Ara and the Empty Universe
- January 30, 2023
- Basim Aziz
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Ara and the Empty Universe" is a first-person adventure game that takes players through parallel dimensions. As Ara, you'll discover mysterious worlds, solve puzzles, and uncover hidden secrets, all while unraveling the riddles of the universe's origin. Utilize unique abilities to manipulate time, space, and matter on your journey to recover what was lost and bring life back to the universe.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features well-written characters and engaging dialogue, particularly the relatable protagonist, Ara, who provides a fun and entertaining experience.
- The story is intriguing and atmospheric, with clever writing that keeps players engaged throughout the journey.
- For its price, the game offers a worthwhile experience, with enjoyable exploration and collectibles that reference internet culture and other games.
- Technical issues, such as screen freezing and frame rate drops, detract from the overall experience and can lead to frustrating gameplay.
- The game's attempt at mystery and vagueness can leave players feeling confused and unsatisfied, with many unanswered questions by the end.
- While the graphics and map design are not the strongest aspects, the game compensates with its writing, but some players may still find it lacking.
- story28 mentions
- 64 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The game's story is praised for its engaging narrative and relatable protagonist, effectively balancing emotion without resorting to clichés. However, some players feel that the attempt at mystery and vagueness detracts from the experience, leaving them wanting more detailed explanations. Overall, while the story is considered short, it captivates players and keeps them invested throughout the gameplay.
“Wasn't sure if I would enjoy it when I was buying this because the core gameplay is a walking exploration simulator, but the story kept me engaged till the end.”
“A fun and surprisingly engaging story whose main selling point is the protagonist who is relatable and likable, without resorting to clichéd forced 'quirkiness.' There's a surprising lack of angst given the premise, but don't mistake this for a lack of emotion.”
“Love the story! 10/10 ending left me wondering what was going to happen to everybody left and what happened to everybody that went missing.”
“Worth for the a dollar story”
“There's not much I can say about the story itself without spoiling anything.”
“The first half of the game had me very worried about where the story would go, but in the second half these fears were put to rest.”
- atmosphere6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is praised for its strong storytelling and character chemistry, despite the limitations of its RPG Maker engine. However, some players feel that the attempt to create mystery through vague environments detracts from the experience, and a lack of atmospheric music leaves the game feeling too silent at times. Overall, it is considered a worthwhile short walking simulator for those who appreciate atmospheric experiences.
“I've played far worse games for far more money, so if you feel like you'd enjoy a short, atmospheric, walking sim made in RPG Maker, then give this game a shot.”
“A bit more atmospheric music would have been nice though, most of the game was silent, but for this price it was well worth the money spent.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics and map design of the game are generally considered weak points, but they are complemented by clever writing and an engaging story that can keep players entertained for several hours. Overall, while the visuals may not stand out, they are described as nice and sufficient for the experience.
“Interesting story, and nice graphics.”
“While the graphics and map design might not be the strong suit of the game, it makes up for it with its clever writing and keeps you entertained for a good couple of hours, depending on how much you explore.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The gameplay is primarily focused on walking exploration, which may initially seem unappealing, but the engaging story effectively captivates players throughout the experience.
“I wasn't sure if I would enjoy it when I was buying this because the core gameplay is a walking exploration simulator, but the story kept me engaged until the end.”
“The core gameplay is a walking exploration simulator, which may not appeal to everyone.”
“The gameplay feels repetitive and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“While the story is engaging, the gameplay itself can feel slow and uneventful.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game currently suffers from freezing and frame rate issues, which can disrupt gameplay and potentially reset progress. Players are advised to save frequently to mitigate the impact of these stability problems.
“I'd say it's worth giving it a shot, but until the freezing and frame rate issues are fixed, I'd recommend saving often to avoid having your progress reset if the screen freezes and you're forced to quit and reload.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by its simplicity, yet it effectively engages players with open questions that maintain intrigue. The enjoyable journey is enhanced by strong emotional moments that resonate well, making the experience memorable.
“It's not complicated by any means, but there's enough open questions to keep you guessing, and you'll be in such good company that the ride is enjoyable and the emotional beats still land.”
- music2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally sparse, with many users noting a lack of atmospheric tracks, which could have enhanced the experience. However, despite this shortcoming, players feel that the overall value of the game justifies the price.
