Info about Aaru's Awakening:

Official game description:
Aaru's Awakening is a hand-drawn, fast-paced 2D action platformer. The game puts players in charge of Aaru, a mythical creature with two unique abilities teleportation and charging. He uses these abilities as he travels through the dangerous world of Lumenox to defeat an evil entity. These two abilities are at the heart of every level design throughout the game, to make for a challenging and fluid experience. The levels require players to make split second decisions whilst completing fast-paced puzzles.

Release date: Feb 23, 2015

Categories: 2D Platformer, Precision Platformer, Puzzle Platformer, Speedrunning, Teleportation-based Gameplay, Hand-drawn Art Style, Challenging Gameplay

Feature scans:
- Steam Deck: score 70; verdict: Broken / High Friction; summary: The reviews indicate a mixed Steam Deck/Linux controller experience. Some users report acceptable or pleasant joystick gameplay, and there is positive feedback on visuals and Brazilian Portuguese localization. However, one user reports that the controls do not work at all and there is no available fix, while another notes occasional strange control-related deaths. No evidence was found for external launchers, Proton Experimental toggles, small text, battery drain, anti-cheat errors, or launch failures. The total input failure is the decisive friction point.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $5.00 - $10.00
  - Reasoning: The reviews acknowledge the game's art, soundtrack, and platforming quality, but they repeatedly reject its full price. One reviewer explicitly states it is not worth $15, while others say they would only buy it on sale, in a bundle, or at a heavy discount. This suggests the community fair base-game value is below the full asking price, in a lower budget range of roughly $5 to $10.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 4.0h
  - Story completion: 4.0h
  - Session length: 1.0h
  - Endgame: 10.0h
  - Reasoning: Multiple completion reports cluster the main game around 3-5 hours: one says about 5 hours for a first playthrough, another says around 4 hours to beat, and separate reports mention completing in about 3 hours and less than 3 hours. I use 4 hours as the representative game/story completion figure for this linear platformer. For session length, one reviewer intended only a few minutes but played nearly an hour, so 1 hour is a supported typical session. For endgame, a reviewer estimates another 10 hours would be needed for remaining hardcore-mode achievements after the main game, which supports an endgame figure of about 10 hours. Final-boss comments also show a heavy endgame challenge, but the optional hardcore/achievement grind is the clearer post-completion endgame metric.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The review describes an organically rising challenge across tutorial levels and worlds, but later boss fights become tedious rather than challenging, suggesting enjoyment drops at that point.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: N/A
  - Unlock drivers: N/A
  - Conditions: Three tutorial levels precede the four main worlds.; Progression is described as organic with steadily rising gameplay difficulty.; Boss fights are the main source of later tedium.
- Player Archetypes:
  - Hardcore Challenge Veteran (buy)
    - Motivation: Mastering brutal platforming challenges, speedrunning levels, and proving skill in Hardcore mode.
    - Playstyle: Replays levels to optimize routes, chases fastest clear times and gold medals, and attempts Hardcore mode including boss fights.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: hardcore veterans
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Casual / Low-Skill Player (no buy)
    - Motivation: Playing for fun and relaxation without extreme difficulty or hardcore competition.
    - Playstyle: Plays casually through levels, often frustrated by sudden hazards and precise timing, and avoids Hardcore mode or full completion.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: casual player; mere mortals
    - Reference games: Eryi's Action
  - Hand-Drawn Atmosphere Enthusiast (sale)
    - Motivation: Experiencing the hand-drawn visuals, soundtrack, and fantasy atmosphere.
    - Playstyle: Progresses through levels at a steady pace, appreciating presentation and atmosphere rather than chasing hardcore completion.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Achievement Completionist (no buy)
    - Motivation: Completing every achievement, earning gold medals, and fully clearing all modes.
    - Playstyle: Replays maps for gold ratings, hunts achievements, and attempts Hardcore mode completion even when it is frustrating.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: people looking for all achievements
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Stunning hand-drawn art praised (weight 0.73): Many reviewers highlight the exquisite hand-drawn visuals, with clusters specifically calling out beautiful backgrounds and smooth animations. The art style is frequently described as gorgeous, unique, and a major highlight of the game.
- Unique teleportation mechanic stands out (weight 0.53): Reviewers find the teleportation mechanic interesting, fun, and a key differentiator from other platformers. Clusters highlight that it opens up many possibilities and enables impressive puzzles.
- Challenging yet fair platforming (weight 0.48): The game is described as a finely honed platformer with fair, consistent gameplay and well-designed levels. Checkpoints are noted to make the difficulty manageable while keeping it rewarding.
- Soothing soundtrack complements atmosphere (weight 0.28): The soundtrack is frequently praised as awesome, soothing, and stunning, with reviewers noting it sets the tone and complements the environment well.
- Engaging and fun gameplay (weight 0.23): Players find the gameplay engaging, fun, and addictive, with positive remarks about its overall enjoyment factor. This sentiment is echoed in clusters focusing on fun and addictive qualities.
- Interesting story and storytelling (weight 0.22): The story is described as interesting and the storytelling as nice, with reviewers finding the narrative engaging. This is a recurring positive note in several clusters.
- Well-designed and thoughtful levels (weight 0.19): Level design is praised as nicely designed and well thought-out, contributing to an amazing platforming experience. Reviewers appreciate the careful construction of stages.
- Controls are good and responsive (weight 0.13): Controls are noted as good, deserving attention, and acceptable, contributing to a smooth gameplay experience. This feedback appears in clusters mentioning control quality.
- Requires precise timing and reflexes (weight 0.13): Some sections demand precise timing, aim, and skill, adding a layer of challenge. Reviewers mention that reflexes are sometimes necessary to succeed.
- Accessible difficulty for most players (weight 0.12): The difficulty level is considered not too high and not very hard, making the game approachable for a wide audience. This is a noted positive aspect in difficulty-related clusters.
- Good value for money (weight 0.12): Players feel the game is worth the money and that they got their money's worth, indicating high perceived value. This sentiment is captured in clusters discussing cost-effectiveness.
- Acceptable voice acting fits theme (weight 0.11): Voice acting is described as acceptable and fitting the theme nicely, though it is not a standout feature. This feedback comes from a smaller cluster.

