Game: Worlds of Aria
Genre: Simulation, Strategy, RPG
System: Steam (Windows) (also available on Nintendo Switch)
Developer|Publisher: Ludogram | Ishtar Games
Controller Support: Yes
Steam Deck: Playable
Price: US $14.99| UK £12.79 | EU € 14,99
Release Date: September 24th, 2024
A review code was provided, and many thanks to Player Two PR.
Worlds of Aria: Your Next Game Night Hit with Friends
It’s not often that a game feels truly different, but Worlds of Aria stands out by drawing inspiration from tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). It is designed to be enjoyed either solo or with up to four players locally, online, or a mix of both. Worlds of Aria doesn’t just recreate the adventure and excitement of a tabletop session but also captures the social, cheeky side of the experience. While it’s enjoyable on your own, the game truly shines when shared with friends or loved ones, making it a perfect pick for your next game night.
Become the Heroes of Aria
The plot centres around a band of four heroes that you select at the start of the game. Each chapter kicks off with a narrator, much like a Dungeon Master, setting the scene for the adventure ahead. The first chapter introduces you to a seemingly routine tomb-raiding quest to assist a suspicious Duke, but before long, the plot unfolds into a grand mission to save the kingdom.
I won’t spoil the story because it’s one of the strongest elements of the game. Also, the beauty of Worlds of Aria is that you, as the player, influence the narrative. The game frequently presents you with choices on how to proceed, sometimes minor, sometimes major decisions that ripple through the story’s later chapters. You can choose to be a noble and honest hero or a bit more mischievous. In multiplayer, there’s even an option to backstab your teammates, which adds a layer of chaos and fun when playing with friends. Though this feature exists in single-player mode, too, it’s best experienced with others since all four heroes have opportunities to make decisions.
With its tongue-in-cheek humour and emphasis on player agency, Worlds of Aria brilliantly mimics the atmosphere of a tabletop RPG, complete with player interaction, strategic decisions, and narrative twists.
Character Stats and Decision-Making
The gameplay in Worlds of Aria revolves around decision-making and dice rolls. There are multiple ways to approach each chapter of the game. For example, when encountering guards, you can choose to hide, fight, or attempt an alternative solution. These choices appear on the screen, and each player moves their character counter to their preferred option.
At times, the entire party will agree on one course of action, but sometimes the group must split up and pursue different paths. A dice roll determines success or failure in certain situations. Each character’s perks can be activated to improve the likelihood of a favourable outcome. A successful dice roll can lead to rewards, while a failure could result in negative consequences or, in extreme cases, even death.
What’s particularly interesting is that not all players are forced to make the same decision. The game allows for divergent choices, sometimes leading to moral conflicts or players turning against the team. These outcomes may be messy but are endlessly fascinating, especially when playing with human friends. This element makes each session feel dynamic and tailored to player interaction.
At the beginning of the game, you choose from 12 distinct heroes, including warriors, thieves, wizards, and bards, the classic fantasy archetypes. Each character has a unique character sheet with various perks in skills like combat, persuasion, and crafting. The higher your skill percentage, the better your chances of success with dice rolls.
Throughout the game, you can equip items that further boost your abilities. Players can equip two items at a time, and it’s always worth exploring the environment by clicking around barrels, crates, and other objects that might hide useful loot or healing items. When a chapter ends, you can achieve stars by completing specific challenges, some known and some hidden. These stars can then be used to upgrade your character’s abilities, giving a sense of progression and attachment to your character.
The Tabletop Feel in a Digital World
Graphically, Worlds of Aria does an excellent job replicating the tabletop RPG aesthetic. The characters and NPCs appear as model figurines, just like in a real tabletop game. The soundtrack is a charming mix of epic and whimsical fantasy themes, setting the right tone for each adventure. The game even includes authentic sound effects, like the satisfying clatter of dice rolling across the screen.
One of the more social features is the ability to activate emotes during gameplay. This is particularly useful in online play, allowing players to express themselves when they’re not in the same room. However, if you’re playing locally with friends, you can easily gauge how everyone feels; hopefully, they’re all having as much fun as you.
The design cleverly mirrors the tabletop experience, down to the smallest details, like fallen heroes being knocked over onto the table.
Flexibility for Long or Short Gaming Sessions
One of the best aspects of Worlds of Aria is its flexibility, making it perfect for long gaming sessions or shorter bursts when time is limited. You can save your progress at any point, and many of the game’s chapters are designed to be relatively short. This allows you to get through a portion of the game with friends and easily pick up where you left off later.
If a player dies during the adventure, they may be gone for good, depending on your choices. However, the game offers a pool of 12 characters, so a player can jump back in by selecting a new hero for the next chapter. This ensures that no one is left out for too long. Additionally, you can resurrect fallen heroes, although this comes at a cost.
Conclusion: A Fantastic Tabletop Experience in Digital Form
Worlds of Aria does a brilliant job of recreating the tabletop RPG experience while maintaining its own personality. It’s an enjoyable game on your own, but it becomes absolutely fantastic when shared with friends. With simple mechanics and accessible gameplay, it’s easy for players of all skill levels to jump in and have fun.
What really sets Worlds of Aria apart is its ability to make even failure fun. Whether you’re succeeding or stumbling through challenges, there are always laughs and memorable moments to be had. The game’s charm, coupled with its tabletop-inspired mechanics, makes it a must-play, especially if you have friends or family to join in.
Even better, the developers have included a “friend pass” for online play, allowing your friends to join without even needing to own the game themselves. This makes Worlds of Aria an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a new multiplayer experience.
Final Verdict: Two Thumbs Up
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