Aaru's Awakening

 PlayStation 4
User Score
2.0

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 137 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 137
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 137
  3. Negative: 108 out of 137

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  1. painkiller27
    May 8, 2015
    1
    I am a very optimistic gamer. I enjoy most games I play. However, I could not enjoy this game much at all. The graphics are decent enough but the gameplay is just awful.
  2. Tirah
    Apr 11, 2015
    2
    A free game on PS+ this month and a huge disappointment. Terrible controls (that cannot be remapped, mind you) kill what could've been an interesting little puzzle platformer. Giving it 2/10 for the graphics and music.
  3. JackKasket
    May 5, 2015
    0
    Pros: It was free.
    Cons: It's garbage.
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    Cons: It's garbage.

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    `',: : .'    … Expand
  4. tsakiym
    May 11, 2015
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. hahaha one of the most worst games i have ever played. thank you. I do not have to say anything more. But i need to write one hundred and fifty characters. i think my score can describe it.… Expand
  5. EthanMoon
    May 10, 2015
    0
    This game could be much more, but it feels like a student project on a "Learn Unity in 3 months", Unity being the engine the game is built on.
    Despite having a nice style, the animation and how it is all done is just horrible. It does not feel like people loved what they were doing. No one forced developers to do it, but they did anyway.
  6. Dal_ReviewedDat
    Apr 9, 2015
    3
    Thank god this was a freebie off PS+ this month and not a game I wasted money on.

    + The art style can't be knocked as it's like a re-vamped altered-beast and sounds good to. I dont have any other positive comments. - The gameplay: not good. I dislike the dual stick on a 2D game. It's awkward and clumsy at best. Having played a few hours before deleting from my harddrive, I feel    Thank god this was a freebie off PS+ this month and not a game I wasted money on.

    +
    The art style can't be knocked as it's like a re-vamped altered-beast and sounds good to. I dont have any other positive comments.

    -
    The gameplay: not good. I dislike the dual stick on a 2D game. It's awkward and clumsy at best.
    Having played a few hours before deleting from my harddrive, I feel I got enough of the game to accept it's not good, it's not fun and I particularly dislike games that have small levels that time and score you... it would probably be an alright App for iOs or Android, with touch-screen, but this whole concept of competing with times online and friends doesnt make a game worth playing to me.

    Just another rubbish PS+ game for PS4 unfortunately    … Expand
  7. tr3472
    Apr 10, 2015
    2
    the good:.
    *art style
    *teleporting
    *free with PS+

    the bad:
    *rubbish menu system
    *controls
    *sluggish
    *padded out with timed runs
    *game appears broken in first boss fight as you are teleported into a new screen and often killed straight away
    *free with PS+ when we could have something better
  8. Turbodowg
    Apr 17, 2015
    0
    This game deserves ZERO. It is the epitome of absolute terrible game programing and everything wrong with this new Gen of consoles. This sort of indie title doesn't deserve to exist. We had a few **** games like this on the Amiga in the 80's and even then it was not acceptable.

    Stop making these sort of terrible side-scrollers, why is Mario so popular? Because it is **** simple! Stop    This game deserves ZERO. It is the epitome of absolute terrible game programing and everything wrong with this new Gen of consoles. This sort of indie title doesn't deserve to exist. We had a few **** games like this on the Amiga in the 80's and even then it was not acceptable.

