Auralux: Constellations
- August 26, 2016
- Grove Street Games
- 7h median play time
Auralux: Constellations is the sequel to the popular minimalistic real-time strategy game, Auralux. With new gameplay constellations and multiplayer modes, players can now explore different strategies and challenge friends in local or online games. Featuring a calming ambiance and vibrant graphics, this game offers a relaxing yet challenging experience as players expand, upgrade, and conquer entire systems.
Reviews
- graphics743 mentions
- 69 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game have received widespread praise for their beauty and improvement over the original, with many users highlighting the stunning 3D visuals and appealing design. While some players noted that the new graphics can occasionally obscure gameplay clarity, the overall aesthetic has been described as engaging and relaxing, enhancing the gaming experience. Additionally, the combination of visuals and sound has been commended for creating an immersive atmosphere, making the game visually captivating and enjoyable to play.
“The graphics are amazing for such a small game.”
“Beautiful graphics and effects, improved game controls, same great concept and a lot more levels.”
“The graphics are beautiful and it's challenging.”
“The graphics are terrible: too fancy, plus you can't tell how strong you are.”
“I didn't necessarily like the graphic design in this game compared to the first, but it has lots of new features and levels that I love.”
“Only thing I can moan about is I preferred the flat graphics style from the old game to the new fancy tilt view.”
- gameplay661 mentions
- 58 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its addictive nature, strategic depth, and improved graphics compared to the original. However, several users expressed frustration with control issues and the presence of paywalls that limit access to content. Overall, while the core mechanics are appreciated for their simplicity and engagement, the execution of controls and monetization strategies have drawn criticism.
“The gameplay is great, and I always find myself needing to think differently to solve each level.”
“Absolutely great game, the controls could be customizable, but I would probably have them as they are; I love the mechanics and the strategy of it.”
“With updated graphics and many new game mechanics, constellations keeps the elegant, addictive simplicity of the original while expanding and improving the replayability.”
“The controls, though, make actual gameplay frustrating at times.”
“I still love the core gameplay mechanics, but the buggy touch controls ruin any enjoyment for me.”
“Gameplay is slow and the controls are tedious; also, the free version only has one 'character' unlocked, requiring purchase of the rest of the game... good concept, poor execution.”
- music309 mentions
- 65 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its fantastic quality, soothing ambiance, and effective integration with gameplay mechanics, enhancing the overall experience. Many players find it relaxing and enjoyable, contributing to the game's aesthetic appeal, although some note that it can become repetitive over time. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a significant highlight, elevating the game's atmosphere and engagement.
“The music is fantastic (I cannot stress this enough)!”
“The music makes it even a bit relaxing.”
“The music and graphics are beautiful and relaxing.”
“The only problems for me were the awful music loops and the slow speed, which were boring.”
“Music gets annoying after the first 10 levels.”
“I do wish the background music would be a bit different but overall a great time killer.”
- monetization292 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 9 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The monetization model of the game is generally well-received, with many players appreciating the absence of intrusive ads and the option to purchase additional levels instead. While some users express a preference for a fully paid game over microtransactions, the lack of ads is frequently highlighted as a significant positive aspect, making the gameplay experience more enjoyable. However, there are concerns about the high cost of in-app purchases and a desire for more free content or ad-supported options to unlock additional levels.
“No ads is a big bonus and the only microtransaction is simply more maps.”
“Love the purchase model too: no ads, no in-game stuff you have to buy.”
“Mobile gameplay at its best, no ads and happy to spend money on the fairly priced extra levels.”
“I'd happily pay 5 bucks to support a game that's as fun and enjoyable as this, but not at that price tag and not with something that reeks of microtransactions.”
“It's a fun game, but the desperate cash grab is frustrating.”
“I would rather deal with ads and play the full game than have to purchase every level.”
- stability57 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 7 % neutral mentions
- 82 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has received significant criticism, primarily due to buggy touch controls that hinder gameplay and make it frustrating for many users. While some players report smooth performance on certain devices, the overall consensus indicates that glitches and control issues are prevalent, rendering the game unplayable for a substantial number of users. Despite the game's potential, these stability problems detract from the overall experience.
“No bugs, no glitches, smooth playstyle, easy controls.”
“Runs great on Galaxy S4.”
