An oddity on PSN. It's a platformer with unique mechanics, hand-dawn graphics, and higher than average difficulty. While it does have certainAn oddity on PSN. It's a platformer with unique mechanics, hand-dawn graphics, and higher than average difficulty. While it does have certain charms to it the uneven execution holds it back.
The graphical style is pretty fantastic, but it largely goes unnoticed. You'll be focusing on the challenge ahead rather than how gorgeous and unique the world is. The visuals are reminiscent of the 1981 movie "Heavy Metal." The story is completely uninteresting. I ignored all of the cutscenes that told the predictable plot.
The controls will leave a lot to be desired at first and even when you do get used to them having to juggle both teleportation and jumping at the same time can lead to a lack of precision and cheap deaths. Jumping is is mapped to the left trigger and movement is controlled by the left stick while shooting a portal orb and using it are mapped to the right triggers and aiming is controlled by the right stick. You are often going to have to manage doing both of these in scenarios that require speed and precision. It adds a little more frustration to an already difficult game.
Thankfully checkpoints are generally forgiving and levels generally don't last that long. The challenges the game offers can be punishing at times, but never insurmountable. However many aren't going to want to put up with the tedium this game can offer when there are better challenging games out there with more solid mechanics.
If you are up for a challenge and don't mind some not so great controls then this is a game you may want to check out. It certainly does something new for the 2D platformer genre. However there are more rewarding and satisfying games out there with better mechanics so this is one that's definitely not going to be for everyone.
I give "Aaru's Awakening" a 6.5/10… Expand
