Aquaria

[ArtBane]

I usually don't follow the indie gaming scene much outside of RPG Maker but once in awhile a game is brought to my attention. In this case, the game was Aquaria. It is a Super Metroidesque adventure game that takes place underwater. I am only two hours in but I already feel like I have experienced something amazing. It really is a game one must see in action before they can get excited for it. You can find the demo and buy the game if you are so interested at http://www.bit-blot.com/aquaria/. I am hoping to get some fans here so we can discuss the game further. It really deserves people's attention.

 

[PeteD2S]

The way you talk about it, makes it sound very good. I will try it right now ^^

 

[GhastlyMasquerade]

Looks good, I'll try the demo...

Update: The game looks amazing, I've been playing the demo a while, and is fun

 

[Shifter]

Im gonna try this out too, looks interesting

 

[PeteD2S]

It's very good, and the demo is long (2 or more bosses). I got tired after awhile and haven't finished the demo yet.
You gotta try it out!

 

[ArtBane]

I finished the demo last night and purchased it right after. I am about four hours in and starting to get an idea of the grand scale of the game. It is really impressive to see how large this world is considering this was a game made in two years by two people.

 

[GhastlyMasquerade]

I had to buy it as well... This is is so amusing.

 

[Marcus]

I thought it was alright.  While I did like the graphics and ambiance as well as the overall size, I felt like that game had poor direction.  Those of you looking for an action/exploration title like Super Metroid, look elsewhere.  While this game does have some action in it, the actual battles themselves bog down what could have been a cool exploration/adventure game.  If you liked games like Seiklus or Within a Deep Forest then you'll find this one enjoyable.

 

[Shifter]

I had to buy it as well..this game is great

 

[ArtBane]

I thought it was alright.  While I did like the graphics and ambiance as well as the overall size, I felt like that game had poor direction.  Those of you looking for an action/exploration title like Super Metroid, look elsewhere.  While this game does have some action in it, the actual battles themselves bog down what could have been a cool exploration/adventure game.  If you liked games like Seiklus or Within a Deep Forest then you'll find this one enjoyable.

I think this is the best action/exploration 2D game I have played since Super Metroid and Cave Story. Every new area I discover is beautiful and teeming with interesting sea life. The battles are interesting enough and I don't find they bog down the exploration at all. If you want to avoid them you can easily swim around them. I actually think the boss battles are better than Super Metroid as they require some thought rather than frantic dodging and shooting (the third boss had only that though). I am honestly more excited to go home and play this than any game right now. 

 

[PeteD2S]

I just discovered something, if you rotate the...girl ( I forgot her name o.o") it will create a small whirlwind. Does that have any usefulness?
Anyways, I am looking forward to finish the demo today.

 

[ArtBane]

I noticed that too. Later on in the game you actually do have to rotate Naija to interact with certain objects. Also if you use it around bubbles it will displace them. It doesn't really change anything but I thought it was a cool effect.

 

[PeteD2S]

It's over! And I can't buy it... T.T
But it's a very good game and probably worth every cent. The 2D graphics are beatiful, the music is also beatiful and I like the gameplay alot.
9/10 ^^ (because I can't buy it <.<)

 

[GhastlyMasquerade]

The music is incredibly good, and the graphics are so well done. And to think they were only two people working on it. Worth every single dollar I paid for

 

[ArtBane]

I finished the game a few days ago. If I could describe Aquaria with one word it would be "inspiring". Since I played it I have had a newfound interest in the indie gaming crowd. I know that the creators of Aquaria also started off with making freeware games and I hope to work my way up to making an indie game that could be successful on the commercial level. I doubt everyone that is playing the game will feel the same way I do but I am interested to hear what people think.

 

[Hevendor]

Bought the game. Love it, but...

Spoiler: Early game spoiler

I never knew you were supposed to sit down at the Prince's chair in Mithalas so I wandered off into the kelp forest not knowing what to do. Now I have like 1 hour of swimming to do to go back ><

Have to agree with ArtBane though, this is definitely one inspiring game. Amazes me that this could be done with two people only...