    Stop making these sort of terrible side-scrollers, why is Mario so popular? Because it is **** simple! Stop adding stupid controls, pretentious graphics styles and **** level design. If you want to make a plat former look at the greats and why they still exist. Hell, look at some of the popular games from the 80's like Turrican 2 and make something similar, just stop making these confusing, broken, horrible looking, absolute messes of games!!!!!!!    … Expand
  9. WizardVReaper
    Apr 9, 2015
    0
    A game should get your attention from the start the opening scene to Aaru's Awakening wanted to make me delete the game straight away the dialogue sounded like a teenager being asked to read a page from a book in an english class bored and uninterested, after a brief look at the controls on screen you are dropped into some world you play as well best way to describe it is an Anteater hadA game should get your attention from the start the opening scene to Aaru's Awakening wanted to make me delete the game straight away the dialogue sounded like a teenager being asked to read a page from a book in an english class bored and uninterested, after a brief look at the controls on screen you are dropped into some world you play as well best way to describe it is an Anteater had no idea which was the backend so the developer sticks a cursor to show the front of the Anteater, so i go along jumping from platform to platform with quite possibly be the worse controls ever nothing is explained what the aim of the game is but i finished the level im then presented with a table of other users level time i press X and then get to do the same level again....game deleted.… Expand
  10. Philli_86
    May 23, 2015
    4
    You know I found this game just as enjoyable as OlliOlli2, which got an 86 I believe in the critic score. This game is a crap fest but so are a lot of other indie games. The simplicity of indie games doesn't make them attractive and this game really highlights that. Indie games like Transistor really hit the sweet spot for indie games. Tolerable graphics, ok story, and amazing mechanicsYou know I found this game just as enjoyable as OlliOlli2, which got an 86 I believe in the critic score. This game is a crap fest but so are a lot of other indie games. The simplicity of indie games doesn't make them attractive and this game really highlights that. Indie games like Transistor really hit the sweet spot for indie games. Tolerable graphics, ok story, and amazing mechanics that bring the game to life. Indie game developers should really understand that the massive hit to graphics has to be countered by something. You can't make a bad story with awful 2-bit mechanics on top of Super Nintendo graphics and expect a good reaction from players. It is simply unacceptable. I give the game a 4/10 out of pity for its "awefullness"....I know that's not a word but its a special word for a special game =-).… Expand
  11. TheDigitalOtaku
    May 17, 2015
    3
    Okay let me start by saying this game had some promise but it just had to many flaws to be considered anything worth while. Okay so whats good about it? Well the art style is fantastic its very appealing it looks like something out of someones sketch pad except you know colored in and very well too not to mention the world and its creatures are varied and very creatively designed. TheOkay let me start by saying this game had some promise but it just had to many flaws to be considered anything worth while. Okay so whats good about it? Well the art style is fantastic its very appealing it looks like something out of someones sketch pad except you know colored in and very well too not to mention the world and its creatures are varied and very creatively designed. The warping mechanic itself isn't a bad idea and I did have some fun with it at first and the story itself which is very simple is still mildly enjoyable it feels like a childrens story book. That however is literally the only positives I could think of for this game because what really matters in any game the GAMEPLAY is bad...pretty freaking bad. What about it is bad you may be asking well first off while the warping mechanic itself doesn't map that well onto analog sticks like I said before this isn't to bad at first as you do sort of get used to it but as the platforming sections get harder and harder and require split second timing in some parts the controls are just not suited for it and it will lead to you dying a lot but unlike in a good game like Bloodborne where you genuinely feel at fault for the death here it just feels like the game has cheated you in some way and that's not fun or rewarding it just pisses you off. The bosses again while creatively designed are mostly comprised of the same unfair and frustrating platforming puzzles as the stages leading up to them which if these were fun to do would be kind of clever but again they arent. I got so frustrated with the final boss that I couldn't even beat it I just had to walk away before I smashed my controller out of rage. To sum it all up this game aside from nice eye candy is not worth your time. I really wanted to like this game I really did it looked pretty cool when I saw it on a PlayStation Blog post but I just couldn't. I got it free through PS Plus and I still feel ripped off because I wasted my time on this game. If your just that curious to try it yourself it is free on PS Plus right now so I guess it won't do any harm but you may as well not waste your time and if you needed to spend money on it I would definitely say PLEASE don't waste your money.… Expand
  12. EveNarlieth
    Aug 5, 2015
    9
    I literally created a Metacritic account just to review this game. After I beat the first boss, I was completely hooked: it's a demanding game which will punish you if you're not at your best, and I absolutely loved it. I finished the whole game and went back to get more trophies (i.e. replay the lvls trying to get better scores and timing). The art style is lovely, the mechanics are veryI literally created a Metacritic account just to review this game. After I beat the first boss, I was completely hooked: it's a demanding game which will punish you if you're not at your best, and I absolutely loved it. I finished the whole game and went back to get more trophies (i.e. replay the lvls trying to get better scores and timing). The art style is lovely, the mechanics are very good (I really loved the teleporting mechanics that most of the game depends on).

    I can see why people resorted to rage quitting and giving it a zero, since it is a VERY hard game. But at least for the PS4 I can vouch there is NO problem with the controls. This game is hard, yes. But if you die, it's your fault for not being that good, not a problem with the game. I would call this the platformer version of Dark Souls - which means: some people will love it, some will hate it. But to call Aaru's Awakening **** (like I've seen here) is just plain wrong. It has a solid gameplay. whether you're good at it or not. Can't vouch for the PC version, of course, since I haven't tried it.    … Expand
  13. Cerberus7010
    Jun 14, 2015
    0
    Don't bother with this game. The controls are wonky as hell and you have to teleport into enemies to kill them which can be very frustrating because if you warp just above them or a few inches away from them they kill you if you aren't quick enough to fix your mistake. The Games main protagonist doesn't have any backstory besides what thy give you at the beginning (which is the usualDon't bother with this game. The controls are wonky as hell and you have to teleport into enemies to kill them which can be very frustrating because if you warp just above them or a few inches away from them they kill you if you aren't quick enough to fix your mistake. The Games main protagonist doesn't have any backstory besides what thy give you at the beginning (which is the usual ancient and powerful being with the power to destroy everything creates you and then puts you into a very long slumber) this game deserves less than a 0 and isn't worth anyone's time.… Expand
  14. seriimac
    Aug 8, 2016
    10
    Wonderful graphic,
    Original mechanics,
    Great bosses,
    Spinal cord action.

