In A Word: Beautiful
Aquaria is quite simply one of the most beautiful gaming experiences there is to be had out there. The gameplay is intuitive; having both simplicity and depth. The game centers around a young mer-girl named Naija who has lived in a cave for as long as she can remember. One day, however, she has a vision of a strange figure that causes her to wonder what lies beyond her simple place of existents. She sets out and finds an ocean world full of dead and abandoned civilizations, driving her to explore the oceans in search of answers. Who is she? What happened to the world? Is she the last living being? The story, though relatively thin, touches on universal themes in moving ways grappling with issues of loneliness, confusion, doubt, and discovery. By the end, the story can be down right heart wrenching.
Navigating and interacting with the game is controlled simply with the mouse; left clicking makes Naija move, and right clicking causes her to use the power of whatever form she is in. Her most basic power is her ability to control 'the verse,' a kind of magical energy that is manipulated by song. Early on Niaja will learn a few basic powers, like a protection spell and basic telekinesis. Her most significant spells, however, will allow her to transform into a wide variety of alternate forms that can do everything from fire bolts of rapid-fire energy to devouring enemies whole. If there's a down side to all of this its that changing forms can be a bit difficult in the middle of heated battles, even with the numbered hotkeys.
The world of Aquaria is vast and gorgeous, full of things to discover, both practical and otherwise. The game truly captures the since of discovery by rewarding the player, not only with new things to use, but with new wonders to see and discover tucked away in every corner of the open world. The game world attempts to encompass the full diversity of the oceans, taking you from vibrant coast lines to frigid arctic drifts, from lush kelp forests to the oppressively dark abyss. the civilizations are equally diverse and all have a story to tell of their unique rises and falls. The developers even included their own written language that the player can decipher with a little effort to add even more to the story of each. Everything in the game is beautifully hand drawn and full of collor and wonder. If you haven't seen any screens you NEED to.
The voice acting is superb and full of subtly, conveying everything from well scripted internal monologues at key plot points to soft, in awed 'wow's whenever you stumble upon one of the game's countless sights of wonder. If you're one to find yourself humming a game's music then I can almost guarantee you that the music in this game will stay with you long after you finish playing. The music is almost a part of the story, carrying a constant theme that is woven into every one of the game's tracks and ultimately becomes part of the game's story as it nears its conclusion.
I really can't say enough about this game. It was made by a couple of men who wanted to prove that games could be art. Along the way, though, they ended up making a remarkably FUN game too. Even if the developers' main argument fails to persuade you you're none-the-less bound to find yourself having fun, and in the end isn't that what a good game is all about?
