AER Memories of Old

77%
Game Brain Score Based on 4,041 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • music
AER Memories of Old Game Cover
AER - Memories of Old is a serene experience that boasts exceptionally fluid movement and pressureless exploration.
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In AER Memories of Old, you play as a young girl who can transform into a bird, allowing you to explore a beautifully crafted ancient world filled with ruins and mysteries. Solve puzzles, discover secrets, and uncover the history of a civilization long gone while navigating through breathtaking landscapes and cloudscapes. Experience a serene atmosphere and a touching narrative in this open-world adventure game.

  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Linux
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

77%
Audience ScoreBased on 4,041 reviews
story731 positive mentions
replayability10 negative mentions
  • Beautiful and vibrant art style that enhances the atmosphere.
  • Relaxing gameplay with enjoyable flying mechanics.
  • Intriguing lore and world-building that encourages exploration.
  • Short playtime with a lack of content for the full price.
  • Puzzles are overly simplistic and not very challenging.
  • Abrupt and unsatisfying ending that leaves many questions unanswered.
  • story2,450 mentions

    The story of "Aer: Memories of Old" is a fragmented narrative that unfolds through exploration, requiring players to piece together lore from scattered texts and environmental cues. While some players appreciate its minimalist and atmospheric storytelling, many find the plot underdeveloped, with a lack of engaging characters and a disappointing ending that leaves much unresolved. Overall, the game offers a serene experience with a simple yet touching story, but it may not satisfy those seeking a deep or cohesive narrative.

    • “The storyline is fantastic, and I love the adventure and puzzle aspects!”
    • “The story is told minimalistically but well through echoes of the past.”
    • “The music, the visuals, the storyline, all so beautiful and touching I don't think I will ever forget it.”
    • “The story is poor and uninteresting, the journey is long-winded and anti-climactic, and there are no characters or plot developments to speak of.”
    • “The story was hard to follow and with minimal engagement it just felt lackluster and disordered.”
    • “The story is barely there and you've heard the same story literally a hundred times before.”
  • gameplay1,201 mentions

    The gameplay in "Aer: Memories of Old" is primarily centered around its exceptional flying mechanics, which many players find enjoyable and fluid, allowing for a relaxing exploration of its beautifully crafted world. However, the game suffers from a lack of depth, as the majority of gameplay consists of simple puzzles and platforming that often feel disconnected from the flight mechanic, leading to a somewhat repetitive experience. While the game excels in creating a serene atmosphere, it ultimately prioritizes exploration over traditional gameplay elements, leaving some players wanting more engaging challenges and content.

    • “The flight mechanic is also really cool, and I definitely spent more time than necessary just flying around because it was just that much fun!”
    • “Amazing flying mechanics, smooth and easy to control, and I just love the music transition between flight and on foot.”
    • “The flying mechanics are intuitive and the world is beautiful and intriguing.”
    • “The gameplay is... non-existent, outside of the flight mechanic.”
    • “The unfortunate downside is that once you get past the general thrill of this mechanic, there really isn't much to do in the big open map you're given.”
    • “Sadly the only gameplay in this game is jumping across small chasms and the only puzzle repeated over and over is pressing buttons along a linear path.”
  • music1,189 mentions

    The music in "Aer: Memories of Old" is widely praised for its calming and atmospheric qualities, enhancing the game's exploration and flight mechanics. Many players appreciate the dynamic transitions between music while flying and on foot, contributing to a sense of freedom and immersion. However, some critiques mention a lack of variety and repetitiveness in the soundtrack, with a few finding certain tracks less fitting for the game's tone. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a significant highlight, complementing the beautiful visuals and tranquil gameplay.

    • “Loved soaring through the skies and exploring the different islands to music which manages to be both upbeat and relaxing at the same time.”
    • “The melodic and atmospheric soundtrack perfectly complements the ethereal landscapes, enhancing the sense of immersion and discovery.”
    • “The music is beautiful, as is the art style.”
    • “I also think the soundtrack tries a bit too hard to create a sense of wholesomeness that gets really irksome when that basically becomes the soundtrack of you cluelessly following one vague instruction after the next in a universe that seemingly obeys no laws but the randomness of a self-edifying mythology thrown at you for the sake of 'being inspirational'.”
    • “The ... music, I'll call it for lack of a better term, in this game is *so* same-y the whole way through. It ranges from forgettable and repetitive (the music that plays while you fly) to obnoxiously monotone (inside the towers while solving puzzles - single instrumental or choral notes that just go on and on and on and on, then switch to a slightly different note that then goes on and on and on and on, and that's all you get the entire time you're puzzle solving).”
    • “The one downside to this game in my opinion is the music.”
  • graphics1,113 mentions

    The graphics of "Aer: Memories of Old" are characterized by a charming low-poly art style that many players find visually appealing, with vibrant colors and a serene atmosphere that enhances the overall experience. While some appreciate the minimalist design for its tranquility and artistic expression, others feel it can appear simplistic or underwhelming in certain areas, leading to mixed opinions on its execution. Overall, the visuals are often praised for their beauty and ability to create an immersive environment, despite some critiques regarding the lack of detail and variety in the world.

