Aeterna Noctis similar games & best alternatives
Aeterna Noctis
2021
Related articles
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
76/100
Genres
Action, Adventure, Indie, Platform, Puzzle
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
Motivations
-
Autonomy4
"Players have freedom to explore a large open world with multiple paths and ability-gated progression, allowing self-directed exploration and build customization."
-
Competence5
"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."
-
Continuation4
"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."
-
Creativity3
"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."
-
Escapism4
"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."
-
Experimenting3
"Players experiment with different builds, abilities, and platforming techniques to overcome challenges."
-
Exploration5
"Large interconnected world with many secrets, collectibles, and ability-gated areas encourages discovery and curiosity."
-
Expression2
"Character builds and weapon/gem customization allow some degree of self-expression, though no cosmetic customization noted."
-
Fantasy5
"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."
-
Growth5
"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."
-
Progression5
"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."
-
Sensation3
"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."
-
Story3
"Narrative is present and engaging with voice acting and lore, though some find it generic or less compelling."
-
Strategy4
"Requires planning builds, learning enemy patterns, and devising strategies for platforming and combat."
-
Thrill4
"Suspense and tension from difficult platforming and boss fights provide excitement and relief upon success."
-
Value5
"Large amount of content and long playtime provide strong perceived value for money and time invested."
-
Violence4
"Combat and boss fights involve destruction and defeating enemies, though not gratuitously violent."
-
Survival4
"Players must avoid death and manage health carefully to progress through challenging threats and platforming."
Similar games
Where to buy
Last update: 06/03/2026