Ari Buktu and the Anytime Elevator is a classic gaming experience. This preview demo is available as part of the October 14th to 21st Steam Next Fest. As such, I recommend clicking here to give it a go. The 2.5D world is a joy to explore. It was reminiscent of the best 90s and 00s platforming games and I loved the simplicity and the puzzling elements. Alongside this, the action blends slow methodical layers with fast-paced and easy-to-fail moments. The result is a joyful and nostalgic game that is perfect for older and modern games.
This puzzle platformer was published and developed by Adventure Works L.L.C. Furthermore, it is a single-player 2.5D colourful affair. The demo takes place in ancient Egypt and is filled with drama and hilarious dialogue. Moreover, the cutscenes are nicely polished and the developer has a unique style that is pleasant to the eye.
Ari Buktu and the Anytime Elevator tells a silly story.
Time travel and all the plot loopholes aren’t a new idea. Yet, Ari Buktu and the Anytime Elevator does a great job of rehashing this idea. The protagonists are a whacky pair who bounce off each other perfectly. Professor Raventhorpe has a hunger for science and a secret agenda. Whereas Ari is a fun-loving lad who stumbles across his physics teacher’s mad plans. Once the pair travel into the past, their fates are intrinsically linked. If Ari wishes to return to the present and make it to his date, he must help the professor complete his mad plan.
This silly plot was hilarious. The tongue-in-cheek dialogue and the silly cutscenes generate energy and drama. Furthermore, Ari picks up new skills along the way and this expands your exploration tools. Consequently, no ledge is too high and you must look high and low for each solution. This was great as it opened up each stage and kept you looking beyond the obvious.
Fun gameplay.
Though Ari Buktu and the Anytime Elevator treads familiar ground, it is fun nonetheless. The classic mechanics of double jumping, wall climbing, rope swinging, and more punctuate the action. Alongside this, there are basic puzzles to complete as you remove debris or push and pull crates to activate switches.
None of the problems are too challenging and this adds to the appeal. However, I would like to see the developer up the ante as the game expands. Failure wasn’t a problem and this lack of concern removes a key gaming element. It would be nice if there was an enhanced difficulty setting where failure returned you to the beginning. If this was included, you’d be more mindful of the progress you were making.
Ari Buktu and the Anytime Elevator looks great.
There is a retro feel to the gameplay. Yet, Ari Buktu and the Anytime Elevator has a modern aesthetic. The crisp lines and vivid colour were pleasant to look at. Moreover, the Egyptian theme was interesting and I loved the level design. Each cutscene fills the void between each level and this ensures that the action flows nicely.
The audio is well-considered. The upbeat music has a zany edge and the sound effects are loud but not annoying. I liked the stereotypical noises and I hope that this continues if the game visits different locations. Another excellent element was the amusing and interesting acting. The dialogue will make you laugh as the protagonists wind each other up.
Tight controls.
Tight controls are a platforming essential. Thankfully, this has fantastic controller support. The responsive inputs are a joy and clambering across platforms or swinging like Tarzan was a pleasant experience. Subsequently, it will be interesting to see if the developer maintains this standard as the action evolves.
This short demo doesn’t highlight the overall potential. Consequently, I can’t say whether it will ooze replay value and longevity. Hopefully, there will be enough unique elements to make this a thrilling and captivating platform title.
Ari Buktu and the Anytime Elevator was a joy to play.
This short taster has left me wanting. Accordingly, I can’t wait to see how the developer expands the gameplay and the interesting direction they choose to take. It embodies every great ingredient of platforming classics and I have high hopes for its full release.