Common complaints:
- Excessive and frustrating difficulty (weight 0.94): The game is extremely difficult, with brutal difficulty spikes, unfair deaths, and a steep learning curve that frustrates many players. It often feels punishing rather than challenging.
- Clunky and unresponsive controls (weight 0.73): Many players report that the controls feel clunky, stiff, and unresponsive, making the game frustrating. This is a major issue across multiple clusters, especially on controllers.
- Gamepad support broken (weight 0.55): Gamepad controls often do not work properly, especially in menus and on Mac, with some buttons entirely non-functional. This severely impacts playability for controller users.
- Story mediocre and convoluted (weight 0.53): The story is frequently criticized as mediocre, thin, convoluted, or poorly told, failing to engage players. Some find it cliché and underdeveloped.
- Bugs and technical issues (weight 0.53): Various bugs, such as dashing problems, wall-grabbing inconsistencies, and control glitches, hinder gameplay and achievements. These issues are often minor but add to frustration.
- Trial and error gameplay (weight 0.48): The game relies heavily on trial and error, with blind jumps and deaths necessary to learn hazards, which many find frustrating and unfair.
- Poor visibility of hazards (weight 0.45): Hazards and obstacles often blend into the background due to the art style and color choices, leading to unfair deaths. This is a recurring complaint about visual clarity.
- Repetitive and monotonous (weight 0.44): Gameplay becomes repetitive and monotonous over time, with little variation and bland early levels. Mechanics feel simple and not special.
- Boss fights tedious and unfair (weight 0.44): Boss fights, especially the final boss, are often described as infuriating, tedious, and requiring excessive precision and repetition. Many players find them more frustrating than fun.
- Difficulty ramps up too quickly (weight 0.36): Many players note that the difficulty increases abruptly, especially in later levels and acts, making the game feel unfair and poorly paced. The last 25% is particularly frustrating.
- Speedrun focus alienates players (weight 0.35): The game is heavily designed for speedrunning, which clashes with its art and makes it less enjoyable for regular platformer fans. Many feel it's too hardcore.
- Art style causes confusion (weight 0.35): The art style, while unique, often makes it difficult to distinguish platforms, hazards, and background, leading to gameplay issues. Some find the graphics woeful.
- Narrator voice acting poor (weight 0.34): The narrator's delivery is often described as stilted, too fast, grating, or mispronounced, detracting from the experience. Voice acting overall is seen as amateurish.
- Teleport mechanic unreliable (weight 0.31): The teleport ability is often unreliable, causing unfair deaths and inconsistent behavior. Players find it agonizing due to travel time and randomness.
- Game too short (weight 0.3): Many reviewers feel the game is too short, especially for its price, with limited content unless aiming for completion. This impacts perceived value.
- Unobtainable achievements (weight 0.29): Some achievements are unobtainable due to bugs or extreme difficulty, frustrating completionists. This is a notable drawback.
- Price too high (weight 0.25): Several players consider the price too high for the amount of content and quality offered, making it less appealing.
- Checkpoint system flawed (weight 0.22): Checkpoints are sometimes poorly placed or too frequent, leading to segmented levels and unsatisfying respawns. Some deaths still feel annoying despite checkpoints.
- Control loss after jumping (weight 0.18): Players report losing control of direction after jumping, making mid-air maneuvers difficult and causing deaths. This contributes to the clunky feel.

