Journey into Storybook Worlds with Ariana
"Ariana and the Elder Codex" arrives as a refreshing take on the action-adventure platformer genre, available on Nintendo Switch, PC/Steam, and Playstation 4/5. Many, including myself, might have initially pegged it as another Metroidvania or Soulslike, given the current gaming landscape. However, Ariana gracefully diverges, offering a unique experience that feels both familiar and distinct. Developed by Hyde and published by Compile Heart and Idea Factory International, this title introduces us to Ariana, a young librarian tasked with venturing into storybook worlds to mend their fractured tales and restore magic to the realm.
Engaging Gameplay and Dynamic Magic
The core gameplay loop of "Ariana and the Elder Codex" feels inspired by classics like Mega Man, where players can select different tomes (levels) in any order based on their displayed difficulty. Each tome presents a balanced mix of platforming, exploration, combat, and secret hunting, culminating in a unique boss fight. Save benches, reminiscent of a certain bug-knight adventure, are strategically placed throughout the levels.
Ariana's magic system is a standout feature. She wields three primary spells, initially including a sword attack, a piercing magic missile, and a healing spell. What's interesting is the absence of a traditional mana system; instead, spells operate on cooldowns, allowing for strategic spamming. The real depth comes from the shard system. Defeating enemies drops shards used as currency to upgrade spells, enhancing their power and adding unique properties. As new spells are acquired, they can be slotted, significantly altering playstyle. While some encounters benefit from specific spell choices, the system largely promotes flexibility and experimentation, keeping combat engaging.
Movement and attacks are notably responsive, which is crucial for an action-platformer. Ariana's controls are snappy, and actions behave as expected. The dodge mechanic is particularly noteworthy. Instead of a typical roll or dash, Ariana's dodge is a heavy charge that completely absorbs projectiles. This becomes a strategic cornerstone, especially in boss battles, where actively dodging into projectiles prevents them from pursuing you further. It's an intuitive change that sets Ariana apart from its contemporaries.
A Visual and Narrative Disconnect
Despite its strong gameplay, "Ariana and the Elder Codex" struggles with its overall presentation. While Ariana's character model is acceptable and particle effects are decent, the rest of the visuals often feel barebones or weak. Enemy designs, for instance, are largely forgettable—generic, often monochromatic blobs that burst into shards. Bosses, though slightly more varied, mostly lack distinct character, appearing more like placeholder assets. The art style decision regarding Ariana's own model also feels a bit off, with her appearing disproportionately tall or having a noticeably large head relative to the screen, which can be distracting.
The narrative also faces significant hurdles. Each story vignette is delivered through ghostly apparitions that largely lack expression. Characters stand and deliver dialogue, perhaps sliding left or right, offering little in the way of emotional depth. This simple, detached presentation, combined with the episodic nature of the tales and their separation from Ariana herself, makes it challenging to connect with the underlying stories. While the tales themselves are passable, their lackluster delivery and general lack of emotional resonance prevent them from landing effectively.
This gap between compelling gameplay and weak presentation means the game relies heavily on its mechanics. While the gameplay is undeniably good, it struggles to fully carry the experience when the visual and narrative elements fall short.
Value and Conclusion
Priced at US$39.99, "Ariana and the Elder Codex" positions itself as a solid value. The gameplay is genuinely fun and offers enough novelty and customization to maintain interest over its duration. Despite the graphical shortcomings and a less-than-engaging story, the game performs well, even on the base Nintendo Switch model. It's not necessarily a definitive action-platformer, but it offers a charming storybook aesthetic and robust gameplay that stands out in a genre often dominated by gritty Metroidvania or Soulslike titles. Its unique blend of influences and lighter tone provide a refreshing alternative. If you can overlook its visual and narrative flaws, there's a good amount of fun and charm to be found here without breaking the bank. It's a game that might not be perfect, but its strengths in gameplay make it a worthwhile journey for fans of action-platformers looking for something a bit different.
