Aether
- November 14, 2023
- ychamel
"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."
Reviews
- The game has a fun and engaging core gameplay mechanic that allows for fast-paced action and skill selection, making each run exciting.
- There is a lot of potential for future updates, including more monster variations, items, and multiplayer features, which could enhance the overall experience.
- The developer is active in discussions and has shown consistent improvement with each patch, indicating a commitment to refining the game.
- The game currently suffers from a lack of content, including more maps, end bosses, and a polished gameplay loop, which may leave players wanting more.
- The user interface is clunky and awkward, with issues such as unreadable text on certain resolutions and a confusing tutorial that lacks feedback.
- Combat mechanics need refinement, particularly regarding hitboxes and the effectiveness of dodging, which can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences.
- gameplay12 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay offers a solid foundation with responsive controls and effective skill selection, but it currently suffers from a lack of polish, including awkward menus and an incomplete gameplay loop. While the core mechanics show promise, the absence of additional maps and bosses, along with some clunky UI elements, may deter players with higher expectations. With future updates, 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 gameplay was pretty smooth (nice hit detection, responsive controls, etc), but the menus are a bit clunky, both visually (i.e. misaligned options) and in their navigation (via controller).”
“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.”
- story8 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The game's story is perceived as underdeveloped, with players noting that it attempts to convey a narrative through minimal backstory provided by a random fox. Additionally, there is a call for more diverse and relevant playable characters rather than just reskins of the same character, which could enhance the storytelling experience.
“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.”
“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.”
- graphics2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed feedback, with users expressing hope for future improvements and additional content from the developers. While some players are willing to keep the game in their library, they emphasize the need for enhanced visual quality and support.
- replayability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Reviewers suggest that the game's replayability could be significantly enhanced by introducing a wider variety of playable characters that are more closely tied to the narrative, rather than simply offering reskins or recolored versions of existing characters. This addition could provide fresh experiences and encourage players to revisit the game.
“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 variety in gameplay options makes it hard to find motivation for replaying the game.”
“Once you've completed the game, there's little incentive to go back and experience it again.”