Gameplay feedback:
- Challenging 2D action platformer (weight 0.7): Players frequently describe the game as a hardcore, difficult side-scrolling platformer. The high difficulty is a defining characteristic, with a focus on demanding gameplay and speedrunning.
- Core teleportation mechanic (weight 0.63): The central gameplay mechanic is teleportation, typically involving shooting a ball of light and teleporting to its location. This unique mechanic is highlighted as a key feature.
- Puzzle platformer with simplicity (weight 0.32): The game is often described as a puzzle platformer with a fairly simple control scheme. It combines skill and puzzle elements, making it accessible yet challenging.
- Includes checkpoints and bosses (weight 0.31): The game features checkpoints for progression and boss battles, including a notably difficult final boss. These elements provide structure and challenge.
- Ball used for puzzles (weight 0.23): The ball of light can be shot through small holes and used to bypass obstacles, adding a puzzle element to the platforming. It is essential for both navigation and combat.
- Timed levels with medals (weight 0.23): All levels are timed, and players can earn gold, silver, or bronze medals based on completion time. Achievements are also tied to earning gold medals.
- Kill enemies by teleporting (weight 0.19): Enemies can only be defeated by teleporting inside them, which instantly kills them. This unconventional combat system is a distinctive aspect of the game.
- Keyboard and mouse controls (weight 0.13): The game utilizes a control scheme where the keyboard (WASD and space) is used with one hand, while the mouse buttons are used with the other. This dual-input method is frequently mentioned.
- Hardcore mode and speedrun focus (weight 0.13): A hard mode offers significantly more challenge, and the game has a hardcore speedrun focus. This appeals to players seeking intense difficulty.
- Dash and teleport abilities (weight 0.13): The core gameplay revolves around two main skills: dashing and teleporting. These abilities are central to both platforming and combat.
- Platforming with powers and obstacles (weight 0.13): The game involves platforming with various powers and obstacles, requiring players to use jumping, teleporting, and charging. This creates a dynamic and varied experience.

Performance notes:
- Controller input broken (weight 0.17): Multiple reviews report controller input failures across platforms, citing issues on Mac and Linux with an Xbox 360 controller, and general non-functioning behavior.

