AER: Memories of Old

AER Memories of Old knows its limits and doesn’t try to go beyond them, which causes it to fall short in places, leading to simple gameplay and environments. It makes the most of what it has, especially with its visuals, but AER still turns out to be a rather short, shallow game in the end.

Despite not really having much left to do in AER, I can see myself jumping back into it in the future and flying about for fun. It’s just a shame there isn't more story to play through.

Ironically, AER Memories of Old doesn’t leave much of a lasting impression. It feels like a prototype you might show a publisher to convince them to fund a full game. What’s here is charming, but it feels underbaked compared to the games it patterns itself after. If you’re looking for a laid-back Zelda-like adventure and don’t mind spending $15 for a single play session, AER Memories of Old is a pleasant-enough distraction, just don’t expect to be swept off your feet.

AER Memories of Old is a gorgeous yet short adventure that will captivate you from the moment you pick up the pad and keep firm hold of your attention until the moment you put it down. Issues with the storytelling and the lack of things to do despite the several islands you can land on will upset a band of players that appreciate stumbling off the beaten path, but it’s almost forgivable when you take the generous price tag into account. When all is said and done, AER Memories of Old will offer you a well rounded journey that houses a great deal of intrigue and charm.

At its core, I understand what AER: Memories of Old was trying to do. AER has a deep story to tell and it has a beautiful way that it wants to do it, but it never manages to marry those ideas. Wanton exploration with little-to-no real payoff becomes a chore—a beautiful chore sure, but a chore nonetheless.

Up there with the likes of Journey and ABZU, AER: Memories of Old is simple, elegant, and impactful. It's a heartfelt game that's a joy to play, and although its storytelling does feel like it gets in the way at times, your worries will evaporate when you're soaring effortlessly from one floating island to the next.