Aeterna Noctis

 PlayStation 5
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 34 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 34
  3. Negative: 7 out of 34
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  1. shavenwookie
    Dec 23, 2021
    7
    I am only discussing the ps5 version of this game the PC version might differ. Aeterna Noctis is a satisfying well made challenging meteoidvania that with some work could be excellent. It is exactly what I was looking for after being disappointed in the very short linear Metroid dread. This game let's you explore a lot more from the start of it. Has really good art direction and sound. ItsI am only discussing the ps5 version of this game the PC version might differ. Aeterna Noctis is a satisfying well made challenging meteoidvania that with some work could be excellent. It is exactly what I was looking for after being disappointed in the very short linear Metroid dread. This game let's you explore a lot more from the start of it. Has really good art direction and sound. Its got good skill tree leveling that can be respecd at any throne which is useful for certain situations. The areas feel distinct and have there own identity to them which I don't always get from other metroidvanias. The game is long with a lot to do in it.
    The controls on the ps5 feel somewhat unresponsive this can lead to difficulty and frustration in the later half of the game. This is really noticeable when the game has Celeste like platforming in certain areas. The other issue I had with my playthrough is the constant bugs which really make it hard to give this game a high score. I've had my character stuck to the floor, not be able to stop levitating and had at least 10 crashes one that erased hours of game play even though the game was supposed to be auto saving. One of the other frustrating things is some of the timing on the puzzles can be a little unforgiving and provide no room for error. Even with with all that said I enjoyed the game quite a bit. You can see how difficult the game has been for other players with some of the key trial challenges with only low single digits trophy completions.    … Expand
  2. Ughhh
    Dec 28, 2021
    0
    Could be great at some point, but if you make a pretty challenging game, it realllly sucks if it crashes and somehow you lose over an hour of progress (even though you passed multiple auto save points).
  3. SpartanBerdi
    Jan 11, 2022
    9
    Incredible game. It has been greatly polished since release. One of the best Metroidvania games I’ve played. Incredibly challenging, but incredibly rewarding. If you are a fan of challenging games or metroidvanias, this is for you.
  4. KB5K
    Feb 19, 2023
    0
    PS5 version is incredibly bugged. Sometimes, the game just stops saving and you don't know it, so when you load your game the next day, you've lost 12 hours of progress. Sometimes, the game crashes or drops frames. I've had times where I suddenly couldn't move my character or deal any damage until I restarted. I've even heard others complain that it locked up their PS5 until theyPS5 version is incredibly bugged. Sometimes, the game just stops saving and you don't know it, so when you load your game the next day, you've lost 12 hours of progress. Sometimes, the game crashes or drops frames. I've had times where I suddenly couldn't move my character or deal any damage until I restarted. I've even heard others complain that it locked up their PS5 until they physically unplugged it. Developers have known about these issues for over a year and they're still not resolved. I want a refund.… Expand
  5. mitcher78
    Apr 19, 2023
    10
    Extremely unfair media rating, typical of a game developed by a minor studio. The reality is that Aeterna Noctis is an outstanding metroidvania in every way, one of the best I've ever played.
  6. CaliostRa
    Jul 3, 2022
    10
    Best metroidvania ever made. Tonns of content, quest and very hard platform puzzle
  7. Khristian5
    Nov 25, 2022
    8
    Uno de los mejores “Metroidvania” y encima con facturación “Made In Spain”. La dificultad es elevada, por lo que se agradece el parche con el nivel algo más asequible. Banda sonora impresionante, diseño y doblaje muy cuidado. Uno de los mejores retos que puedes encontrar en el mundo de los videojuegos.
  8. GeorgeNikolaou
    Apr 21, 2022
    10
    Aeterna noctis is a brilliant metroidvania if you are looking for a challenge.
  9. AeternaInsomnia
    Dec 28, 2021
    9
    Finally, a game specifically created for me.