“Smooth controls, beautiful sound and visuals, and no glitches as of yet!”
“I still love the core gameplay mechanics, but the buggy touch controls ruin any enjoyment for me.”
“Very frustrating and buggy; you circle your units, click a planet, and 4 times out of 5 the wrong spot will be selected.”
“Loved the original Auralux and came here in hope of new levels and challenges, but the controls are so buggy it's completely unplayable.”
- replayability52 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
Overall, the game exhibits strong replayability, with many users praising its challenging levels, varied gameplay mechanics, and the ability to improve times on each level. While some mention limitations in free content and a few concerns about strategic depth, the majority find the game addictive and engaging, making it worth revisiting over time. Enhanced graphics and new features further contribute to its lasting appeal.
“This game is addicting and well crafted, excellent replay value.”
“A year now and I am still blown away by the replayability of this game.”
“With updated graphics and many new game mechanics, constellations keeps the elegant, addictive simplicity of the original while expanding and improving the replayability.”
“This means that even after purchase, not all levels are playable.”
“Zero replay value and the free aspect is lacking.”
“It's good, just costs too much for little replayability.”
- story28 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is generally seen as minimal and lacking depth, with players expressing a desire for a more developed narrative and character-driven elements. While some enjoy the strategic gameplay and find it engaging, many are frustrated by the paywall that restricts access to additional missions early on. Overall, the game is fun and competitive, but it could benefit from a more substantial storyline to enhance the experience.
“Simple, strategic, challenging, addicting... even without a strewn out story (I love story-driven games), this game holds its own.”
“I loved the first one and was waiting for new levels; they did better than I hoped. Thank you, producers! Maybe make a story of why they're fighting that would be cool with characters, etc.”
“The game is awesome for people who are competitive. It has online multiplayer and a campaign story. I wish that the creators made more... just wow, they wowed me.”
“Pay to unlock 'storyline' maps pretty early into the game.”
“After a very few missions, meaning the beginning of the game, you have to pay for more missions.”
“This game has no ultra detailed models, meticulously crafted story or dozens of carefully balanced unit types.”
- optimization14 mentions
- 71 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
Overall, the game is praised for its strong optimization, running smoothly even on weaker mobile devices and consuming minimal battery. However, some users noted performance issues after updates, particularly on devices running Android 8.0 and above. The visual style and gameplay are well-received, though there are concerns about the repetitive nature of the free levels.
“Really good game in that category, and really good performance with weaker mobile.”
“Runs smoothly, looks good, challenging and fun.”
“Excellently fun time killer, does not kill battery much from excellent optimization.”
“(perhaps limited to only a handful of them being selectable at any one time to keep complexity/performance manageable)”
“(perhaps limited to only a handful of them being selectable at any one time to keep complexity/performance manageable)”
- humor11 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised, with players finding it consistently funny and entertaining. Many users express their enjoyment through laughter and highlight the game's ability to keep them engaged and addicted due to its comedic elements. Overall, the humor is a standout feature that enhances the gaming experience.
“Hilarious to play!”
“Very funny game”
“Bought it for the PC when it first came out... I'm so addicted, it's funny lol.”
- atmosphere7 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is consistently praised for its soothing soundtrack and relaxing graphics, creating an enjoyable and immersive experience. Reviewers highlight the intriguing and atmospheric qualities that enhance the overall gameplay, making it a standout feature.
“It's got a nice atmosphere to it; the soundtrack is soothing to the ear.”
“Very enjoyable strategy and very atmospheric, with relaxing graphics and sound.”
“Super atmospheric and intriguing.”
- emotional6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a strong emotional connection to the game, highlighting feelings of power and satisfaction. However, technical issues with touch responsiveness detract from the overall experience, causing frustration during gameplay.
“This game has made me feel the most power and satisfaction I've ever felt.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be frustrating and tedious, with slow gameplay and cumbersome controls. The limited access in the free version, requiring purchases to unlock additional characters, further detracts from the experience, making the challenging levels feel more like a chore than an enjoyable challenge.
“Gameplay is slow and the controls are tedious. Also, the free version only has one character unlocked, requiring purchase of the rest of the game. Good concept, poor execution.”
“The 'insane' levels become a tedious exercise in frustration.”