I like the metroidvania. A fact that is not particular, but is practically a constant in the community , since its inception, back in the mythical Metroid of the NES. It is no surprise, since it is one of the best woven genres, as if they were a perfect spider web.
They must be balanced, have a multitude of secrets and present a challenge that makes things difficult for us. Ingredients that have to be mixed in perfect measure, being a small work of engineering.
So since we have all been involved at some point by this type of titles, it is not surprising that the Toledo study of Aeternum Game Studios has decided to bet on this premise. Difficult to stand out with such tough competitors in the market, but what the hell, here we have come to play.
Forging your own path
Aeterna Noctis puts us in the shoes of the King of Darkness, an immortal being condemned to regain his power and the throne of Aeterna. This is the little context that I have received from the situation in which I find myself, since the infernal heat of La Forja hardly lets me think.
This is the area to which the developer has given access, being one of the 16 that the game has in its final version. A medium-advanced level, in which magma, saws and blacksmiths with giant hammers do not make it easy for visitors.
In the first face to face, Aeterna Noctis gives her chest do. Visually it is attractive , with well differentiated 2D designs, both for the characters and for the enemies. Each of them has been made by hand, as well as their animations, which gives them an unquestionable artisan value. The King of Darkness waves his cape every time we move, just as the volcanic beings are perfectly distinguishable from each other.
Better, because we have to get used to their presence and know what we are up against. We have a fast sword to inflict damage, while we can use a slower scythe to get red spheres to fill our lives.
The ability to manage the life orbs at will, having three in reserve in case we fail in some objective, is an aspect that never hurts. However, in the end you end up settling for those who naturally throw the opponents, since there is little space to use the scythe in conditions.
This is because melee during combat ends up not being the most appropriate. The possibility of using a kind of arrows to damage opponents, along with the punishment you receive when you approach several of them, makes Robin Hood’s tactic the ideal one .
With this idea in mind, we find ourselves in a central stage, which will serve as a link to other areas in which we have to light different ovens. Once we manage to do it with one, back to the ring and next level. And it will not be easy.
Concessions, the fair ones
The platform in Aeterna Noctis is the terrain on which I play most oppresses the player and is less kind to him . Showdowns are salvageable with typical skill, but jumps, sprints, and arrow teleports can be a bit of a headache. You have good control of your protagonist, but the demand is sometimes greater.
Traversing a space where both the ceiling and the floor are deadly is difficult, but even more so if you must do it with finicky precision . In addition, you can take all the hits from the enemies you support, something that does not happen when you are hanging by a thread.
If you fail, you repeat the whole process . It doesn’t matter if you’re at the beginning or near the next checkpoint, it’s time to reactivate all the mechanisms that unlock the door on duty or go through the eight chainsaws that move at breakneck speeds. An adjustment in this area would be greatly appreciated.
Because it is a shame that I have given up getting any of its many collectibles scattered in accessory paths. I always enjoy getting them and this time I have preferred to leave them for another occasion, since the test that I saw coming intimidated me by the most possible frustration.
Something that also happens and I think it is logical that it takes place, with the final battles. I have been able to play up to four, three of them consisting of surviving waves of enemies in a closed space. On the other hand, a colossal phoenix represents the final challenge, forcing us to deploy all the arsenal learned.
In this class of works it is important to immerse yourself in its possibilities. I have been able to touch the skill tree to a certain extent, being able to boost the damage of the arrows or improve the recharge time of the dash. In spite of everything, I need more hours to know what is all that the game can offer me . A pity that you have only been able to enjoy one of the areas, since with so many different ones, the possible variety is very striking.
Aeterna Noctis has the necessary wickers to stand in front of the industry showcase and attract the attention of the public . Remarkable visuals, mechanics that should be refined, and outstanding technical performance are your calling cards right now. Until December 15, it is enough time to better mark the path that the title has taken.
