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. 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
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. 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

Critic Reviews

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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.
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  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.
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  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
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