REVIEW / Aarik and the Kingdom in Ruins

Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom is a charming puzzle game developed by the indie team at Shatterproof Games. In this adventure, you step into the shoes of Aarik, a young prince grappling with family troubles—a sick father, a mother who has disappeared, and, as the title suggests, a kingdom in ruins. The game invites you to explore through creatively designed isometric levels, where your perspective is constantly challenged and reshaped to help find your way forward.

As you progress, Aarik gains access to special crystals that endow him with unique abilities, all of which are integral to your journey. These crystals come in four distinct colors, each granting different powers. They might allow you to rewind time to restore damaged structures, manipulate towers, or command robotic allies to overcome intricate puzzles. This array of abilities not only spices up the gameplay but also segments the adventure into various engaging chapters.

The game exudes a cozy, laid-back vibe that permeates every aspect, from its soothing soundtrack to the not-too-challenging puzzles. Shatterproof Games clearly aims to create an experience that players can unwind with, where the puzzles are intriguing enough to keep you engaged yet not overly difficult to make you feel stuck. Over the roughly two-hour journey, never once did I encounter a puzzle that completely stumped me.

While the game is enjoyable, it does come with a few hiccups, mainly with the controls. Some powers can be quite finicky. For instance, the robot control might disengage unpredictably, aligning blocks using telekinesis can become tedious, and the precision required for the rewind power to align pathways can be inconsistent. Though these issues didn’t ruin the experience, they certainly could take you out of the moment.

Despite these minor setbacks, Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom is a delightful little adventure that doesn’t overstay its welcome. Its visuals and sound design create an inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal candidate for a single-session playthrough. The use of crystals to enhance the gameplay is a nice touch, although the mechanics could use a bit of polish to reduce frustration.

In conclusion, if you’re seeking a relaxing gaming experience combined with a dose of puzzle-solving, Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom is a charming choice. Just be prepared for a few quirks along the way. This review is based on a retail copy of the game provided by the publisher. Overall, I’d rate it a 6/10—a short, relaxing escape with a few gameplay issues that slightly hamper the enjoyment.