Aeterna Noctis Reviews
If you have to play just one metroidvania this 2021, then it definitely has to be Aeterna Noctis, an indie title that can fight hand in hand with any production that is not a debutant. Creative ideas on an already established and proven basis, proof that effort and perseverance in this genre, as in other fields of life, is profitable.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
It exudes ambition, quality and good ideas, and it is an absolutely huge video game in every way.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
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.
Aeterna Noctis is a true work of art that stands out for its art and its difficulty. Defining the battle between light and darkness is an epic challenge.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Aeterna Noctis is a stunning Metroidvania that incorporates the many assets of the genre into one magnificent experience. Combining systematic combat and accurate platforming, the game is varied and challenging.
Aeterna Noctis is brilliant. It has an excellent design and it shows that the team knew what it was doing. It remains at the gates of the outstanding because I consider that there are some points where a bit of braking is passed when it comes to demanding the player, which will cause many players to find themselves with insurmountable barriers.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Aeterna Noctis has surprised me at all times thanks to its careful design, its demanding difficulty and its gigantic scale. A must for lovers of this type of experience.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Aeterna Noctis stands out pleasantly for having a well-worked plot, a gameplay that is a challenge and that does not sin of repetitive and a soundtrack as icing on the cake for an indie work of those that stand out from the rest, totally recommended.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Although it drags some defects and the port is not as perfect as we would like, we have enjoyed Aeterna Noctis on Nintendo Switch. In fact, it has hooked us more than the original, thanks to fantastic additions such as the Aeternal mode. If you have not played it or abandoned it because of its difficulty, now is the best time.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Aeterna Noctis is not just another metroidvania, its firm commitment to platforming and its lack of scruples when it comes to being demanding give shape to a video game with character that also stands out for its production values, its progression system, for displaying a world as beautiful as it is enormous and for a soundtrack of those that can be listened to over and over again.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Aeterna Noctis is an amazing example of how a developer can mix together gameplay elements from many popular platformers of the past few years to construct something greater than the sum of its parts. While it owes a gameplay debt to games like Hollow Knight, Dark Souls, and Castlevania, Aeterna Noctis’ fascinating setting and enjoyable gameplay make it easy to appreciate on its own. Its beautiful world and gorgeous soundtrack make exploring Aeterna is a joy, even when its high difficulty is knocking you down over and over. If you’ve been seeking your next Metroidvania fix, Aeterna Noctis is definitely worth diving into.
The phrase Metroidvania should not be applied casually, for those two games expanded what was possible, tossing gamers down cryptic corridors instead of cute green pipes. Aeterna Noctis may not innovate much, but it’s a worthy addition to this sub-genre that any fan of Hollow Knight will be pleased to play, if they can overlook the redundancy of gameplay elements. The frequency of the jumping puzzles will push many casual gamers away, but those looking for a classic, hardcore challenge will find it welcomes you with its skeletal hands.
Undoubtedly, Aeterna Noctis is one of the best metroidvanias today. Its biggest highlight is due to the rich mythology that was created for the game, along with a gameplay that is both challenging and rewarding. A sure recommendation only for long-time veterans of the genre.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Huge and difficult to say enough, Aeterna Noctis proposes a metroidvania experience only suitable for the most skilled. Its difficulty can be a problem if platform games are not your thing, but if you like great challenges you will not be able to let go of the controller.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
If the only console you own is a Switch, then Aeterna Noctis is a very good Metroidvania. I’d put it a tier lower than the best of the best in the genre, but still better than most, because of its excellent gameplay. If you own a PS5, Xbox, or PC, then the Switch should be the last version you play. The camera is too zoomed-out for handheld mode, and the framerate is very choppy compared to the other smooth versions. I wish I could also report on how the PS4 and Xbox One versions compared to the next gen versions. They were all planned for the same release day, and ended up taking another year to become available, so I would assume they are all downgrades that had to be quality compromised.
Pit of the Damned adds a good amount of content and fixes some of the main issues found in Aeterna Noctis, making it a great choice for new and returning players.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Aeterna Noctis is everything expected of a metroidvania: extensive, demanding, cryptic and, above all, ready for mastery. Although multiple design decisions tarnish what would otherwise be a masterpiece without hesitation, it is pleasing and recommended for every fan of the genre, especially given its impressive artistic work and wonderful mythology.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Ultimately, although there’s a distinct feeling of déjà vu when playing Aeterna Noctis thanks to its unmistakable similarities to Hollow Knight, it thankfully manages to nail the most important elements in a Metroidvania: exploration and combat.
Overall, Aeterna Noctis is a solid experience with some notable flaws that aren't deal-breakers, but could definitely benefit from a bit more refinement. What it does do quite well is find where its two genres intersect and craft a world and gameplay loop that highlight them quite well. For fans of these kinds of games, Aeterna Noctis is definitely worth picking up.
If a challenge is what you’re after, you’ll find it within Aeterna Noctis. There’s still plenty to appreciate and enjoy if that’s up your alley, but it doesn’t do enough to allow its concept to stand out from the competition.