    F**k you, casuals. Everyone who love platformers will enjoy this masterpiece. But I warn you, it will not be a love at the first glance.
  15. alexmanea
    May 19, 2015
    5
    At first, I thought that this game is pretty nice: nice art-style, nice story (fairytale-like) and it was fun to play. That was until I approached the end and it became very frustrating. I advise everyone who is considering of buying this game to think twice and to be prepared to get VERY angry and frustrated.
  16. FriedConsole
    Apr 13, 2015
    6
    This game is real hard. More of a pure platformer than puzzle platformer. It will test your ability to press 4 different buttons with pinpoint timing. Unique but too difficult for me. Yeah there are frequent checkpoints but not enough for the difficulty. Yeah trying to jump with L1, guide yourself with the left stick, while in the air aim with the right stick, press R1 an then at the rightThis game is real hard. More of a pure platformer than puzzle platformer. It will test your ability to press 4 different buttons with pinpoint timing. Unique but too difficult for me. Yeah there are frequent checkpoints but not enough for the difficulty. Yeah trying to jump with L1, guide yourself with the left stick, while in the air aim with the right stick, press R1 an then at the right time press R2. Uhh no thanks.… Expand
  17. jontilton
    Apr 11, 2015
    8
    I understand where some of the other user reviews are coming from as when I first started up this game I found it odd and frustrating, but after a few hours of play I really started to enjoy what this game has to offer. The fun for me is in the incredible teleportation mechanic that feels different to anything I've seen in a platformer before. I think this may throw some people off becauseI understand where some of the other user reviews are coming from as when I first started up this game I found it odd and frustrating, but after a few hours of play I really started to enjoy what this game has to offer. The fun for me is in the incredible teleportation mechanic that feels different to anything I've seen in a platformer before. I think this may throw some people off because it feels so different, but once I got used to it I had a lot of fun getting through each level.

    The game is very difficult, but like games such as Super Meat Boy, the respawn is near instantaneous which allows for a quick retry. If you want to breeze through the game, you won't be able to do it; this one is a challenge, so you have to be up for it.

    I would be disappointed if others read the harsh reviews and didn't give it a shot. I'm certainly glad that I downloaded it. like others have mentioned, this is a free game for Playstation Plus users this month. I often have the habit of judging a game very quickly when it's free, setting it down, and then moving on to something else. That may be doing this game a disservice as it does take some time to really gel with the mechanics.

    The art is all hand drawn and looks beautiful as well. Fun music to back up the visuals too.

    As others mentioned the menu is a bit counterintuitive at first, but it's really simple once you get used to it. Again, I think there's a big downside to this game being free as it does have a strange feel to it and I think many will give up on it before giving it a fair shot.

    Overall, if you're looking for a fun challenge, this is a great game and it's one of my favorite offerings from playstation Plus in a very long time.    … Expand
  18. osn132
    May 23, 2015
    8
    I don't understand why there are so many negative reviews. When I saw that this game has a user score of 1.6 i was surprised. I know that it's not a 10 or even a 9 for that matter, but 1.6 is too low. Like many of the reviewers, i got it as a free ps plus game and I honestly enjoyed it. equal in quality to its gorgeous art style, the gameplay is actually fun and original, it takes a littleI don't understand why there are so many negative reviews. When I saw that this game has a user score of 1.6 i was surprised. I know that it's not a 10 or even a 9 for that matter, but 1.6 is too low. Like many of the reviewers, i got it as a free ps plus game and I honestly enjoyed it. equal in quality to its gorgeous art style, the gameplay is actually fun and original, it takes a little while to understand the controls but once you understand them, you'll enjoy it and you'll be playing without even thinking. It clicks and becomes natural especially when you understand the movement of the character and the glowing ball that teleports you. The story is nothing special,it's a short game but it has a great replay value since your progress through the levels is timed which means that you can compete with friends or even with people around the world for the best time for each level. The menu is beautiful aesthetically, but practically,it's a mess. It is difficult to know which level you've selected because ,to my understanding, the circle that emits the least amount of light is the one that is selected.The difference in glow is barely visible which makes the menu unclear and to be frank the worst part of the game. The boss levels,on the other hand, are amusing and sometimes frustrating but that's part of the fun. I like that when you loss during the boss levels, it doesn't start you from the beginning, only from the last beaten sub-level(after going through and beating the glowing circles surrounding the boss).To be honest this is an amazing game and it's not getting the credit it deserves. I've seen way worse indie games that receive high praise despite their big flaws.… Expand
  19. fandango89
    May 11, 2016
    2
    Bad for all the wrong reasons. Great art style. Its frustrating due to terrible control scheme. Movement is overcomplicated and super finnicky. Getting around involves shooting a ball, dashing in air, and teleporting. For no apparent reason you cant bind buttons to any of main buttons such as X for jump, you have to use the L and R buttons (huh?). What sort of game wont let you use X asBad for all the wrong reasons. Great art style. Its frustrating due to terrible control scheme. Movement is overcomplicated and super finnicky. Getting around involves shooting a ball, dashing in air, and teleporting. For no apparent reason you cant bind buttons to any of main buttons such as X for jump, you have to use the L and R buttons (huh?). What sort of game wont let you use X as jump when it has no other use for the button. This also makes the platforming unnecesarily annoying. To get around and avoid stuff you have to first aim this ball, then make sure you teleport at the right time. Hell even to hurt guys you cant just shoot, jump, or attack....no you have to aim and shoot the ball at them and then when it is exactly on them you have to teleport. I cannot count the number of times i teleported a second too soon or late or the bad aiming from the joystick was off. How could they screw up attacking in a platformer. Then you have to spend most of the time aiming this tiny little ball through little crevices and while falling to your death, forcing countless unneeded repetition. So much of the game is forced repetition and trial and error by bad control and level design. That is the artificial type of "hard" you dont want. Also every hazard and enemy is 1 hit kill basically, meaning if you are off you die and need to start again. Thankfully there are numerous checkpoints. Whats annoying is the air dash is a set distance. So for getting around if your aim is off or teleport wrong time, many times air dash will overshoot the platform or the hazard you are trying to skirt around. This makes platforming and getting around extra imprecise and annoying.

