Aquaria Review

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Aquaria Review

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Aquaria Review

By Michael Halloran on November 9th, 2011
Our Rating:

:: STUNNING
iPad Only App - Designed for the iPad

Aquaria is a 2D, sidescrolling game that is heavily based on character development and discovery. Fans of the original game on other platforms are sure to feel right at home with this iPad port.

Developer: Semi Secret Software, LLC
Price: $4.99
Version Reviewed: 1.0
Device Reviewed On: iPad 2

Graphics / Sound Rating: 4.75 out of 5 stars
Game Controls Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Gameplay Rating: 4.75 out of 5 stars
Replay Value Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Aquaria has now been ported to the iPad and the underwater adventure has never looked so good. Originally designed as a PC game, the independent developers at Bit Blot have taken some careful time to bring their title to iOS. The effort and time taken on this game has certainly paid off.

Aquaria follows the story of Naija, who appears to be a green mermaid type character with webbed feet and a cape. Players are told during the intro that Naija has somehow lost all her memories of her past. After some back story, She sets off on a quest to rediscover the world around her and to uncover the mysteries weighing on her mind. The game really focuses on Naija’s character development as she progresses on her quest. As she goes along, players help her to discover interesting details about her past and about the secrets of Aquaria. Naija loves to sing and she learns new songs that are able to unlock different powers, which become useful for defending against enemies and completing tasks.

The graphics of the game are beautiful. I often forget that Aquaria is a 2D game because the quality of the graphics make it appear to be more than that. The scope of the game world is huge and there is so much to discover. I found the gameplay to be very relaxing. It was fun to just float around and look in every nook and cranny possible. The music is excellent and I think it compliments the game very well and completes the overall look and feel. Be sure to try this out with headphones as the game directs.

Game controls are very simple. Guiding Naija around seems effortless and only takes one, and sometimes two fingers. Although the controls are simple, I think they get a little difficult in times of serious confrontations with enemies. Luckily this is not an action packed shooting game and the controls typically do a very good job at helping players accomplish any task they are presented with.

I am amazed at the amount of detail that has gone into developing this game. The environment seems flawless to me and this is indeed a very well thought out game. From the storyline to the characters, this is one game to be remembered. Aquaria is already a top-selling title in the App Store and for good reason. The price of $4.99 is well worth it, considering the amount of time and effort that went into bringing the game to iOS. It is also worth it due to the length of play. Many hours can be spent discovering all the secrets of Aquaria and 2D game fans are sure to love everything it has to offer.