Aeterna Noctis

Despite the colorful, immersive scenery, Aeterna Noctis is a game we feel like we've visited before. But you know what they say, never judge a book by its cover! The game is another Metroidvania offering in a genre that has recently seen a resurgence of popularity. Perhaps Aeterna Noctis is just that there's no backing down from the fact that the genre is consistently enjoyable?

Admittedly, the game's hand-drawn graphics and dark concept do sound the appeal bells. Though Aeterna Noctis feels like an attempt to capitalize on the Metroidvania popularity, we'll give it that's unique visual aesthetic that could very much work in its favor. Time to discover if the game stands out amongst the pack.

Towards Darkened Shores

We may have gotten our first impressions slightly wrong about Aeterna Noctis. Yes, it's a Metroidvania game similar in stature to others. However, the gameplay almost instantly dictates that this is a game made for fans of the genre. The robust narrative, challenging gameplay, and stunning visuals underline that statement.

Storywise, you are the King of Darkness trying to bring order to a world sunk into eternal war by the gods above them. Players will have to exploit the range of movement and combat techniques granted to this immortal being to overcome the challenges of the ethereal battle set before them. Like any Metroidvania, you'll fight enemies, bosses and navigate through obstacles.

However, Aeterna Noctis transcends the typical mechanics of the genre to offer something more honed after by fans. Every gameplay element enhances what you would see in a standard Metroidvania. The difficulty is incredibly challenging, the narrative is explosive, and the hand-drawn visuals provide a unique flair.

Aeterna Noctis is a good game, but, arguably, the way it's delivered is the architect of its own downfall. The game is made for Metroidvania fans, limiting its potential reach with its difficulty and more niched set of mechanics. That's not to say that it's a good game, just one that a sizeable player base will find it challenging to get into.

A Challenge Shrouded in Night

What made games like Hollow Knight so accessible is that the cutesy visuals, narrative, and elementary mechanics eased you into the round. That's not the case with Aeterna Noctis, where it's challenging from the get-go. The developers certainly understand their audience and have made a game for them. But they do this at the loss of accessibility for other players.

Round-Up - Pros & Cons

Pros:

• A great Metroidvania game that appeases fans of the genre
• Visually stunning with hand-drawn graphics and animations
• A grand narrative that keeps players driven

Cons:

• The difficulty will not appeal to some players
• Feels similar to other games of the genre on first impressions
• Lack of intuition in controls