    Even though it's by far the hardest game I've ever played. GOTY
  10. thorus82
    Jan 15, 2022
    9
    Great game. This is the first game in long time which I can't stop play. Yes, it's difficult, but has checkpoints everywere and thanks to that game can forgive a lot ;-) There are no 5 minutes walks to boss or after death during platforming. I am casual player (work, kids), but game is perfect for me. Really love the visuals, music and exploration of the world. It's not game which you wantGreat game. This is the first game in long time which I can't stop play. Yes, it's difficult, but has checkpoints everywere and thanks to that game can forgive a lot ;-) There are no 5 minutes walks to boss or after death during platforming. I am casual player (work, kids), but game is perfect for me. Really love the visuals, music and exploration of the world. It's not game which you want to finish fast. Game is huge, has a lot of secrets and side jobs to do. I think this game is one of the best metroidvania so far.
    Some players complain becaise of problems with cotrolls. Devs release patch few days ago which improves controls(enabling is optional). They also added easier difficulty mode. There are still some small bugs, and some players report problems with saves od PS5, but these issues should be adressed by devs in short time. This is the only thing that prevents me from giving this game a full score. .    … Expand
  11. Niccodemo
    Jan 19, 2022
    10
    Nice hand drawn graphics, beautiful scenario and sick sound track. Hard to the bone, but fair with its rewards. I feel a better player after playing Aeterna Noctis.
  12. MrEBE
    Sep 5, 2023
    10
    Thank you devs !!

    You just produced my 47y old best metroidvania/platformer game ever !! It's really rare that I am really sad finishing/platinuming a game.. I did it on Noctis Difficulty and, of course, without using the DLC cheating gems you had to create for the whining players.. This game should be GOTY and in every mouths.. but today the hype is for games like starfield from    Thank you devs !!

    You just produced my 47y old best metroidvania/platformer game ever !!

    It's really rare that I am really sad finishing/platinuming a game..

    I did it on Noctis Difficulty and, of course, without using the DLC cheating gems you had to create for the whining players..

    This game should be GOTY and in every mouths.. but today the hype is for games like starfield from bugthesda..

    I just wish all good gamers to discover your gem once a time..

    Concerning the Crashes : yes the game can crash. The solution : DELETE and REINSTALL the game. Otherwise the game will become totally unstable. Also, don't use any additional SSD ! use the ps5 built-in SSD. No more crashes since I did that.

    Thank you Devs !

    I would add :

    Dear devs,

    You should make the DLC Gems, which remove 2/3 of the difficulties, an optional option, so to preserve the game how you mean it to be..

    It really ruin the whole point ..    … Expand
  13. josetefernandez
    Feb 9, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. With the latest updates the game has improved a lot. It used to be good, but now the controls are better and there are no more issues with saving games. Great game.… Expand
  14. Joseluismorales
    Feb 9, 2022
    10
    Creo que el juego es una pasada. Me ha gustado todo y me ha sorprendido muchísimo su calidad. Creo que la gente no es consciente de lo bueno que es Aeterna Noctis. Para mi un GOTY como un castillo. Y el tema de la dificultad con la nueva modalidad es como el resto de juegos, nada de imposible.
  15. Chebastian25
    Feb 9, 2022
    10
    I read reviews that have nothing to do with the game, like this one that puts a 0 because it says you don't save progress. It is completely false. The game is saved every time you touch a lamppost and there are hundreds or thousands in the game. It is saved every very short time. The game is great. Play it because you are missing out on one of the best metroidvania ever created.
  16. velis1212
    Feb 16, 2022
    10
    I think it's like having two games in one. On the one hand a metroidvania and on the other a platform game. You can change the modality and the art, music and gameplay are incredible. I don't understand how this game doesn't have more support, I think people have to discover this gem.
  17. gchiquito
    Feb 17, 2022
    10
    Me parece un buen juego con un arte muy cuidado, de hecho ya se ha llevado varios premios. La música es una delicia y la jugabilidad ha mejorado mucho. Un gran metroidvania al que si amas el género no debe faltar en tu colección. Seguro que te sorprenderá como a mi.
  18. Silvitagirl12
    Feb 18, 2022
    10
    I think it's a wonderful game, I needed a challenge like this for a long time. The game surprises you and more beautiful each level you advance.
  19. franciscojose45
    Feb 21, 2022
    10
    Hacía mucho tiempo no jugaba a un metroidvania que fuera tan diferente, tan adictivo y tan difícil pero satisfactorio en algunas partes del juego. Confieso que he tenido que cambiar del modo Noctis al modo Aeterna en alguna ocasión, pero me parece una gran idea poder modificar la dificultad si te atascas en el juego. Al fin y al cabo, soy yo quien ha decidido jugar un juego difícil en suHacía mucho tiempo no jugaba a un metroidvania que fuera tan diferente, tan adictivo y tan difícil pero satisfactorio en algunas partes del juego. Confieso que he tenido que cambiar del modo Noctis al modo Aeterna en alguna ocasión, pero me parece una gran idea poder modificar la dificultad si te atascas en el juego. Al fin y al cabo, soy yo quien ha decidido jugar un juego difícil en su modalidad difícil. Por poner alguna pequeña pega la música en alguna fase se me hace repetitiva (quizás porque son áreas muy grandes) pero en general la banda sonora es tan increible como el resto del juego. Una compra más que recomendada.… Expand
  20. chevebarasteam
    Feb 22, 2022
    10
    I have recently bought the game and the negative reviews are not true. I have read that the controls are bad, this is a lie. I have read that combat is bad, this is also a lie. I have also read that it is very difficult and I have to say that the game is very difficult in Noctis mode (hard mode) but it is not more difficult than other games in Aeterna mode (normal mode)