Recommendations:
- Challenging and Frustrating (weight 0.61): The game is described as very hard and frustrating, only suitable for players who enjoy extreme challenges or have a masochistic disposition. It may strain the patience of many.
- Mixed or Conditional Recommendations (weight 0.54): Some reviews give conditional recommendations, such as worth a look, worth giving a chance, or worth playing in a vacuum, indicating a mixed reception.
- Wait for Sale or Bundle (weight 0.53): Multiple reviews advise waiting for a sale or bundle due to the price being considered too high for the game's length or quality. Some suggest it's not worth the full price.
- Recommended for Platformer Fans (weight 0.48): Many reviewers recommend the game specifically for fans of platformers. They highlight it as a good choice for those who enjoy precision platforming and challenging gameplay.
- Not Recommended (weight 0.35): Several reviewers explicitly do not recommend the game, advising against purchase or suggesting to stay away. Reasons include overall dissatisfaction and better alternatives.
- Not Worth the Price (weight 0.24): Several reviews state the game is not worth the $15 price tag, with some saying it's not worth it even for free. This aligns with the recommendation to wait for a sale.
- Not for Everyone (weight 0.22): Some reviewers note that the game is not for everybody, depending on preferences for difficulty or genre. Casual players are advised to think twice.
- Appreciated for Art and Music (weight 0.19): Reviewers praise the game's visuals, art, music, and story, recommending it for those who enjoy aesthetic and narrative elements. Some say it's worth playing just for the art.
- Controller Issues Reported (weight 0.13): A few reviews mention controller problems, leading to not recommending it for controller users. However, some suggest it may be good if you can overlook these issues.
- Better Alternatives Exist (weight 0.12): A few reviewers mention that there are better platformers available, suggesting that the game may not stand out compared to other options.

