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Aidan in Danger is a simple platforming retro experience. It reuses assets throughout and this caused me to chuckle. Though this wasn’t problematic, it made things too easy and the gameplay was repetitive. However, some genuinely good moments hooked me.
Brainium Games developed and published this old-school affair. Additionally, it is a single-player 2D experience that is gloriously pixelated. Though this won’t impress modern gamers, fans of 8-bit titles will love the trip down memory lane.
Aidan in Danger tells a crazy tale.
You are Aidan, an elf who has sworn to protect Drakor. He is the last dragon on Earth and has a target on his back. Consequently, you must keep your eyes peeled to complete your task. Unfortunately, interdimensional beings wish to ruin your day. As such, you must undertake a journey like no other.
As the game evolves, you will experience a host of new problems and obstacles to overcome. There are some precision moments and plenty of clichéd and well-trodden mechanics. Yet, this matters not. Each short, sharp level is a blast to work through, and dying and failing are par for the course.
Classic ideas.
Aidan in Danger lacks originality. The spikes, chasms, blades, and monsters all feel familiar. Moreover, overcoming each obstacle takes little skill or ability. As long as you’re patient, you’ll move from beginning to end with little trouble.
Luckily, things do become more challenging. Monsters appear from nowhere and the linear stage design opens up. Additionally, there were occasionally time-reliant tasks that added danger and panic to proceedings. This was where Aidan in Danger excels. Had the developer expanded this idea, the gameplay would have been improved.
Aidan in Danger is brilliantly pixelated.
I enjoyed the level design even though it was rudimentary. Exploring each dungeon was fun and grabbing the coins and diamonds kept me focused. Furthermore, the backdrops varied as you progressed. This approach prevents the action from becoming mundane. What’s more, as you explore new worlds, you see different enemies to mix things up.
The audio is basic but suitable. The music is repetitive and dated and sounds like something from the 90s. Yet, I loved this classic soundscape and the shrill sound effects.
Clumsy controls.
Aidan in Danger is easy to play, but the controls let it down. They are occasionally clunky and slow. This was disappointing as it caused more issues than necessary. Had this been tightened up, it would have been a more enjoyable platform experience.
There are plenty of levels to work through. Moreover, each has 3 diamonds to collect. This creates some replay value and longevity. However, had the developer incorporated a speedrun mode or time trial, this would have kept me coming back for more.
Aidan in Danger is a fine indie game.
This won’t blow you away. Aidan in Danger lacks a final polish, and that was disappointing. Though I enjoyed the casual gameplay and the fun graphics, it lacks originality. This was unfortunate, but it is a fine indie game regardless. Accordingly, I like it and recommend buying it here! Can you help Aidan to complete his task? Study each level, avoid the obstacles, and stay alive.
