Aragami Review (PS4)

Introduction

This is a stealth adventure game that plays quite similarly to Tenchu games. The physical edition includes a Blu-Ray of the game, as well as a code to redeem the digital soundtrack and digital artbook. It is recommended to install the latest update for the game to fix some of the major issues in the game.

Story

Play as Aragami, a shadow and vengeful ninja spirit.

Aragami is a shadow ninja spirit, summoned by an unknown woman called Yamiko. Yamiko tasked him to find the talismans to free her, as well as uncovering her different visions of the war between the Light and the Dark.

This game's story is simple, yet has interesting lore such as the war between the Light tribe and the Dark tribe. There are very few named characters in this game, and they do have decent character exposition via enemy chatters throughout the game.

Gameplay

Use the shadows to blend in and kill your enemies stealthily.

The game's exploration and progression systems are simple. The game's structure is chapter-based, where you must complete a chapter in order to proceed the story. Each chapter has different areas, objectives, and number of enemies. You are free to explore the areas for collectibles, or find different routes to go to your next objective point. As you progress in the game, you will encounter different enemy types as well as certain traps. 

Customisation is simple, as you can change your costume on the main menu, and you may also learn new Techniques. Techniques can be learned by using Scrolls, which can be found in hidden areas in different chapters of the game. Some of the techniques may help you to be invisible, plant a shadow decoy, or use a kunai to kill an enemy.

The combat system is simple. You can't engage enemies in close-combat like Tenchu series, but you can kill them in one hit. However, enemies also can kill you in one-hit, so use your discretion when and where to kill an enemy. In this game, stealth is the best choice, as you can distract enemies, kill them in the darkness, and use other tools such as your kunai. 

This game has good gameplay. Great use of the shadow blending system, good stealth mechanics, good UI design like Dead Space series, explorable areas, decent boss fights and decent enemy detection. However, I find that this game is lacking of traps and enemy varieties. While each chapter has different map layout, there are not enough traps or enemy variety to keep the progression more interesting. Fortunately, the game's completion time is relatively short, so there are no forced padded content in the game. Regardless, good gameplay, but not without faults.

Graphics

Good cel-shaded graphics, but with technical issues.

This game has good cel-shaded graphics, with good lighting system to complement the light-and-shadow gameplay. Great artstyle, decent looking environments and character models as well. However, this game does suffer with techncial issues, especially the framerate. In many chapters of the game, the framerate is inconsistent, making the game runs unevenly. Although they are not gamebreaking, the inconsistent framerate issue is still noticeable.

Sound

Good soundtrack with minimal voice acting.

This game has good soundtrack, fitting different situations and areas. Quite a decent selection of good tracks, such as the main theme playing on the main menu. The voice acting is minimal, but the dialogues emulate each character's personality quite well.

Replay Value

Low to moderate replay value.

Depending on how much you like the game, you can play the game again in harder difficulties, find all collectibles, collect all Trophies, or play the multiplayer mode.

Conclusion

A great and bold game made by an indie studio.

This game is good. Good stealth mechanics, many explorable areas, and good story what make this game interesting over other indie games. However, this game is not perfect, such as the lack of obstacles, puzzles, enemy variety, as well as the framerate issues. Lince Works, the developer of this game, shows a promising talent in making indie games, and hopefully this game will be the first step of making even better games in the future. Recommended for stealth video game fans.

Score

Story: 8/10

Gameplay: 7/10

Graphics: 7/10

Sound: 7/10

Final Score: 7.25/10.0 or 29/40

Pros and Cons

Pros

- Interesting story and lore.

- Good stealth mechanics.

- Explorable areas.

- Cool techniques to be used.

- Nice looking cel-shaded graphics.

- Good soundtrack.

Cons

- Lack of traps, puzzles, and obstacles.

- Lack of enemy variety.

- Framerate issues.

**Images are downloaded from official Aragami website.