Ariana and the Elder Codex Reviews
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.
Far from being an experience with many technical problems, Ariana and the Elder Codex presents modest but honest content. The premise of repairing magic books could be greatly expanded in sequels, should the developers be interested. However, in both the current title and future ones, greater attention to refinement should be considered.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
As a full tome, Ariana and the Elder Codex has quite a lot of potential, but among its genre and the RPG landscape as a whole, it doesn’t stand out too starkly on the shelf. While it has some charming visuals, lore, and some good voice acting, its gameplay and story are only ever serviceably engaging, and predictable twists and excessive endgame lore dumping dull the adventure.
Ariana and the Elder Codex doesn’t do anything absurdly new, but it understands what makes this kind of game work and sticks to it. The combat and build variety carry the experience, even when the story becomes predictable and the enemy design feels thin. It’s a solid and well-made action-platformer that’s easy to enjoy, as long as you know what you’re getting into.
Ariana and the Elder Codex is a competent Metroidvania game that brings a series of interesting ideas that, unfortunately, aren't always used to their full potential.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review