Genres: Adventure game, Simulation video game, Indie game, Casual game
Developer: EpiXR Games
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Publisher: EpiXR Games
Initial release date: October 18, 2024
Series: Aery
“In the midnight hour, I can feel a power, just like a prayer, and you know I’ll take you there,” a young Madonna sung back then. It’s unclear whether this lyric inspired the latest Aery game.
As you may expect from my introduction, producing an original review for the Aery series is becoming increasingly challenging, as new installments surface on the Xbox Store every few months. While I secretly adore the Aery series, I’ve recently expressed concerns over the reusing of assets in some games. Fortunately, Aery – Midnight Hour handles this with a creepy Halloween story.
A scary Aery.
The plot follows the series’ established pattern. Each of the ten chapters opens with a text passage read aloud by the narrator. This time, you play as a raven that overhears Dracula talking about a Halloween party in hell. Curiosity piqued, the small bird sets off on a trip to find this festivity. Along the way, you’ll fly past a variety of locations, including Dracula’s castle, frightening circuses, and, of course, the flaming depths of hell.
Following the more abstract and historical themes of earlier entries, this horror-themed story provides a welcome change of pace. It’s humorous and entertaining.
The gameplay remains same throughout the series. You control a bird in third person, directing it through varied situations with normal flying mechanics that may be inverted for more control. The goal is to fly across the map and collect the memory fragments floating in the air. These act as checkpoints, and their appearance varies by level: sometimes they appear one at a time, sometimes they are distributed over the world.
The standard series elements
The series is noted for its leisurely gameplay and serene environment. However, Aery – Midnight Hour introduces a somewhat higher level of challenge than previous installments. I appreciate this improvement because some levels feel larger and more difficult, making the quest for memory shards more rewarding.
Visually, the game stands out with its unique level design, and I’m not sure whether any of the graphics are rehashed from past games. We have dark castles perched on hillsides, eerie crypts, a ghastly circus, and a horrific landscape hovering in the void. The brilliant colors and effective lighting are visually pleasing, and the bird motions are well-executed.
Unfortunately, the soundtrack is disappointing. It seems very unsuitable for the midnight hour and Halloween theme. I recommend turning it off and making your own eerie playlist to accompany your playthrough.
One of the best Aery games.
I first discovered the Aery games in 2019, and since then, the brand has expanded substantially. It’s impressive that a small indie series can maintain such a constant publication schedule. However, Midnight Hour stands out as one of the best due to its horror atmosphere and captivating story about a bird seeking a party in hell. The gameplay is more demanding, and the level design is more engaging. If you want a terrifying and soothing experience, switch off the soundtrack and take a creepy trip through the universe of Aery: Midnight Hour.
Review Overview
Gameplay: 80%
Controls: 82%
Aesthetics: 88%
Content: 75%
Accessibility: 80%
Value: 78%
Overall: 81%
A PEACEFUL FLIGHT OF FANTASY!
Summary:
Midnight Hour immerses players in a calm world of flight and exploration, with breathtaking visuals and serene landscapes that provide a peaceful retreat. While the gameplay is simple and may seem tedious to some, it’s an excellent pick for anyone looking for a relaxing and contemplative gaming experience. The aesthetics are impressive, with surreal graphics that make each experience feel beautiful, but it could use a little more depth.