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Aralon: Forge and Flame - Needs more time in the smithy

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Aralon: Forge and Flame - Needs more time in the smithy
What's this? A new Aralon game?

That's exactly what it is. Aralon: Forge and Flame is the long-awaited sequel to 2010's Aralon: Sword and Shadow and, quite surprisingly, not a lot has changed.

And that's a good thing, right?

Well, not really. Five years of technical enhancements in mobile have passed since then and Forge and Flame looks, and plays, remarkably similar to the original. The animations are stilted and clunky, the interface is an unintuitive mess, and the visuals are inconsistent at best.

Is the plot good at least?

Nope. Sword and Shadow had a disappointingly cliched plot and the same can be said here. It's typical boy-is-out-to-avenge-his-father-and-ends-up-saving-the-world nonsense, but it's only really there to get you exploring.

Is there lots to explore?

It's actually quite linear. You can't really set off in any direction like in the franchise the game is influenced by, The Elder Scrolls. Instead it's more of a set path through a variety of different environments. There are a few secrets hidden off the beaten track though, like caves. Lots of caves.

What about combat?

Combat is the game's one saving grace. It's simple stuff and, like its predecessor, mimics MMO-style fighting. You attack by hammering the virtual attack button and use skills by tapping on them from a skill bar. There's also a dodge button, but it's completely unnecessary.

Ah well, at least I can get quite deep into character building

Again, you're going to be disappointed. The statistics and skillpoint selection are pretty shallow here. In our experience you get enough health and energy (which you use to cast spells and use combat skills) from general levelling so you'll mostly plough your stat points into increasing your damage.

Surely there's a deep skill tree?

Oh, there's a skill tree but it's so straightforward that you'll add skills without thinking about it. There doesn't really seem to be multiple different ways to build a character outside of the weapon they use and the class they choose.

So you really don't recommend it then?

Not really, no. If you're hankering for an RPG fix, you'll get a kick out of it. There beats the true heart of an RPG here, it's just held back by a dull plot, technical issues, and a general clunkiness. It makes you wonder what it could have been had it spent more time in the forge.

Aralon: Forge and Flame - Needs more time in the smithy

Aralon: Forge and Flame suffers from the same issues as its predecessor, and it's a bit less forgivable five years later
Score
Chris James
Chris James
A footy game fanatic and experienced editor of numerous computing and game titles, lively Chris is up for anything - including running Steel Media! (Madman!)