Review: Azuran Tales: TRIALS (Nintendo Switch)

Rating: 7
Author: Jim Smale

by Jim Smale · July 1, 2019

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.