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Aeterna Noctis similar games & best alternatives

Aeterna Noctis

PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 • 2021

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Quick resume

Aeterna Noctis is a challenging metroidvania that majestically combines action, exploration and adventure. With 2 game modes and difficulty based on action or the exclusive Noctis mode where a level of difficulty is added in precision platforming never seen in the metroidvania genre.

Global score

75/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Indie, Platform, Puzzle

Similar games

    Pros

    • Challenging and rewarding platforming
    • Large and diverse world with secrets
    • Deep character progression and customization
    • Engaging boss fights
    • Beautiful hand-drawn art and music

    Cons

    • Very high difficulty may frustrate some players
    • Some visual clutter affecting visibility
    • Occasional bugs and control quirks
    • Tedious backtracking in some areas
    • Story and npc interactions can feel generic

    Analysis

    Broadly representative of its motivational profile, with a few distinct shifts. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Relaxation, Survival, Violence, Fellowship. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Exploration, Expression, Value.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      4

      "Players have freedom to explore a large open world with multiple paths and ability-gated progression, allowing self-directed exploration and build customization."

    • Competence
      5

      "The game is highly challenging with precise platforming, difficult combat and bosses, requiring mastery of mechanics and rewarding skill development."

    • Competition
      -3

      "Focus is on personal challenge and overcoming difficult platforming and bosses rather than competing against other players."

    • Continuation
      4

      "Long playtime (40-80+ hours), large world, many collectibles and quests encourage extended engagement and habitual play."

    • Cooperation
      -5

      "Entirely single-player experience with no multiplayer or cooperative elements mentioned."

    • Creativity
      3

      "Players can customize builds via skill trees and gems, and explore a diverse world with unique biomes and puzzles."

    • Domination
      -5

      "No evidence of exerting control or superiority over others; gameplay is individual and skill-based."

    • Escapism
      4

      "Players engage deeply in a challenging fantasy world, using the game as a form of immersive escape and mental engagement."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players choose to engage voluntarily for intrinsic interest and challenge; no indication of obligation or external pressure."

    • Experimenting
      3

      "Players experiment with different builds, abilities, and platforming techniques to overcome challenges."

    • Exploration
      5

      "Large interconnected world with many secrets, collectibles, and ability-gated areas encourages discovery and curiosity."

    • Expression
      2

      "Character builds and weapon/gem customization allow some degree of self-expression, though no cosmetic customization noted."

    • Fantasy
      5

      "Set in a dark fantasy world with mythical themes, supernatural powers, and an imaginative narrative."

    • Fellowship
      -5

      "No social or community features; experience is solitary and focused on individual achievement."

    • Growth
      5

      "Strong emphasis on skill acquisition, learning boss patterns, mastering platforming, and character progression."

    • Health
      -4

      "Requires long sedentary play sessions with intense mental focus; no physical activity or health benefits indicated."

    • Idle
      -4

      "Requires constant attention and precision; platforming and combat demand uninterrupted engagement."

    • Intimacy
      -5

      "No evidence of forming close relationships or emotional social interactions within the game."

    • Leadership
      -5

      "No leadership or group management roles; gameplay is individual and self-directed."

    • Progression
      5

      "Character progression through skill trees, gems, weapons, and collectibles is a core gameplay element."

    • Relaxation
      -3

      "High difficulty and punishing platforming create tension and challenge rather than relaxation or flow."

    • Sensation
      3

      "Enjoyable visual and auditory design with hand-drawn art and music enhance sensory engagement."

    • Status
      -4

      "Focus is on personal achievement rather than social recognition or popularity."

    • Story
      3

      "Narrative is present and engaging with voice acting and lore, though some find it generic or less compelling."

    • Strategy
      4

      "Requires planning builds, learning enemy patterns, and devising strategies for platforming and combat."

    • Thrill
      4

      "Suspense and tension from difficult platforming and boss fights provide excitement and relief upon success."

    • Value
      5

      "Large amount of content and long playtime provide strong perceived value for money and time invested."

    • Violence
      4

      "Combat and boss fights involve destruction and defeating enemies, though not gratuitously violent."

    • Survival
      4

      "Players must avoid death and manage health carefully to progress through challenging threats and platforming."

    Where to buy

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    Last update: 29/04/2026