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| Ariana and the Elder Codex pairs anime-style art with 2D action RPG combat that feels right at home on a handheld. |
By NinjaGuyX
I didn't quite know what to expect when jumping into Ariana and the Elder Codex. I watched a few seconds of the trailer and thought, "Yeah, I want to play this!" And I'm glad I did.
Repairing the Seven Hero Codices
In this world, magic is controlled by books called the Seven Hero Codices. The books have been damaged, and repairing them is a long process. Fortunately, Ariana has a special power that lets her dive inside a book to repair it quickly. Unfortunately, it costs a lot of energy, so she has to rest for a while between books.
Combat and Spell Management
Combat really shines here. You assign spells to six buttons, split between neutral attacks like your sword and elemental spells such as wind, fire, and earth, which target enemy weaknesses. No spell costs MP, but all have cooldowns, so timing is key.
You also have a dash button for dodging. There’s no dedicated block, but certain equippable spells can act defensively. The learning curve is gentle, introducing new spells gradually, so if you’re familiar with 2D action combat, it’ll feel intuitive.
Hub and Progression
Between book repairs, you return to a library-style hub to interact with characters, read lore, and craft or upgrade spells and equipment. The books can be tackled in any order, though starting with easier ones is a smart approach.
Book Challenges and Completion
Each book has its own story. Challenges include arena-style combat waves or timed speedruns. Completing sections increases your completion percentage, and earning an A grade rewards permanent health boosts, extra story content, and other prizes.
Full completion isn’t required to finish a book, which gives replay value or lets you grind if underpowered for the next book. The difficulty curve is fair; I played on hard and only died a few times. Boss fights at each book’s end feel earned and satisfying.
Visuals and Nostalgia Factor
The visual design is beautiful. Ariana moves fluidly, and the backgrounds are detailed enough to pause and appreciate. Page-flip animations during transitions add charm.
The art and combat gave me strong Nintendo 3DS vibes, making it a perfect fit for my AYN Thor and adding a touch of nostalgia.
Ariana and the Elder Codex Is a Charming 2D Action RPG That Delivers
I’m clearly a fan. If you’re after old-school 3DS-style gameplay or just want a game that grabs you from the trailer, Ariana and the Elder Codex delivers. It hits what you expect and then some.
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