Other player notes:
- Short Game Length (weight 0.56): Multiple reviewers note the game is short, typically taking 2-4 hours to complete. Some mention it can be padded by difficulty or collecting medals, but the main story is brief.
- Hand-Drawn Visual Style (weight 0.32): The game features hand-drawn graphics and animations with beautiful detail and soul. The visual style is often compared to fantasy realms and old Sega games.
- Comparisons to Other Platformers (weight 0.31): Reviewers compare the game to Super Meat Boy, Spelunky, Rayman Legends, Electronic Super Joy, and others. Some feel it attempts to emulate their style but falls short, while others find it friendly and approachable.
- High Price for Length (weight 0.28): The game costs $15, which many reviewers feel is too high given its short length. Some bought it at a discount or in a bundle and found it more worthwhile.
- Good Controller and Linux Support (weight 0.25): The game correctly recognizes Xbox 360 controllers and works on Linux. It can be played with either a gamepad or a mouse, though some feel it is optimized for keyboard and mouse.
- Hardcore Mode with Bosses (weight 0.22): Hardcore mode includes boss fights and has 5 achievements. No one globally has completed Hardcore mode yet.
- Simple and Predictable Story (weight 0.2): The story is basic and predictable, following Aaru, a creature serving Dawn, traveling through four kingdoms. It is told exclusively outside the game between worlds and avoids heavy exposition.
- Short Cutscenes and Game Structure (weight 0.19): Cutscenes are relatively short. The game has 5 levels before the final boss, and the last 25% of the game takes about 2/3 of total game time.
- Available on Multiple Platforms (weight 0.15): The game was first played on PS4 at launch, later released on PC, and ported to Mac.
- Obtained via Bundles and Discounts (weight 0.14): Some reviewers obtained the game as part of a Bundle Stars bundle or at a heavy discount.
- Levels Designed for Speedruns (weight 0.13): Levels are short, intense chunks tuned for speedruns and leaderboards per section, rather than continuous metroidvania gameplay. The real challenge is finding the fastest route through each level.
- Music and Audio Atmosphere (weight 0.11): The music sets the atmosphere well without being intrusive. It loops well and does not restart upon death.
- No Steam Trading Cards (weight 0.1): The game does not have Steam trading cards or badges, which some reviewers note as a downside.
- Mixed Steam Reviews (weight 0.07): The game currently has mixed reviews on Steam.
- Developers Not Updating Game (weight 0.07): The developers seem to be working on a new game and have not updated this one.
- Runs Smoothly in 4K (weight 0.06): The game runs smoothly in 4K thanks to the Unity engine.
- Portuguese (Brazil) Localization (weight 0.06): The game supports Portuguese (Brazil) localization.
- Teleportation Mechanic Not Unique (weight 0.06): The teleportation mechanic reminds some reviewers of the mouse in Escape Goat and is not entirely unique.
- Narrated by a Girl/Woman (weight 0.06): The game is narrated by a girl or woman.
- Negative Comparison to Microsoft Word (weight 0.05): One reviewer compares the game unfavorably to Microsoft Word, stating MS Word is a better game.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.27): Players frequently report clunky and unresponsive controls, especially with gamepads, which makes the already high difficulty feel unfair. Hazards that blend into the background cause cheap deaths, and bugs such as a non-functional jump button or controller issues on Mac can make the game unplayable. The brutal difficulty and demanding precision lead to repeated deaths and getting stuck, often without knowing what to expect.
- Disappointment (weight 0.15): Despite beautiful art, animation, and an interesting design, the game falls short due to unplayable controls for a platformer and a lack of engaging story or memorable locations. Many find it short, repetitive, and not fun, with tedious boss fights and bugs that make achievements unattainable. The negatives often outweigh the positives, leading to a sense of wasted money and time.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.11): Players enjoy the pleasant controls with a joystick, gorgeous visuals, and tight gameplay with well thought-out levels. The teleportation mechanic adds a sense of liberty and excitement, while the challenging difficulty and time trials contribute to the game's charm. The hand-drawn art and rewarding experience make it fun and addictive even for those who typically dislike platformers.
- Annoyance (weight 0.05): Annoyance stems from dying because dangerous terrain blends into the background, clunky controls with an erratic jump button, and difficulties getting a controller to work. The bad narrator's voice and other difficult, annoying moments further irritate players.
- Appreciation (weight 0.04): Players appreciate the very beautiful graphics that keep them playing to see more, as well as the challenge and out-of-the-box thinking the game requires. The original and gorgeous art is a standout feature that earns admiration.
- Love (weight 0.03): Players love the game for its unique and charming qualities, original gameplay, and amazing level design. The overall experience and puzzles are particularly cherished.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.02): Satisfaction comes from feeling happy with what was received for the price and from playing the game despite its quirks. Players feel they got their money's worth.
- Dislike (weight 0.02): Dislike is directed at the game being designed almost exclusively for speedrun fans, as it times each level, and at the awkwardness of playing a sidescroller with a keyboard and mouse.
- Excitement (weight 0.02): Excitement is generated by seeing the game come to Steam and by the nerve-tingling experiences it offers.
- Fun (weight 0.02): Fun arises from engaging gameplay with the teleportation mechanic and from difficult but fair platforming and puzzle solving.
- Relaxation (weight 0.01): Relaxation is found in the pleasant headcrab movements, which soothe the player's nerves after work.
- Self-deprecation (weight 0.01): Self-deprecation is expressed through being bad at dodging in a hardcore game.
- Attraction (weight 0.01): Attraction is drawn from the beautiful hand-painted-looking decor and animations.
- Mild frustration (weight 0.01): Mild frustration is caused by difficulty that comes close to being teethgrinding.
- Interest (weight 0.01): Interest is sparked by inventive stages and decent boss battles.
- Wanting more (weight 0.01): Wanting more is driven by the game being a bit short.
- Enchantment (weight 0.01): Enchantment comes from the journey and immersive world.
- Sadness (weight 0.01): Sadness is felt at the prospect of probably never playing the game again due to its difficulty.
- Pain (weight 0.01): Pain is experienced because the controls make the game painful to play.
- Monotony (weight 0.01): Monotony sets in as the game becomes monotonous in mechanics and design after the first impression.}