Review: Azuran Tales: TRIALS (Nintendo Switch)

Azuran Tales TRIALS

Explore the secrets and mysteries of the world of Azuran. Face the trials put forward by Magrath, where death is never the end, just a moment of respite. For Drukandra will not let you find peace until the Amulet of Valur is remade and the balance is restored.

Pros:

  • Decent graphics.
  • 2.4gb download size.
  • 2.5D action RPG gameplay.
  • Brief tutorial.
  • 15  trials (levels).
  • Game-make your way through the level taking on enemies, finding secrets/loot/shortcuts and then fighting a boss.
  • Stamina system for rolls, blocking and attacks.
  • Combat-you can block, roll through them, attack and special attack.
  • Unlock lore as you play.
  • Infinite lives.
  • Gems and coins-used to upgrade and buy abilities along with permanent unlocks.
  • Constant checkpoints.
  • Abilities mapped to the d-pad.
  • Instant restarts.
  • Difficult.
  • Hud-clear icons and info showing the time taken, death count.
  • Scrolls-found in the game and are limited use items to do things like health regen or fast movement etc.
  • Death-restart at a checkpoint and lose 50% of any loot you are carrying.
  • Levels are well designed and have secrets and shortcuts.
  • Satisfying combat along with chunky damage numbers. Each encounter feels different.
  • Can replay trials.
  • Easy to get into.
  • Small bite-sized levels.
  • New gear rewards at level end.

Azuran Tales TRIALS

Cons:

  • Not the best loading times.
  • Difficult.
  • Combat does have a learning curve, especially with the weapon swing arc and speed.
  • Underwhelming loot.
  • Very controlled experience.
  • The foreground scenery like pillars can obstruct your view.
  • Really easy to die.

Azuran Tales TRIALS

  • 7/10
    Graphics - 7/10
  • 7/10
    Sound - 7/10
  • 7/10
    Accessibility - 7/10
  • 7/10
    Length - 7/10
  • 7/10
    Fun Factor - 7/10
7/10

Summary

OK, Azuran Trials is a relatively good game on the whole. I mean it’s a series of small bite-sized levels with a handful of bad guys, maybe a secret or two, few platforming situations and then a boss fight. Combat is really well done allowing you to roll through them to avoid damage, the conviction is your meter you build to unleash a special move or heal. My complaint with combat is just the initial learning curve as the swing arc feels small and speed is slow, causes issues when you try a roll hit combo. Loot in the game is always just gems and coins with stat improving gear being a reward for boss fights. Levels, as I say, are small and tidy enough for commute play or a quick sesh. Overall it’s a game that doesn’t really bring much to the genre but instead just refines what already exists and for that, it’s still a worthy purchase.

Jim Smale

Gaming since the Atari 2600, I enjoy the weirdness in games counting Densha De Go and RC De Go as my favourite titles of all time. I prefer gaming of old where buying games from a shop was a thing, Being social in person was a thing. Join me as I attempt to adapt to this new digital age!