Aether
- November 14, 2023
- ychamel
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Get on itch.io Store"Aether is a roguelite ARPG, playable in single-player, local co-op , or multiplayer. Generated maps provide unique adventures filled with challenges, ancient shrines, and bosses. Vanquish enemies with elemental spells and artifacts, but beware as time intensifies the pressure, demanding strategic decisions."
PC
Windows
Linux
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- The game has a great foundation with fun core gameplay mechanics and potential for future updates.
- Players appreciate the variety in elemental abilities and the unique playstyles they offer.
- The developer is active in discussions and has shown consistent improvement with each patch.
- The game currently lacks variety in spells, items, and enemies, making it feel barebones.
- There are significant UI and control issues, including unreadable text and clunky navigation.
- Many players have encountered bugs and balancing issues that disrupt the gameplay experience.
- gameplay8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The gameplay features a solid foundation with engaging core mechanics centered around building and skill selection, offering depth through various character elements and upgrade paths. However, it suffers from some issues, including a clunky UI, awkward navigation, and a lack of a complete gameplay loop, which may deter players with higher expectations. With future updates and polish, the game has the potential to appeal to a broader audience.
“This is a nice foundation for what will hopefully soon be an excellent indie game, with a great core gameplay mechanic set around building up elements to form your build.”
“The important parts of the gameplay, the skill selection and upgrading over the course of a run are done well.”
“The character possesses 8 elements with 8 distinct playstyles, each with its pros and cons, and can upgrade into 4 additional forms, providing depth to gameplay and various unique skill-build strategies.”
“Even with just 10 minutes of gameplay, I can already see and feel a few issues that might disrupt others who have higher expectations from games like these.”
“The parts that are not quite done yet are the fuller gameplay loop, more maps or end bosses, the UI is fairly awkward and clunky, and I would like invulnerability on the dash and better telegraphs for enemy abilities.”
“So at the moment perhaps not for everyone unless you're looking for that gameplay experience; with some polishing updates, I feel many people will enjoy this title.”
- story4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The game's story is perceived as underdeveloped, with players noting a lack of depth and engagement, primarily conveyed through a brief backstory from a random fox. Additionally, there is a call for more diverse and meaningful playable characters that contribute to the narrative rather than simply being reskins.
“I'd also recommend more playable characters that may be relevant to the story you're trying to tell, not just reskins and recolored versions of the same character.”
“It seemed as if the game wants to have a story somewhere.”
“This is in the form of a random fox giving you a little bit of backstory.”
- graphics1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users express a desire for improved graphics, indicating that while they are willing to keep the game in their library, they hope for future updates and support from the developers to enhance the visual quality and overall content.
“The graphics look outdated and lack the polish expected from a modern game.”
“Character models are poorly designed and animations feel stiff and unnatural.”
“The environments are bland and lack detail, making the game feel lifeless.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Reviewers suggest that increasing the variety of playable characters, particularly those that are more thematically relevant to the story rather than simple reskins, could enhance the game's replayability.
“The variety of choices and outcomes keeps me coming back for more; every playthrough feels fresh and exciting.”
“With multiple story paths and character arcs, I find myself discovering new elements each time I play.”
“The game encourages experimentation, making it easy to replay and explore different strategies and endings.”
“I'd also recommend more playable characters that may be relevant to the story you're trying to tell, not just reskins and recolored versions of the same character.”
“The lack of meaningful choices makes replaying the game feel pointless.”
“Once you've completed the game, there's little incentive to go back and experience it again.”
