AeternoBlade II review
For what it is, AternoBlade II is not a bad game. However, this does mean it is far from perfect and does have its share of downfalls. It’s a hack n slash puzzle platformer title developed by Corecell Technology and published by PQube.
The story is simple – an all-out war for universal power. Prevent the bad guys from securing an artefact that will give them complete control. Simple enough and easy to follow. My interest in the story did come and go, the biggest draw was actually AeternoBlade’s combat.
The combat is just what you would expect from a hack n slash. But, that is what makes it so endearing, picking up a controller and mindlessly cutting down enemies makes a nice change of pace from having to count your ammo and think about your next attack.
In terms of fluidity combat wise the game is sound, combat flows well, and it doesn’t feel blocky.
Earn rewards through Norns memorials – enter the Enigmata and complete a trial to get some items to help you on this adventure. Similar to Norns memorials, you will save your progress at a Norns, and it will also serve as a checkpoint for the level. You will return either here upon death or you can go back to the start of the area if you so wish.
You’re not limited to just one character on this journey, experience the slicing and dicing Freyja, Felix and Bernard, each catering to a different play style. However, the majority of the game is played as a side scroller. Not that this is a bad thing since the third-person perspective sections of the game could do with a bit of work. The camera becomes your enemy when you have a wider range of movement.
While the characters may look good, it soon becomes infuriating to watch as they speak. The lips and sound are so out of sync sometimes that I actually lose track of who is speaking. However, this isn’t a constant problem, more it comes and goes.
Most games in the hack n slash genre involve mindless button basing – a sure-fire way to ensure victory. That works in AeternoBlade II during the levels (for the most part) but slamming the buttons in a boss battle is a good way to end up six feet under.
Throughout the game, you will earn new abilities such as the time paradox ability. Essentially you create a clone to copy your actions after you’ve done them, you have the gift of time, use it wisely. Gifts like this come in handy against bosses and solving puzzles.
Clearly, this game decided the bosses should be what makes the game challenging, it can be easy reaching a boss – whole other story when fighting them. As a major fan of the Souls series, I can get on board with tough boss fights. In fact, they are quite well designed and versatile in AeternoBlade II, the developer did well.
Overall, the game is an enjoyable experience and is worth playing whether or are a previous fan or not. It may have its faults such as the animations and dodgy camera angles, but it makes up for that with it’s fun combat and good puzzles.
Corecell Technology’s title is available from today on PS4 and Nintendo Switch. On October 18th Xbox One players can get their hands on AeternoBlade 2.
A review copy for PS4 was provided by PQube for the purpose of this review.
Strange Girl Gaming 