path. It's worth playing for its sense of exploration and the world Shatterproof Games has built, but it might not leave a lasting impression once the credits roll.

Reviewed by: David Cameron