Aurora Nights
- May 26, 2016
- Vladimir Maslov
"Aurora Nights" is a survival simulation game set in the Arctic. Players must manage their resources, build and maintain their shelter, and navigate harsh weather conditions while hunting and gathering to stay alive. The game features a day-night cycle and dynamic weather system, providing a challenging and immersive experience in a stunningly beautiful, but unforgiving environment.
Reviews
- Aurora Nights is a relaxing and educational game that helps players learn about constellations in a simple and enjoyable way.
- The game features calming music and beautiful graphics, making it a pleasant experience for users of all ages.
- At a low price, it offers easy achievements and trading cards, making it a good value for those interested in astronomy.
- The gameplay is overly simplistic, primarily consisting of connecting dots with little challenge or engagement.
- The educational content is limited, with only brief descriptions of constellations and no guidance on how to locate them in the night sky.
- The game is very short, with many players completing it in under an hour, leading to concerns about its replay value and depth.
- music60 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 35 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally described as calming and relaxing, with many players appreciating its ambient quality, although some note that it can become repetitive over time. However, there are complaints about the lack of in-game music during gameplay, as the pleasant soundtrack is often interrupted by generic sound effects. Overall, while the music enhances the serene atmosphere, its limited presence during key gameplay moments detracts from the experience for some players.
“The game is relaxing, beautiful, has good music and you learn something about stars!”
“The music is nice and gets you in a serene and peaceful state of mind.”
“Beautiful educational game, with cool music and also short playtime (under 1 hour.)”
“There's no in-game music, the sound effects of clicking on stars are annoying and everything is just so simple and bland.”
“The single music track is ambient, but you're basically just clicking dots and joining the lines up.”
“Music is chill, but it gets boring over time.”
- gameplay26 mentions
- 12 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The gameplay is described as simple and somewhat lacking, primarily involving a connect-the-dots mechanic to identify constellations, which some players found tedious and unengaging. While it offers a gentle introduction to stargazing, the educational elements are relegated to menus rather than integrated into the core experience, leading to disappointment for those seeking a more interactive or challenging game. Overall, it may appeal to amateur stargazers, but many reviewers felt it fell short of being both entertaining and educational.
“The gameplay is engaging enough, but the game's strength is how it gently encourages you to learn to recognize some constellations without being too difficult or tedious.”
“Gameplay is accomplished in a connect-the-dots manner, and in order to get three stars, you have to find each constellation three times.”
“While there isn't much to be said about the gameplay aspect of the game, if you're into amateur stargazing or simply want to know more about constellations, then Aurora Nights is a good place to start.”
“I can only fault the gameplay and my disappointment in the fact that it wasn't something a bit more involved.”
“The educational value is nonexistent in the main gameplay.”
“I come to a video game to play, not to read, and it really comes as a shock when a game that markets itself as an 'entertaining educational game' has all the educational bits stored away in menus rather than the core gameplay.”
- graphics16 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 19 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally praised for their quality and polish, contributing to a nice aesthetic overall. However, some users find them to be somewhat plain and lacking in variety, suggesting that there is room for improvement in visual diversity. The accompanying soundtrack is also well-received, enhancing the overall experience.
“The graphics are great, the music is beautiful, everything is executed in a very polished manner.”
“Overall the game has a nice aesthetic even if the gameplay is lacking a tad.”
“The visuals and music are great, too.”
“Even I, not an expert in graphic design, could have done it better using some stellar maps you find everywhere... just for variety's sake.”
- story6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is well-received, as players appreciate the engaging backstories provided for each constellation, enhancing their understanding and connection to the night sky. The inclusion of an "encyclopedia" feature allows players to learn more about the constellations after discovering them, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.
“I enjoyed learning a little backstory on each of the constellations, and the pattern repetition may just help me find them in the sky easier at night.”
“Not just connecting dots, but you also learn the story behind every constellation.”
“Some fair backstory is added to each constellation in the 'encyclopedia' after you discover them.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the game's approach to grinding, noting that it effectively encourages learning through engaging gameplay without becoming overly difficult or tedious. This balance makes the experience enjoyable rather than a chore.
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is generally considered lacking, which detracts from its entertainment value; however, players appreciate the calm and peaceful atmosphere, complemented by a soothing soundtrack.
- replayability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game is criticized for having zero replay value, indicating that players find little incentive to revisit it after completing it.
“Zero replay value”
“Zero replay value”
- optimization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game is perceived as unremarkable, presenting familiar visuals that lack a striking performance, ultimately failing to deliver a standout experience.
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is consistently praised for its beauty and immersive qualities, creating an engaging experience for players. Additionally, it is noted for being affordable, which enhances its appeal.
“It's pretty, atmospheric, and hard to knock.”