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The Eyes of Ara

Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), iOS, Mac, Android • 2016

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Quick resume

Explore a vast, mysterious castle riddled with secret rooms and challenging puzzles in this award-winning puzzle adventure.

Global score

83/100

Genres

Adventure, Casual, Indie, Point-and-click, Puzzle

Pros

  • Challenging and logical puzzles
  • Immersive and atmospheric castle environment
  • Extensive exploration with secret passages and collectibles
  • Engaging narrative through notes and diaries
  • Good value for length and depth

Cons

  • Pixel hunting can be tedious and frustrating
  • Some puzzles overly obscure or difficult without hints
  • Fixed point movement limits freedom
  • Lack of free camera or full 3d exploration
  • No social or multiplayer features

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players explore a large castle with freedom to investigate many areas and secrets, but movement is limited to fixed points."

  • Competence
    4

    "Challenging puzzles requiring logical thinking and note-taking, with some very difficult puzzles especially in later chapters."

  • Competition
    -5

    "Purely single-player experience with no competitive elements or comparison to others."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players report long play sessions and desire to find all collectibles and secrets, encouraging extended engagement."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely single-player with no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Players creatively solve puzzles and explore hidden areas, but within a fixed environment and predefined puzzles."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No social or dominance interactions; purely individual puzzle solving."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Immersive atmosphere and exploration provide a strong escape from real life."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily for intrinsic interest in puzzles and exploration."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players experiment with puzzle solutions and explore thoroughly to uncover secrets."

  • Exploration
    5

    "Strong emphasis on discovering new rooms, secret passages, and hidden collectibles throughout the castle."

  • Expression
    -5

    "No character customization or player expression; standard presentation."

  • Fantasy
    2

    "The game has a mysterious story with some sci-fi elements but grounded in a realistic castle setting."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features; solo experience."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players develop problem-solving skills and learn complex puzzle mechanics."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary point-and-click gameplay with no physical activity."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention and active puzzle solving; not suitable for casual or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional connections formed; solitary play."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements."

  • Progression
    4

    "Progression through unlocking new areas and collecting items to advance the story and access secrets."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Atmospheric and immersive experience provides a relaxing flow despite some challenging puzzles."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Enjoyable visuals and ambient audio contribute to sensory engagement."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems."

  • Story
    3

    "Narrative unfolds through discovered notes and diaries, providing an engaging but subtle story."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Puzzles require logical reasoning, deduction, and planning to solve."

  • Thrill
    1

    "Some suspense in uncovering secrets and solving difficult puzzles, but low risk or tension overall."

  • Value
    4

    "Players report good value for money given the length and depth of puzzles and exploration."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No violence or combat; focus on constructive puzzle solving."

  • Survival
    -5

    "No survival elements or threats; stable environment."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026