    I can only give    I have recently bought the game and the negative reviews are not true. I have read that the controls are bad, this is a lie. I have read that combat is bad, this is also a lie. I have also read that it is very difficult and I have to say that the game is very difficult in Noctis mode (hard mode) but it is not more difficult than other games in Aeterna mode (normal mode)

    I can only give you advice, ignore those criticisms and play Aeterna Noctis. If you like metroidvania... buy it now.    … Expand
  21. Jimmypro
    Apr 22, 2022
    10
    Omg!!! What a masterfully made game. Pls buy it it's worth every single one of the cents it charges you for. Incredible!!
  22. Vomitpoop
    Jul 30, 2023
    10
    One of the best Metroidvanias ever made. Very similar to Hollow Knight, but with super stylish combat. Castlevania fans will love this, it’s the closest thing to Symphony of the Night.
  23. tcholeaway666
    May 15, 2023
    0
    One of the best metroidvania game I've ever played, truly... Very Difficult, but fair... But when you're 50h+, are late in the game (10th door finished) beat one of the hardest boss of the game and that the save is just not syncing, losing your 5 hardest hours... No way, it's a shame... I HATE THIS! Was going to write a french guide for trophy hunting, you can just forget it, I'm sellingOne of the best metroidvania game I've ever played, truly... Very Difficult, but fair... But when you're 50h+, are late in the game (10th door finished) beat one of the hardest boss of the game and that the save is just not syncing, losing your 5 hardest hours... No way, it's a shame... I HATE THIS! Was going to write a french guide for trophy hunting, you can just forget it, I'm selling this ... You just ruined 50h+ of my gaming time… Expand

Awards & Rankings

95
#95 Best PlayStation 5 Game of 2021
69
#69 Most Discussed PlayStation 5 Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Finger Guns
    Feb 21, 2023
    50
    A beautifully dark throwback to the classics, Aeterna Noctis revels in its classic charm. The difficulty also apes that of its forebears, which for some they might enjoy, others it might be too much. For those impartial, it’s another in a massive catalogue of Metroidvania titles.
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  2. GameCritics
    Feb 25, 2022
    60
    It’s a shame that Aeterna Noctis stumbles in both difficulty and design because it feels like it comes so close to greatness. Unfortunately, the demanding challenge and an obnoxious amount of backtracking overshadow what it gets right.
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  3. Digital Chumps
    Feb 3, 2022
    90
    Aeterna Noctis is a delightfully difficult Metroidvania that pushes the boundaries of difficult platforming and combat in a way that keeps the game fun and exhilarating. This hand-drawn action platformer is perfect for those who wanted just a bit more from similar games in the Metroidvania genre, albeit less charming. If you’re looking for a solid indie GOTY that effectively utilizes your PS5, look no further than Aeterna Noctis. Good luck, you’ll most definitely need it.
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