Aeruta Early Impressions

A code was provided, thanks to Gravity Games Arise Co Ltd.

Aeruta: Big Update to Early Access

Aeruta is a side-scrolling action game with a dash of shop management mechanics. Earlier this year, it entered Early Access, and it’s now capped off the year with a major update. While I didn’t play its initial version, the current build is shaping up to be a delightful blend of hack-and-slash combat, resource collecting, and the oddly satisfying task of running a bakery empire. Yes, you’re both an adventurer and a bread tycoon, it’s as quirky as it sounds.

Adventurer and Bread Maker

You play as Chaya, an aspiring adventurer whose quest is temporarily derailed when she accidentally causes a bakery oven to explode. Whoops. To make amends, you team up with Effie, the bakery’s owner, to rebuild the business and help revitalize the town. Oh, and occasionally, you still try to follow your adventuring dreams. The setup feels like something straight out of a cosy slice-of-life anime, complete with humour and whimsical charm.

As you work through the game, you’ll meet a cast of quirky NPCs. Build relationships with them by giving gifts or simply chatting, and they may lend a hand in running the bakery. All of this is wrapped up in delightful pixel art and a whimsical soundtrack, making the game feel like a warm, buttery croissant for your soul.

Heading Out into the World

Gameplay is split into two main parts: 2D side-scrolling action and shop management. These two elements complement each other beautifully.

When you venture out, you choose from various locations, each offering unique resources and its own boss. Levels are bite-sized segments filled with platforming, enemies, and loot, think Zelda meets a bakery simulator. After completing a section, you’ll pick your route via a mini-map, previewing the resources available in each area. It’s a nice touch that offers flexibility without feeling linear.

Combat

Combat is fast, satisfying, and refreshingly simple. You’ll have a basic attack, a jump, and a handy dodge that when timed perfectly, can make you feel like a true combat master. Weapons include a whip and (my favourite) a rolling pin because nothing says “intimidating adventurer” like smacking enemies with a kitchen tool.

Enemies drop bread-themed resources, which can activate special moves when collected. Over time, you’ll unlock new abilities and skills, making battles more dynamic. While the basic enemies are manageable, bosses demand quick reflexes and a bit of strategy, making for satisfying, challenging encounters.

Get Baking

After a successful adventure, it’s time to don your apron and get to work in the bakery. Here, you’ll prepare bread (provided you’ve collected the right ingredients) and open the shop to customers. The gameplay shifts into a fast-paced juggling act: stocking shelves, cleaning up, and serving customers by inputting button combinations reminiscent of old-school cheat codes. Upgrades later simplify the process, but early on, it’s all about hustle and multitasking.

It’s a fun change of pace from adventuring, and the two gameplay styles balance each other out nicely.

Lots of Upgrades

Money earned from bread sales can be reinvested into the shop, adding quality-of-life improvements and new features. You can also rebuild the town, unlocking perks for both the bakery and your adventuring expeditions. The game’s flexibility lets you decide how to approach each in-game day. Want to focus solely on adventuring? Go for it. Prefer to manage the shop? That works, too. A handy diary even highlights daily perks to help you plan your routine.

Final Thoughts

Aeruta is already showing strong promise in Early Access. With addictive hack-and-slash combat, charming shop management, and a delightful sense of humour, it’s shaping up to be a dangerously engaging time sink. If you’re looking for a unique blend of action and cosy simulation or just want to smack some enemies with a rolling pin, this game is well worth your attention. Check out the free demo on Steam today!

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