Aeterna Lucis is the upcoming sequel to the indie hit Aeterna Noctis. It releases in November 2024. Developed by Aeternum Game Studios, this action-packed Metroidvania builds on the success of its predecessor.
With fast-paced combat and complex platforming, Aeterna Lucis promises an exciting experience for fans of the genre. The game introduces the Queen of Light, a new protagonist, tasked with saving the world from destruction. After the events of Aeterna Noctis, the balance between light and darkness has been broken. Now, players must face overwhelming challenges and uncover mysteries in this vast, interconnected world.
| Game Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Aeterna Lucis |
| Release Date | November 2024 |
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Indie, RPG |
| Developer | Aeternum Game Studios S.L |
| Publisher | Aeternum Game Studios S.L |
| Platform | PC (Windows) |
| Languages | English, Spanish |
The Story Continues: Light vs. Darkness
The plot picks up where Aeterna Noctis left off. The Queen of Light awakens in a collapsing universe. Her mission is to find the Supreme God Chaos and restore balance to the world. Along the way, players will explore unfamiliar lands, battle terrifying foes, and gather allies.
Aeterna Lucis weaves its lore through subtle environmental storytelling, dialogue, and item descriptions. The story never feels overwhelming or intrusive, keeping players focused on the action. Much like its predecessor, the game emphasizes player freedom and exploration. The narrative unfolds naturally, allowing players to discover hidden details.
Gameplay: Tight Controls and Satisfying Combat
Fans of fast-paced action will appreciate the refined combat mechanics in Aeterna Lucis. The developers took the successful formula of Aeterna Noctis and improved it significantly. The Queen of Light possesses a range of offensive and defensive skills, which players can unlock as they progress.
Combat feels smooth and responsive, allowing players to quickly react to enemy attacks. Boss battles, a staple of the Metroidvania genre, are particularly challenging. Each boss requires its own strategy, adding variety and depth to encounters. The game rewards patience and precision, so expect to die often before mastering these fights.
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Combat | Fast-paced, tight, and polished combat mechanics with numerous abilities to unlock. |
| Exploration | A large, interconnected map filled with secrets, side quests, and hidden areas. |
| Platforming | Challenging platforming sections that require precise timing and quick reflexes. |
| Boss Fights | Massive bosses that test your skills and require different strategies to defeat. |
Metroidvania Roots: Exploration and Discovery
Exploration is central to the experience in Aeterna Lucis. The game’s interconnected map encourages players to discover secret areas, hidden treasures, and optional challenges. As a true Metroidvania, the level design allows for backtracking once new abilities are unlocked. Players can explore previously inaccessible areas after upgrading their skills, adding depth to exploration.
The Queen of Light will gain new abilities throughout the game, unlocking different paths and making exploration more rewarding. Each ability not only improves combat but also enhances movement and exploration. The game rewards curiosity, and there is always something new to find behind hidden doors.
Art and Sound: A Masterclass in Aesthetics
Aeterna Lucis stands out with its unique hand-drawn art style, much like Aeterna Noctis. The game uses a stained glass aesthetic that gives each area a distinct personality. Whether you’re exploring a dark forest or navigating ancient ruins, the art feels cohesive and meticulously designed.
The developers paid great attention to detail, ensuring every environment looks stunning. The character designs also reflect this style, with intricate details that make the world feel alive. The music further enhances the experience, blending epic orchestral scores with atmospheric melodies. The soundtrack shifts dynamically, matching the mood of each scene.
The sound design is another standout feature, with immersive audio that complements the visuals perfectly. The music intensifies during battles and calms down during exploration, creating an engaging audio-visual experience. This combination of art and sound makes Aeterna Lucis a visual and auditory treat.
Aeterna Lucis Offers a True Metroidvania Experience
If you love Metroidvania games, Aeterna Lucis has everything you’re looking for. The combination of challenging platforming, tight combat, and open exploration keeps players engaged from start to finish. The difficulty is no joke, so expect to be tested at every turn.
However, the rewards for overcoming challenges are satisfying. Players will gain powerful abilities, explore new areas, and unlock secrets as they progress. The sense of progression is one of the game’s strongest points, offering both combat and exploration improvements.
Rich Storytelling Without Interruptions
Aeterna Lucis excels at storytelling without slowing down the gameplay. The narrative unfolds naturally through the environment, items, and interactions. You won’t need to sit through lengthy cutscenes or dialogue-heavy sequences. Instead, the story reveals itself through exploration and action, keeping the pace smooth and engaging.
The lore of the Aeterna universe deepens in this installment. Players will learn more about the curse of the two monarchs, the Supreme God Chaos, and the mysterious forces shaping the world. The story elements blend seamlessly into the gameplay, allowing players to focus on combat and exploration without distractions.
Who Will Enjoy Aeterna Lucis?
If you enjoy fast-paced combat, challenging platforming, and exploration, Aeterna Lucis is for you. Fans of Metroidvania games, in particular, will find much to love here. The game doesn’t cater to casual players, but those who enjoy tough challenges will appreciate its difficulty. It’s a game that rewards perseverance and patience.
Newcomers to the series might find the learning curve steep, but the polished controls and smooth progression make it a fair experience. Once you adapt to the mechanics, the game feels incredibly satisfying. If you’re looking for a challenge, Aeterna Lucis delivers in spades.
System Requirements: Can Your PC Handle It?
Before you jump into the action, make sure your PC meets the system requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Minimum Requirements | Recommended Requirements |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows 10 | OS: Windows 10 |
| Processor: Intel i5-7400 | Processor: Intel i7-7700 |
| Memory: 8 GB RAM | Memory: 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics: Nvidia GTX 750 | Graphics: Nvidia GTX 1070 |
| Storage: 10 GB available | Storage: 10 GB available |
Final Verdict
Aeterna Lucis is shaping up to be an intense, rewarding Metroidvania experience. With its challenging platforming, fast-paced combat, and intricate level design, it offers everything fans of the genre could want. The hand-drawn art style and immersive sound design make it a visual and auditory delight.
However, the difficulty level might turn off more casual players. If you enjoy overcoming tough challenges and exploring richly detailed worlds, Aeterna Lucis will satisfy your cravings. With a planned release in November 2024, this is a game you’ll want to keep on your radar.