Ariana and the Elder Codex Reviews
If you are an enthusiast of this style, it is worth giving it a go for the gameplay, since the narrative is unremarkable. However, if you don't care much for action platformers or still have others in the genre to cross off your backlog, then Ariana and the Elder Codex might stay on the sidelines for a while.
Ariana and the Elder Codex is a fantastic metroidvania game that implements RPG mechanics and action combat that feels satisfying.
Ariana and the Elder Codex lands as a solid, enjoyable adventure. It has its rough edges, especially with pacing and repetition, but the core experience is fun. The combat system carries a lot of weight, and the mix of spell customization, engaging bosses, and a charming visual style makes it easy to stick with. It's the kind of game you pick up out of curiosity and end up having a genuinely good time with. If you enjoy 2D action platformers with a bit of style and a magic-focused twist, this is an easy recommendation, especially if you're open to something that feels like a smaller, more overlooked gem.
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It’s time to dive into the Codices and bring back magic to the world!
It might not offer up anything particularly new or exciting, but Ariana and the Elder Codex is a solid metroidvania adventure game with an enjoyable narrative. Multiple difficulty levels make this readily accessible too, so this combat-heavy romp never needs to feel too challenging.
I also don’t think that it’ll be something people are recommending and writing essays on a decade from now. It’s a bright, charming game made for easy consumption right now, and sometimes that’s all you need.
Ariana and the Elder Codex is fun to pass the time, but the tedious dialogue breaks the rhythm too much. Although it has interesting gameplay, it's recommended for those who really want to delve into the story and have the patience for it.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Ariana and the Elder Codex is a gorgeous game that's full of so many unique spells and enemies that you'll constantly be excited to uncover more of its lovely game world as you power-up and become the swankiest librarian in the realm. 📚
Ariana and the Elder Codex is a polished and charming metroidvania featuring a deep, customizable magic system and beautiful storybook visuals. While the story is predictable and the maps are somewhat linear, the core gameplay loop makes it a joy to play.
Ariana and the Elder Codex is noticeably small in scope, running just over a dozen or so hours long. While the combat and platforming are competent enough to keep you playing, they can’t quite distract from the technical hurdles and the fact that you’re fighting the same handful of enemies on repeat.
Ariana and the Elder Codex stands out through its art direction and a deep magic system, featuring boss battles that truly test a player's strategy. However, the title requires patience to deal with occasionally stiff movement, an excess of dialogue, and an exploration structure that becomes repetitive. For those seeking an action game with a unique visual style and solid customization mechanics, the overall experience is positive, provided you are willing to endure moments of repetition and monotony.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Ariana and the Elder Codex is a visually stunning storybook world with fun combat. However, it does have some rough edges of repetitiveness and other minor flaws that prevent it from reaching masterpiece status. Still, it’s a story well worth exploring.
Ariana and the Elder Codex is a competent and enjoyable adventure that scratches some good itches. The combat is chunky, the worlds are a good size for exploration, the voice work is fantastic and the visuals (when they’re smooth) are pleasing. This one feels good; not necessarily the best in its field, but still one worth mentioning if you’re looking for a metroidvania that’s lower stakes than others. It’s significantly easier than Constance or Silksong, and it’s got the design and soundtrack to make it sparkle.
I really love being genuinely surprised by a game and Ariana and the Elder Codex did just that. The magic combat was fluid and engaging and I found myself wanting more of the characters and the world that I explored over 20 hours, within which in my books is a genuine achievement.
Ariana and the Elder Codex is a truly fascinating game despite its hiccups. Its one of those games that has some really good gameplay if you want something a bit more active, hectic or even just plain chaotic. The fact that its stories are a bit more independent also makes it a great game for quick bursts to shorter gaming sessions. So if you’re interested in something that’ll keep you busy without having to dedicate extensively long hours, this might just be the game that scratches that itch—that is if $39.99 or £26.99 sounds reasonable enough for a game that you’d finish in around 10 hours give or take.
Ariana and the Elder Codex is a lot of fun to play, and that fun comes from the systems, not just the new things. This is an easy recommendation for anybody who wants a polished, compact, and good-looking action RPG with spell customization that matters and a combat loop that is fun.
Ariana and the Elder Codex does well in the most important ways: it’s fun, interesting, and memorable. It’s the kind of game that makes you think of simpler times when adventures could still mean a lot. This is a journey that action RPG fans, side-scrolling game fans, and people who just like well-made games should definitely take.
Ariana and the Elder Codex is an ok game and I have had a good time playing but it is a niche title, it is not a game I would see myself going back to once its over, it has little replay-ability and once you have played through it once you will have seen everything it has to offer.
Ariana and the Elder Codex has some of the best combat I've seen from a Metroidvania, and it's worth experiencing for that alone.