    • “The beautiful graphics absolutely make this game!”
    • “Aer is one of the most beautiful games to look at; the graphics are simple, the textures almost always plain, and yet thanks to the vibrant color palette and the tasteful design, the final picture is just something you can't take your eyes off.”
    • “The game's unique art style and ethereal atmosphere create a sense of tranquility as players transform into a bird to explore floating islands and solve puzzles.”
    • “The graphics are rather eh and get boring quick...”
    • “Also the art style is just not my thing maybe personal, but it made the game look more in its early stages with the low poly look rather than an actual fully fleshed out game.”
    • “On top of the uninspired visuals and an empty world with no charm whatsoever is a flying mechanic so underbaked it’ll outstate its welcome almost the moment you’re attuned with it.”
  • atmosphere411 mentions

    The atmosphere in *Aer: Memories of Old* is widely praised for its serene and immersive qualities, enhanced by a captivating soundtrack and minimalist art style. Players appreciate the game's ability to evoke a sense of wonder and tranquility through its visuals, sound design, and worldbuilding, making it a standout experience for fans of atmospheric exploration. While some critiques mention repetitive elements, the overall consensus highlights the game's enchanting ambiance as its greatest strength, providing a relaxing and engaging environment for exploration.

    • “Overall, aer nails the atmosphere and the wonder of exploration with some amazing writing and worldbuilding.”
    • “The tranquil atmosphere, coupled with an immersive soundtrack, evokes a sense of wonder that stays with players long after they've completed the journey.”
    • “Aer is a beautiful atmospheric game with stunning visuals and pleasing sound design that results in a calm and relaxing experience.”
    • “It might feel fine your first two dungeons, as you get to admire the game's art, environmental storytelling, and atmosphere, but after a while, it became very tedious and boring, as I slowly made my way through massive caves I should've been able to fly in.”
    • “The game tries to use silence to build up the atmosphere, but it doesn't work; hearing your footsteps echoing just gets tired after a while.”
    • “I don't want to be focused on puzzle-solving when I would rather be focusing on taking in the atmosphere and appreciating the world.”
  • emotional124 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by its beautiful visuals, touching music, and a heartfelt storyline that resonates with players, often evoking feelings of nostalgia and introspection. While many find the experience wholesome and meditative, some critiques highlight a lack of emotional depth and engagement, leading to moments of indifference towards the narrative. Overall, it is celebrated for its ability to create a peaceful and enchanting atmosphere, though opinions vary on the effectiveness of its storytelling.

    • “The music, the visuals, the storyline, all so beautiful and touching I don't think I will ever forget it.”
    • “It's a deeply emotional and thought-provoking journey that resonates long after the game is over.”
    • “Whoever came up with the idea and the story for this game should be stripped and whipped in the public market, because goddammit I'm a grown man and I shouldn't find myself emotional, teary-eyed and wanting for more at the end of it.”
    • “The game is a walking simulator, with a boring story.”
    • “It's a chill and unique game, but with a boring story.”
    • “Slightly boring story, puzzles way too easy.”
  • replayability52 mentions

    Overall, the game's replayability is mixed; while some players find enjoyment in revisiting the world for exploration and relaxation, others note a lack of substantial replay value due to its short playtime and simplistic story. Achievements and the freedom to continue flying after completing the game offer some incentive for replay, but many feel that the experience is primarily nostalgic rather than deeply engaging.

    • “I loved it, and I'll play it again because it is replayable, if nothing else for the relaxation of flying through floating landscapes, visiting ancient relics set in engaging countryside, wondering at underground mysteries, and taking in more of the story.”
    • “These add even more depth and replayability to the game, and I found myself wanting to explore every nook and cranny of the world to find them all.”
    • “But most importantly, the physics behind flying and falling in general are what make this game so replayable even after the story is complete and there's nothing really else to do besides just fly.”
    • “It has no replay value (that I'm aware of?), but again it is a nice relaxing little puzzle game that I'd suggest playing if you want/need a break from something more competitive.”
    • “I do have to say I was a bit disappointed with how it ended as it left me with a bunch of questions as everything just faded to white and the credits rolled... and it doesn't really have any replayability value after finishing, except maybe if you want to get any achievements you've missed.”
    • “On the other hand, it was £14 for about 4 hours of gameplay, with (let's be honest) no replay value.”
  • grinding48 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for being excessively tedious, with many players feeling that it requires an unrealistic time investment. While the initial exploration and art are appreciated, the repetitive puzzles and slow-paced gameplay lead to a sense of boredom and frustration over time. Overall, the game is seen as lacking engaging content, making the grinding experience feel more like a chore than an enjoyable challenge.

