The easiest way I can describe this game is that it is a precision platformer disguising itself as a metroidvania. Unlike The Messenger which is a metroidvania disguising itself as a precision platformer. I say that because at least in The Messenger you know what you're getting into in the first half of the game, so if you enjoy the platforming nature of the game then you'll enjoy it once you get full map exploration. But, in this game if you don't enjoy precision platforming, you don't know that is the core of the game until putting several hours into the game. And then it isn't even a good platformer, the hitboxes are wonky, the controls are floaty and the combat is just meh. The game looks nice and has an interesting story and wonderful soundtrack. But the bait and switch of the type of game it is and not even being an enjoyable platformer makes this a pass for me. I've tried playing it twice and this is going into my uninstall forever list.

As others have said, a middle or neutral opinion would be preferable. I had my fun, I had my frustration, I had my catharsis. I would recommend this to hardcore platformer people. The game is simply too long and it's hard to justify spending so much time in tedious situations over and over again. To be fair I was playing on the harder difficulty but that is how the game is supposed to be played so I honored the intent. Made for a select few and those few will love it to death. Maybe some other time I'll finish, but for now, I cannot.

The TLDR here is Aeterna Noctis is a very VERY good game.

If you are a fan of Hollow Knight then you'll love AN. Art style, music score, sound effects and even a few in-game mechanics are straight out of HK so you'll feel at home here.

Where these 2 games differ significantly is where HK is a brutally difficult game which punishes you for failure, AN is just as difficult but death doesn't send you miles away as there is a well needed checkpoint system. AN does have a souls-like death mechanic but its easily negated with a simple one slot charm.

Its a huge game with a massive map. I'm 40hrs in and around 75% complete so still got a little way to go.

I do have a few gripes as follows but its great to see the devs reading the reviews and remedying some of the early teething issues.

1. The map feels a little disjointed. At will likely be around 50+ hours, its huge but unlike games like HK or Ori, it lacks the interconnection with little more than a single entry point and single exit point for each area, sometimes even the same point out as in.

2. Metroidvania gating could do with some work. Again, at 50+ hours of game time, it doesn't need to be 'padded out' but the vast majority of areas allow for 95% completion only to be thwarted in the last room where you find out you a are missing a key skill or ability. Personally, I would have preferred to have been stopped in my tracks a little sooner on my travels rather than have to back track though an entire area to resume my search.

3. The arrow / celestial shot abilities are frustratingly difficult to master. If you've played either of the Ori games, think of Bash but here the left stick feels overly sensitive. You will eventually master it but you'll find aiming a constant challenge.

4. When you eventually make it to a late game area called 'Cosmos' you'll have you're head in your hands with frustration. While its probably one of the most uniquely designed platformer levels I've ever see, when up is down, down is up, left is right and right is left you'll be screaming! Oh and then it will want you to complete a tricky platforming challenge as well.

In summary, this is an incredible game and one of the best precision platformers out there. If you struggled with the Path of Pain in HK then give AN a bash. Its just as difficult (if not more so) BUT the check point system and lack of any punishment on death allows you to die > try > die > try > die > try x 100 and you'll eventually get it.

Great work to the Devs - Will keeping an eye out for more from you guys.