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Aeterna Noctis

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

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

  • 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."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026