Ares By Peruguy2005 - EGD 2012 Review

Review by spinachie on Wednesday, October 31st 2012

Ares by Peruguy2005 sees you taking on hoards of creatures and crippling puzzles as you aim to destroy the power source of an anonymous. This is the entire plot, not out of context, leaving a plethora of questions that are left to the player’s imagination. Why am I killing seemingly innocent creatures? What evil queen bee am I definitely going to thwart this time? Why am I not being informed of the plot?

Personally, I don’t want to read the description just to justify my unhinged killing of what could be perceived by most to be innocent citizens. Don’t you agree that we have a basic right to discover the plot as we play? In this case, there doesn’t need to be a full blown plot, just a reason for my shooting? This sort of narrative cutting that Ares is guilty of is almost intolerable.

That aside, Ares provides a bittersweet approach to the Algorithm creator. It’s intense difficult at least makes it something that you want to come back to, but for all the wrong reasons. You should want to come back to a game not because it’s so difficult that it mocks you, but because you enjoy it, and while difficulty can be used to this effect, Ares is no example of the concept.

Now that this rage has been shared, we can finally look to the bright side. The brilliant aesthetics of Ares creates a palpable atmosphere that complements the intense gameplay featured in game. The creator has efficiently singled out the best walls and floors to create a harmonious cross between futuristic and gothic décor. This is where Ares really shines as a game.

The puzzles also attempt to piece together the action filled environment. Each and every one is incredibly difficult and really makes you think. Yet, they fail to be either unique or rewarding. Very few of the puzzles used haven’t been seen before, and the ones that are unique don’t make you feel like you’ve actually achieved something upon completion. The only word that could possibly describe them would be mediocre.

However (you weren’t expecting that) Ares does something that most other Sploder games daren’t do. Ares actually makes something out of the Algorithm creator. Most designers don’t even look at this under-used engine, because projects on it usually flop massively. Peruguy cleverly used the EGD hype to promote the AC maker, making it a bit less of a flop.

The placement of enemies is quite off whack. Enemies are placed in areas that you aren’t required to access. Additionally, there are no rewards for beating these extra enemies. It’s just enough to put you off altogether.

Simply put, Ares is one of EGD’s less noteworthy titles. It wasn’t featured, and for good reason. While it does have some redeeming factors, Ares is typically a game you’d want to find a substitute for, being quite shabby overall.

The Verdict:

Ares is by no means a terrible game. However, there are plenty of better options.