Ario tried to create a unique experience with its blend of themes and genres. However, its story, setting, and core mechanics lack originality. Consequently, most of the action is familiar and this creates an unfortunate, mundane and repetitive edge.
This 2.5D action title was developed by Vata Games and published by Artax Games. Moreover, it has some Metroidvania elements and a swathe of platforming mechanics. Accordingly, there should be plenty to get your teeth into. Yet, this wasn’t the case, as much of the gameplay was insipid.
Ario tells a dull story.
Ario won’t set the world alight. But I was hopeful that the story would at least be interesting and full of twists and turns. Sadly, though, it is as mundane as the rest of the gameplay.
Ario’s mother has been taken. Subsequently, the titular hero must step up and save the day. However, his heroic gesture lands him in hot water, and he faces demons and hideous monsters. His life may be on the line, but he learns new skills whilst adapting to his harsh environment. With a little luck, he’ll overcome his foes, save his mother, and prove his worth.
Familiar mechanics.
Ario has 12 levels set in a medieval fantasy world. Moreover, the gritty landscape is dominated by Steampunk imagery. This unusual approach was interesting as it broke up the dull nature of the rest of the game. Alongside this, there are different enemies to tackle that have strengths and weaknesses that must be exploited. This minor layer added some tactical nuance to a relatively low-key affair.
The hero’s journey began with him running for his life. However, as time passed, he learned new skills and gained fresh equipment. This was an impressive, albeit well-trodden design that felt comfortable and easy to understand.
You’ll love to dash, power stomp and shoot arrows and bombs from a bow. Each of these abilities is essential to master, as one must avoid obstacles, leap chasms, roll under doors, and defeat monsters. Additionally, you must overcome an array of bosses who test your patience, memory recall, and reactions.
The fighting is a damp squib.
When a game claims to be an action experience, you expect the fighting elements to be challenging and high-energy. Yet, except for the boss encounters, the combat is lacklustre and dull.
Unfortunately, you rarely run out of arrows and your stamina bar replenishes too quickly. Accordingly, you can bum-rush every creature without fear. This lack of risk and reward was frustrating and disappointing.
Ario looks attractive.
Though the core mechanics will leave you wanting, Ario does look attractive. The vivid colour palette complements the strange blend of themes. Alongside this, each level has a sense of openness that demands you explore every nook and cranny. Additionally, the animation was smooth, and the well-considered UI made the combat easier.
The audio, on the other hand, was a mixed bag. I loved the use of the Persian language and the use of subtitles. Moreover, the soundtrack was dramatic and interesting to listen to. Sadly, though, the sound effects are appalling. Every enemy appeared to have a respiratory condition and this was ridiculous. The noise of them coughing, breathing, and spluttering was unnecessary.
Reasonable, but dated controls.
The control system was as uninspiring as everything else. Though it worked well enough, it lacked an intuitive approach. Moreover, there was no finesse, making it dated and clumsy.
Each stage has branching pathways that can be explored. However, a lack of direction and collectables ensures minimal desire to return. Additionally, the action never changes and a lack of character progression undermines both replay value and longevity.
Ario was disappointing.
There were moments when I enjoyed Ario. Yet, they were unfortunately fleeting. Most of the action was dull, and the story was uninspiring. However, I liked the setting and the Persian language. Disappointingly, I cannot recommend this, but more information can be found here! Can you save your mother? Learn new skills, explore strange lands, and defeat every demon.