    • “There is no tedious bookkeeping of strength, skills, inventory, etc. There are no bad guys, no combat, nothing leaps out and yells 'boo', no gore, no real tension.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “It might feel fine your first two dungeons, as you get to admire the game's art, environmental storytelling, and atmosphere, but after a while, it became very tedious and boring, as I slowly made my way through massive caves I should've been able to fly in.”
    • “But whenever it's time to solve a puzzle in a cave or explore a temple, the game grounds you until you complete simplistic platforming sections and do lots of tedious backtracking between doors, keys, and mechanical contraptions long after you figured out their solutions.”
  • stability48 mentions

    The game has been widely criticized for its instability, with numerous users reporting various bugs, glitches, and control issues that can disrupt gameplay. Common problems include invisible barriers, freezing movement, and game-breaking glitches, particularly on Linux systems. While some players noted that these issues did not significantly impact their overall experience, the consensus is that the game requires further polish to enhance stability.

    • “It runs great on Linux (with a controller too)!”
    • “I forgot to mention this as well, but there are no manual saves in the game. There's only 4 checkpoints for you to save, which is fine, but the game sometimes would be buggy and you would not be able to jump or transform, or the loading screen would not load and you have to alt+F4.”
    • “This game had potential - too bad that it's buggy and I entered the first temple and had to redo it 3 times... unplayable normally... I had to take a guide to finish this because no quest log exists.”
    • “Meh game at best, I have had multiple game-breaking glitches such as falling through the floor.”
  • optimization46 mentions

    The optimization of the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising its smooth performance and low-poly art style that allows it to run well even on low-end PCs. However, others report significant optimization issues, including lag in certain areas and clunky mechanics, suggesting that the developers may not have prioritized performance adequately. Overall, while many enjoy the game's atmosphere and music, the optimization concerns detract from the experience for some players.

    • “No bugs or issues here; the game runs smoothly without a hitch.”
    • “Thanks to its low-poly and minimal art style, I'm confident it'll run smoothly even on low-end PCs.”
    • “The game itself runs smoothly, no bugs or anything... it's also very peaceful and beautiful!”
    • “While offering a pleasant experience with its awesome music, aer: memories of old falls short due to significant optimization issues and gameplay that feels uninteresting and ordinary.”
    • “My only complaints are that it seems poorly optimized - a few areas had some lag - and that the flying mechanic isn't as smooth as I would have liked for a mostly flying game.”
    • “But this... frankly, it seems as if the devs didn't spend any thought on optimization at all.”
  • character development22 mentions

    Character development in the game is largely criticized, with some characters lacking arcs or relatability, particularly Auk, who is described as unlikable due to her absence of growth. However, the character designs are widely praised for their uniqueness and appeal, contributing significantly to the game's overall aesthetic and experience. While character development may be minimal or deemed unnecessary, the stunning visuals and art direction make the game worth playing.

    • “The character designs are fantastic, with each character having their own unique look and personality.”
    • “The lore here, and the character designs, especially for the spirits, is very appealing.”
    • “I'd almost argue that the game was simple to a fault, but the quality of the writing, character design, and animations with near-perfect world traversal make it an experience worth revisiting.”
    • “Auk has no character development and no arc, making her unrelatable, though just short of being unlikable.”
    • “There is no character development, but in this game, it's not even necessary.”
    • “Auk has no character development and no arc, making her unrelatable, though just short of being unlikable.”
  • humor14 mentions

    The humor in the game is characterized by its cute and colorful presentation, filled with amusing references and charming characters, such as the bird-shifter named Auk. Players are encouraged to explore the environment, as even mundane elements can yield funny or intriguing discoveries. Overall, the humor is described as heartfelt and delightful, contributing to a genuinely enjoyable narrative experience.

    • “Very cute, with many funny references that delighted me.”
    • “Characters: you play a girl with funny hair named Auk, a bird-shifter on a pilgrimage, and then you undertake a holy mission.”
    • “It's really, simply, a nice story told to you in a nice, funny, and colorful way.”
  • monetization8 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players expressing frustration over microtransactions that significantly impact gameplay, while others appreciate that certain microtransactions do not interfere with the overall experience. Additionally, there are concerns about the game's advertised features, such as flight, which feel underutilized and primarily serve to facilitate travel rather than enhance gameplay.

    • “Microtransactions that do not interfere with gameplay.”
    • “Microtransactions over gameplay!”
    • “Microtransactions that significantly affect the gameplay.”
    • “Flight is a big part of the game's advertisement, but its only reason to exist is to get from one island to another; it gets passing mention in the story and can't even be used inside locations.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

67% average critic score

Buy AER Memories of Old

Play time

5hMedian play time
5hAverage play time
3hMain story
4hCompletionist
4-6hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 42 analyzed playthroughs

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