In our latest indie roundup, we’re covering three lesser-known titles today – here are reviews for Ario, Flightpath: Adventures In Venaris and Storyblocks: The King.
Ario review (PS5)
In Vata Games’ Ario, you’ll head out on a perilous journey with Ario, a determined young boy seeking to rescue his missing mother from a land consumed by nightmares and curses. It’s a 2.5D action-adventure that promises an immersive experience filled with platforming challenges, interestingly mixed with both tower defense mechanics and metroidvania elements. As players guide Ario through 12 levels, they’ll uncover the secrets of his past, his homeland, and the dark forces threatening his world.
What’s important is to learn how to effectively move about, utilizing Ario’s complete range of abilities, including running, sliding, rolling, wall jumping, and climbing ledges. Additionally, Ario wields a crossbow, allowing players to aim and shoot at enemies and obstacles with relative precision. All of the characters in the game possess unique skills and weapons, providing diverse gameplay options and strategies for overcoming challenges.
The game’s tower defense mechanic adds depth to the levels, requiring players to strategically deploy powerful ballistae to fend off hordes of enemies. Time slows down during these intense moments, allowing players to take control of the arrow’s path and unleash powerful attacks. Amidst medieval fantasy landscapes infused with retro steampunk elements and mythical creatures, players will navigate treacherous environments, solve puzzles, and engage in epic battles against formidable bosses.
But while Ario sounds great on paper and showcases moments of promise with its intriguing premise and diverse gameplay mechanics, it also struggles with technical issues and unpolished mechanics. Clunky controls and a few uninspired sequences detract from the overall experience, while inconsistencies in art styles and visual presentation diminish the game’s initial aesthetic appeal as well. Ario offers an ambitious adventure for players seeking its unique blend of platforming, tower defense and metroidvania, but its flaws will deter players from fully immersing themselves in Ario’s quest for redemption and vengeance.
Flightpath: Adventures In Venaris review (PS4)
A classic shooter released on consoles by Eastasiasoft after an earlier PC release, Flightpath: Adventures in Venaris takes pilots on a trip through the Venaris planetary system. Developed by Illogic Games, this top-down shooter sees players stepping into the shoes of three heroes: Katherine, A.J., and Max. They’re joining up to dismantle the nefarious Syndicate and uncover the truth behind their leader, the enigmatic “Chairman”. With each character offering a unique perspective and storyline, players must navigate a series of choices that shape the narrative and gameplay experience. It’s not a narrative-driven game, but it’s nice to see the extra layer in a familiar gameplay formula.
The story arcs themselves feel somewhat generic and fail to leave a lasting impression, but the game’s colorful visuals, dynamic locales, and diverse selection of weapons all add depth to the gameplay, providing players with plenty of opportunities for experimentation and customization. From upgrading ship components to strategically selecting weapons, players can tailor their playstyle to suit their preferences and tackle each challenge with confidence – while making different choices on a subsequent playthrough.
While Flightpath offers a variety of gameplay mechanics, including defending strategic points and engaging in intense boss battles, there are no difficulty settings and the gameplay can get repetitive after a while. But despite these shortcomings, the game is accessible and beginner-friendly approach, making it a solid choice for relative newcomers to the shoot ’em up genre. With its engaging gameplay and characters, Flightpath: Adventures in Venaris offers a fun and engaging shoot ’em up experience with plenty of charm and personality. While it may not reinvent the wheel, its colorful visuals, diverse gameplay mechanics, and engaging storyline make it a worthy addition to the genre at its budget price point.
Storyblocks: The King review (PS4)
Another title that was recently ported over to consoles after an earlier PC launch, Storyblocks: The King combines puzzle-solving with storytelling elements. Developed by Ostra Entertainment and published by Afil Games on consoles, it’s set in a medieval world where players guide a young dreamer on his quest to become king, unraveling the narrative through a series of interconnected puzzles. With multiple routes through the campaign and four distinct endings to discover, each decision shapes the story in this serene and visually charming environment.
Storyblocks offers a minimalist yet engaging gameplay experience, with intuitive mechanics that keep players invested in the unfolding tale. The ability to choose from over 20 routes adds depth and replay value to the narrative, with a story that evolves from low key beginnings to more epic proportions later on. Replaying the game for different stories can feel like a chore though, as you’ll have to replay the same puzzles again and again.
The concept of Storyblocks is certainly promising, but its execution leaves a little to be desired. The absence of a tutorial to help you with the controls detracts from the overall enjoyment a little, and having to use all provided blocks limits your creative freedom – which is especially felt on a second or third playthrough.
Despite these drawbacks, Storyblocks features immersive storytelling and a relaxing atmosphere. With charming puzzles and a soothing soundtrack, the game appeals to players of all ages, offering a refreshing blend of interactive storytelling and puzzle-solving. At its budget price point, Storyblocks delivers a unique and enjoyable journey.