REVIEW / Aarik and the Kingdom in Ruins

Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom presents a unique blend of perspective-based puzzles from indie developer Shatterproof Games. This game introduces us to Aarik, a young prince facing the challenges of a kingdom in disarray. His father’s health is failing, his mother is missing, and his kingdom lies in ruins. With the king’s crown as your guide, embark on a journey through isometric levels that twist and transform, revealing paths as you go.

Throughout this adventure, Aarik encounters special crystals, each offering a unique ability to aid in his quest. These crystals, available in four distinct colors, grant powers such as reversing time to reconstruct damaged structures, moving towers, and even controlling robotic allies to assist in puzzle-solving. These abilities add a fresh twist to the gameplay, segmenting the experience into diverse sections.

The game thrives on delivering a cozy and calm atmosphere. Its soothing music complements the straightforward nature of the puzzles, which cleverly alter your perspective without overwhelming complexity. This design choice ensures that players can unwind while immersing themselves in Aarik’s world. In the roughly two hours it took me to complete the game, I never found myself stumped, which speaks to the game’s accessible nature.

However, navigating Aarik’s world does come with some hurdles. Control issues were the primary obstacles in my journey to restore Aarik’s kingdom. The abilities, while innovative, sometimes needed to be more precise. The robot control power would unpredictably deactivate, telekinesis made it challenging to align blocks correctly, and the rewind feature was occasionally temperamental in mapping paths. Though these issues didn’t completely detract from the experience, they were noticeable enough to momentarily disrupt the overall flow.

In the grand scope, Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom provides a charming, relaxing adventure that’s easily completed in a single sitting. Its visuals and soundtrack beautifully support this tranquil journey, without overstaying their welcome. The crystal abilities do add an engaging element to the gameplay, albeit with a few finicky moments.

Ultimately, Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom excels as a soothing escape into a world of simple yet intriguing puzzles. It’s a delightful experience marred only by the occasional control hiccup, earning it a solid 6 out of 10. For players seeking a short, calming adventure, this game offers a charming escape into a beautifully crafted world.