Aurion: Legacy of the Kori-Odan

***Many, many thanks go to Cold Dingo for proofing this title.

Aurion: Legacy of the Kori-Odan is a roleplaying title that centers fast-paced two-dimensional brawling with item and statistic management endorsed by a majority of turn-based titles. Aurion boasts African culture as its primary source of reference, and translates these ideals into a narrative in which Enzo and Erine-the rightful heirs to the Zama throne-must journey to discover their hidden power and subsequently reclaim said sovereignty. Before continuing I would like to state that I received this title from the developers for no further compensation.

Here are just a few reasons to try this title:

Story - As per the customary preference with these writings, this section will veer from spoilers to a certain capacity. This title is said by a developer to be a “magnification” of “Egyptian, Malian, Cameroonian, and Ethiopian mythologies,” (quoted here) following Enzo Kori-Odan and his wife, Erine Evou, of the Kama tribe as they are exiled following a successful insurgence by Erine’s own brother, Ngarba. From here, the couple must embark on a journey of enlightenment in order to discover Enzo’s Aurionic Legacy, and negate the inequitable acts on their prestige. The progression of events assumes a natural pace while the rightful king and queen traverse Auriona, even during critical events. With some scenarios appearing trivial in their inception, nearly every occurrence relates to Enzo’s evolving introspective in relation to adapting himself to be a great king. There are also an expansive array of setpieces and absorbing lore strewn throughout the world with an in-game glossary and out-of-game comic series to aide the player in immersion. One of my favorite minor features is the inclusion of fighting dialogue triggered by specific actions or circumstances during the brawl. Cutscenes are visually appealing in that appear to utilize the in-game engine, making the actions plausible rather than jarring what the player experiences compared with what the game wants to portray. One topic of infamy, however, remains grammar with an abundance of minor discrepancies; this may be forgiven marginally considering English may not be the developers’ first language.

Gameplay - Since the title recommended the utilization of a controller, I did so without indulging in its keyboard schematics. Aurion utilizes a two-dimensional arena-like perspective for combat while emphasizing platforming and brawling as its core concepts. Problem solving and minor puzzle platforming sections transpire to integrate these facilities into level design, such as discovering and defeating specified enemies to advance from the area. Items are accessed via the directional pad on the controller, and affect the health and two unique stamina systems of Enzo during skirmishes while the face and top buttons allow access to a variety of both damaging and maneuverability functions; dodging toward enemy attacks lowers their defenses if they happen to be blocking, acting as a risk and reward system during these scenarios. The touted Legacy system is especially unique as these element-based character modes allow Enzo to appropriate various attack into combinations considering stated Legacies can be substituted instantaneously with the press of a button. These Legacies may also be leveled with individual use to allow specialization in a select few the player feels comfortable with. Thus far I have not experienced a Legacy that was not equally engaging and advantageous, so the balance of this system is evident to my standards. Queen Erine’s abilities may also be appropriated in battle considering her initial healing potential that branches into new attack combinations later in the game; promoting her talents improves the relationship between herself and Enzo, further increasing her competence. Beyond these subsystems, the combat is gratifying in numerous ways though it appeared to have a tendency to feel ’glidey’ at times-complacency is achieved through play. My one major complaint about this title is the lengthy loading screens, but Aurion is apt otherwise.

TL:DR - Aurion is an intriguing and flavorful action campaign suffused with engaging combat scenarios, puzzle platforming, and social interactions woven around a narrative centered on Enzo Kori-Odan’s enlightenment and the subsequent saving of his kingdom. I highly recommend Aurion: Legacy of the Kori-Odan to those that enjoy roleplaying, adventure, and two-dimensional arena combat titles, as well as provocative lore and world-building. Thanks for reading.

Do you feel this review helped in any way? Feel free to visit my Curator Page at Spearpoint Reviews.
Originally posted on March 5, 2019.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Go All Out! (Post-Anniversary Update)

Spider-Man

Fantasy Life