Aethyr

Aethyr is one of those little games that looks cute with its retro style graphics and just as you enter the first level, expecting a casual experience, you get pwnd immediately. If you’re into top-down RPGs with randomized levels and loot, then this one will be your new reason to (casually) rage.

In general, I’d say that this game is tough but not punishing when it comes to making a mistake. I won’t do the same for this particular case because combat in Aethyr is deviously challenging.

It’s not that its combat mechanics are complicated, it all comes down to mastering and matching the movement of the character with that of the enemies and finding the best time to strike. What’s amusing, and partly scary, is that MultiverseLabyrinth, the developer, said that the game already got a trim down in the difficulty level.

However, the fact that Aethyr puts up a fight is something to appreciate. There are several other similar games, and in a lot of cases, the fun wears out when you start to feel less challenged. With this one, you’re challenged all the time.

At its core, Aethyr is a lightweight RPG. Your character can equip weapons, shields, gear, there are abilities to learn and stats to enhance. There are several things to appreciate about Aethyr, from the good design to the challenging but fair combat mechanics.

The game plays well even though there is a good deal of work that still needs to go into it. For example, the inventory interface could be a bit more, RPG stylish. But that’s just a matter of taste because as far as function goes, it’s solid. Pretty much like everything else. Although, a cooldown indicator for your abilities would be good.

To wrap things up, Aethyr is a fun game that’s worth playing, especially if you’re a fan of well-packaged RPGs with permanent death.