    More time should have been spent on rethinking mechanics and fixing controls compared to art direction. Swing and a miss.    … Expand
  20. TraceSkipper
    Jan 6, 2017
    7
    Its a hard game to play but an easy game to beat and to 100% the trophies. There are plenty of check points to get you through the map. Most time spent on each map to get gold 20 mins. But I imagine that if they didnt make it hard enough the playthrough would be half an hour.
    Graphics are artwork not the other way around.
    The controls appear sluggish but its probably to make the game    Its a hard game to play but an easy game to beat and to 100% the trophies. There are plenty of check points to get you through the map. Most time spent on each map to get gold 20 mins. But I imagine that if they didnt make it hard enough the playthrough would be half an hour.
    Graphics are artwork not the other way around.
    The controls appear sluggish but its probably to make the game harder to play.
    I especially like the instant respawn.    … Expand
  21. drlowdon
    Jun 30, 2015
    3
    The more I played Aaru's Awakening the lower I wanted to mark it as this is one of those indie titles with an interesting concept and a number of good ideas that is let down badly, and I mean badly, in its execution. The hand drawn graphics are undeniable beautiful to look and there are flashes of potential here but the controls simply aren't precise enough for the more complex platformingThe more I played Aaru's Awakening the lower I wanted to mark it as this is one of those indie titles with an interesting concept and a number of good ideas that is let down badly, and I mean badly, in its execution. The hand drawn graphics are undeniable beautiful to look and there are flashes of potential here but the controls simply aren't precise enough for the more complex platforming sections and trial and error gameplay, whereby a number of obstacles and enemies can't be seen until it is too late to do anything about dying, is something that should have been extinct long ago. This all makes for a very frustrating and not particularly enjoyable experience.

    Apparently the game takes less than 3 hours to complete but I couldn't even manage that long before deleting from my console.    … Expand
  22. Sparkticle
    Nov 6, 2015
    2
    This game is absolutely uninspired, and even though it was available on PS+, I had absolutely no enjoyment playing this game. Generic voice acting, steep learning curve in precision platforming and simply no reason is given to the player to keep wanting to play this game. Even the art style, whilst it is the only thing going for the game, makes it look depressing and unimpressed withThis game is absolutely uninspired, and even though it was available on PS+, I had absolutely no enjoyment playing this game. Generic voice acting, steep learning curve in precision platforming and simply no reason is given to the player to keep wanting to play this game. Even the art style, whilst it is the only thing going for the game, makes it look depressing and unimpressed with itself. Steer clear.… Expand
  23. MartinWan1980
    Sep 7, 2020
    5
    It’s not a bad game, it’s very tricky and you need to have patience with it. I didn’t like it.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. Push Square
    Apr 29, 2015
    60
    If you fancy something artsy and with some challenging gameplay, then we think that you should consider giving it a shot. Everyone else will want to pass on this one.
    Read full review
  2. Multiplayer.it
    Apr 25, 2015
    60
    Aaru's Awakening is a pretty challenging platformer, with many "trial & error" situations but also some issues you can't ignore.
    Read full review
  3. Everyeye.it
    Apr 16, 2015
    49
    It's almost unplayable, and that's a real shame, since the graphic and artistic compartments are oh so good.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »