Aragami

The narrative of Aragami receives mixed but generally favorable remarks, with several critics highlighting its engaging thematic contrasts and structural elements. Gameblog.fr praises the story’s "depth and visual storytelling via hand-drawn flashbacks," while Push Square notes its "rich lore, character backstories, and humorous self-awareness." The game’s focus on light vs. darkness as a central motif is frequently lauded, with Eurogamer Italy appreciating its "well-paced" narrative and "good cutscenes," and GameGrin acknowledging the "interesting light vs dark contrast." Additionally, Digital Chumps highlights the intrigue of freeing the Shadow Empress and collecting talismans, even if some dialogue is missed. These elements suggest that while not deeply complex, the story effectively supports the game’s stealth mechanics and atmospheric design. However, many critics criticize Aragami for its lack of narrative depth and originality. Digitally Downloaded calls the plot "unoriginal" and "not rooted in traditional Japanese narratives," while GameGrin finds the story "not incredibly immersive" and "lacks urgency." TheSixthAxis notes that gameplay often overshadows story beats, and Worth Playing dismisses it as "forgettable with paper-thin characters." Others, like Eurogamer Poland, describe the narrative as "simple and uninteresting," focusing on clan wars and revenge without significant emotional investment. Even GameCritics admits the plot is "straightforward but lacks depth," emphasizing stealth over character development. These critiques underscore a recurring concern that the story serves more as a framework for gameplay than a compelling standalone experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Aragami’s narrative is functional but unremarkable, balancing thematic appeal with structural limitations. While some praise its atmospheric contrasts and tactical stealth elements—such as GameGrin’s acknowledgment of "the protagonist's ambiguous role in the conflict" or Eurogamer Italy’s appreciation for its "internal conflict"—others feel it fails to fully capitalize on its potential. The game’s reliance on clichéd tropes, like vengeful spirits and clan rivalries, is both a strength (offering familiarity) and a weakness (lacking innovation). Despite this, many reviewers agree that the story effectively complements the gameplay, even if it doesn’t elevate the experience beyond its mechanics. As GameSpew notes, the narrative "ties levels together and keeps players invested," suggesting that while not groundbreaking, it succeeds in delivering a coherent and engaging, if unoriginal, adventure.

The gameplay of Aragami is widely praised for its innovative stealth mechanics and creative design, with many reviewers highlighting its unique approach to shadow-based traversal and ability customization. Critics like Areajugones and CGMagazine emphasize the game’s emphasis on strategic infiltration, noting features such as shadow teleportation, invisibility, and the choice between "ghost" or "demon" playstyles that encourage experimentation. The game’s level design is lauded for its variety and non-linear challenges, with GameGrin and God is a Geek praising the flexibility in tackling objectives through stealth, combat, or environmental manipulation. Additionally, co-op elements and replayability are frequently cited as strengths, with COGconnected and Twinfinite noting how cooperative play and skill trees enhance long-term engagement. The core mechanic of shadow manipulation is particularly celebrated for its originality, with Games.cz and SpazioGames highlighting the satisfying interplay between light, darkness, and player agency. However, several critics point to significant drawbacks that detract from the experience. Issues with controls and mechanics are recurring complaints, with CGMagazine and GameCritics criticizing clunky movement, awkward input systems, and inconsistent enemy AI that can feel frustratingly unpredictable. Gaming Age and Worth Playing take issue with the game’s reliance on stealth alone, arguing that the lack of combat options limits player freedom, while PlaySense and Games.cz note repetitive enemy encounters and weak AI that often fails to challenge players effectively. Additionally, High-Def Digest and TheDigitalFix highlight technical flaws such as scripting errors, frustrating platforming sections, and an awkwardly integrated ability tree. Boss battles are also a point of contention, with GameGrin and Worth Playing criticizing their difficulty and lack of balance, often leading to punishing trial-and-error gameplay. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers is that Aragami succeeds as a stealth-focused experience with a strong foundation in its core mechanics. While Areajugones and God is a Geek celebrate its elegance and creativity, others like Digital Chumps and IGN Italia acknowledge that repetition and pacing issues occasionally hinder immersion. The game’s blend of tactical depth, co-op features, and unique shadow-based systems earns it praise for innovation, even as technical and design flaws prevent it from reaching its full potential. Critics agree that Aragami is a compelling entry in the stealth genre, but its execution—while ambitious—requires refinement to fully satisfy players seeking a polished experience.

The graphics and visual design of Aragami are widely praised for their distinctive artistic direction and atmospheric cohesion. Critics highlight its cel-shaded aesthetic as a standout feature, with comparisons to games like Tenchu, Okami, and Borderlands. Areajugones notes the "cell-shaded art style reminiscent of Telltale Games," while Destructoid emphasizes the "stunning presentation" and "memorable rune system." The game’s Japanese-inspired settings—featuring lanterns, Torii gates, sakura trees, and feudal architecture—are frequently lauded for their cultural authenticity and visual charm. CGMagazine and GameGrin commend the "anime-inspired cutscenes" and "vibrant environments," while God is a Geek praises the "hand-painted aesthetic" and how the cloak’s design enhances gameplay clarity. The use of light and shadow mechanics, as noted by Areajugones and GameStar, further reinforces the game’s stealth-focused themes, creating a visually immersive experience that feels both unique and cohesive. However, several critics point to technical limitations and design shortcomings that detract from the visual experience. Performance issues such as frame rate drops, screen tearing, and poor optimization on PS4 and PC are recurring complaints. Everyeye.it and Vandal mention "frame rate drops" and "technical issues like screen tearing," while GameSpew and High-Def Digest note how these flaws disrupt immersion despite the art style’s appeal. Additionally, some critics criticize repetitive enemy designs (3DJuegos, PC PowerPlay) and clunky animations (COGconnected, IGN Italia), with Digitally Downloaded pointing out "artificial level design" that breaks immersion. The lack of detailed textures and environments—highlighted by IGN Italia and The Digital Fix—further underscores the game’s technical compromises, which some argue undermine its artistic ambitions. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Aragami’s visual design is a strong selling point, with its cel-shaded art style and Japanese aesthetic earning widespread praise for their creativity and atmospheric depth. While technical issues and minor design flaws are acknowledged, many reviewers view these as secondary to the game’s unique artistic identity. Areajugones and CGMagazine emphasize the "cohesive" and "distinctive" visuals, while GameStar and Shacknews highlight how the art style enhances gameplay mechanics. Despite its limitations, Aragami is seen as a visually striking title that successfully blends old-school aesthetics with modern stealth elements, even if its technical execution occasionally falls short of expectations.

The sound design and music of Aragami received generally positive feedback for their atmospheric cohesion and thematic relevance. Critics like Digital Chumps highlighted how the soundtrack adapts to gameplay scenarios, using calm tones during stealth and suspenseful builds when detected, enhancing immersion. PlayStation Universe praised the dynamic blend of traditional Japanese instruments (strings, pipes) with rock elements in boss fights, while Push Square commended orchestral and traditional instrumentation that enriches the mood, despite criticizing the electric guitar’s mismatched tone. The Digital Fix noted effective audio cues and jingles that complement the game’s atmosphere, and Shacknews described a haunting soundtrack aligning with the game’s dark, mysterious tone. Additionally, Gameblog.fr lauded the Japanese-inspired melodies fused with modern elements, creating a cohesive atmosphere, while Ragequit.gr appreciated the atmospheric blend of Eastern melodies and rock. These reviews underscore the music’s role in reinforcing the game’s stealth-focused narrative and aesthetic. However, several critics pointed to limitations in originality and execution. Areajugones found the sound effects unremarkable, comparing them to Ori and the Blind Forest, while Eurogamer Italy noted the soundtrack’s slight repetitiveness. Gameblog.fr criticized the composer’s lack of notable prior work, which diminished the music’s impact, and Worth Playing called it “well-crafted but unexceptional,” lacking memorability. Push Square also highlighted the electric rock guitar in boss fights as a jarring contrast to traditional elements, while PlayStation LifeStyle criticized low voice volume in cutscenes, forcing reliance on subtitles that clashed with the game’s aesthetic. Vandal noted the music’s “good level” but argued it was underutilized, and Areajugones and 3DJuegos (though incomplete) suggested sound design fell short of exceptionalism. These critiques reflect a sense of missed potential in both innovation and technical polish. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward appreciation for Aragami’s audio design as a functional and immersive component of its stealth gameplay, even if it lacks standout originality. While Digital Chumps, PlayStation Universe, and The Digital Fix emphasized its effectiveness in enhancing atmosphere and tension, others like Eurogamer Italy and Worth Playing acknowledged its limitations. The music’s Japanese-inspired themes and adaptive nature were frequently praised, but recurring issues like repetition, technical shortcomings (e.g., voice volume), and a lack of bold innovation tempered its impact. Despite these critiques, the majority agreed that the sound design and music contributed meaningfully to the game’s identity, even if they didn’t elevate it beyond competent execution.

The voice acting in Aragami receives mixed reactions, with several critics highlighting its unique contributions to the game’s atmosphere. PLAY! Zine praises the blend of languages and original linguistic elements, noting that they enhance the game’s enigmatic tone and create a mystical ambiance. Similarly, Ragequit.gr appreciates the "alambournezika" (over-the-top) style of voice acting, which aligns with traditional Japanese RPG aesthetics without feeling intrusive. TheSixthAxis mentions characters using short, garbled phrases with hints of Japanese phonetics, suggesting that this approach contributes to the game’s mysterious and otherworldly feel. These perspectives emphasize how the voice acting, while unconventional, serves a creative purpose in shaping the game’s identity. However, several critics point out significant drawbacks related to accessibility and quality. Areajugones criticizes the absence of voice acting altogether, noting that subtitles disrupt the visual and auditory cohesion of the experience. GameCritics highlights issues with Japanese voiceovers, where Vocaloid synthesis makes dialogue difficult to understand, while PlayStation LifeStyle points to inconsistent voice volume that occasionally renders dialogue inaudible. PC PowerPlay’s comparison of the voice acting to a "Charlie Brown cartoon" underscores concerns about poor quality and lack of clarity. TheSixthAxis also notes the garbled nature of speech, further reinforcing the perception that the voice acting struggles with technical execution. These critiques suggest that while the style may be intentional, it often fails to meet expectations for coherence or immersion. The overall consensus among critics is divided but leans toward acknowledging the voice acting’s creative intent while criticizing its implementation. While some praise its role in fostering an enigmatic atmosphere (as noted by PLAY! Zine and Ragequit.gr), others highlight significant flaws such as lack of accessibility, unclear dialogue, and technical shortcomings (Areajugones, GameCritics, PC PowerPlay). The mixed reception reflects a tension between the game’s stylistic choices and their practical effectiveness. Ultimately, the voice acting in Aragami is seen as a bold but inconsistent element that contributes to its unique identity but falls short of delivering a polished or immersive auditory experience.

The technical performance of Aragami on its respective platforms shows mixed results, with some positive aspects highlighted by reviewers. On PS4, several critics noted the game’s strong design and core mechanics despite flaws, such as Destructoid praising that "the game's core mechanics function well" and Gameblog.fr acknowledging "strong design despite technical flaws." Eurogamer Italy praised the absence of an intrusive HUD, while Digital Chumps appreciated smooth movement and camera controls. For PC, the experience was more stable: SpazioGames highlighted a consistent frame rate above 50 FPS, and 3DJuegos noted the game being "technically solid within its limitations" with no crashes or bugs. These positives suggest that Aragami’s technical foundation is robust on PC, though not without minor issues. However, PS4 faced significant technical challenges. Critics like Everyeye.it described severe problems, including frame rate drops, freezes during teleportation and saving, and intrusive pop-up effects that disrupted stealth gameplay. Gameblog.fr and High-Def Digest criticized inconsistent frame rates, lighting issues, and AI bugs, while Push Square reported "low frame rates (20–25 FPS)" and stuttering during cutscenes. On PC, optimization was a recurring issue: Eurogamer Poland and PC PowerPlay highlighted poor performance even on high-end hardware due to the Unity engine, while Games.cz noted enemies getting stuck on walls. Shacknews also criticized the checkpoint system for being "inconsistent," leading to frustration during critical moments. These negatives underscore persistent technical hurdles, particularly on PS4. Overall, critics largely agree that Aragami’s technical performance is uneven across platforms. While PC received more favorable reviews for smoother gameplay and fewer bugs (e.g., SpazioGames’ "stable experience" and 3DJuegos’ "no crashes"), PS4 struggled with frame rate drops, AI inconsistencies, and control issues that detracted from the stealth experience. Despite patches addressing some problems—such as Vandal noting improvements after updates—many critics, including GameSpew and Push Square, felt these flaws significantly impacted immersion. The consensus is that Aragami’s technical shortcomings, particularly on PS4, overshadow its strengths, though PC users may find a more polished experience despite occasional optimization challenges.

The reviewers generally highlight several positive aspects of Aragami’s replay value, emphasizing its flexibility in gameplay approaches and systems that encourage multiple playthroughs. Critics like COGconnected and GameSpew praise the game’s dual skill trees (Ghost vs. Demon Powers) and scoring systems, which reward diverse strategies such as stealth, no-kill runs, or challenge-based medals. The co-op mode is frequently cited as a key driver of replayability, with Gameblog.fr and Push Square noting how collaborative tactics and hidden content create fresh experiences. Additionally, Wccftech and The Digital Fix highlight the game’s emphasis on mastery through collectibles, skill progression via hidden scrolls, and varied mission objectives that allow players to experiment with different playstyles. These elements collectively suggest a strong foundation for replayability, particularly for fans of stealth mechanics and tactical exploration. However, several critics point out significant limitations that temper the game’s long-term appeal. Destructoid and Everyeye.it criticize the lack of post-game content, multiple endings, or substantial challenges beyond the 7–10 hour campaign, which feels short and repetitive to some. GameStar and PlayStation Universe note technical flaws and mission repetition, while Areajugones and Vandal point to a linear structure that restricts exploration and innovation. The uniformity of enemy types and mechanics, as mentioned by Digital Chumps and PLAY! Zine, further reduces the incentive for repeated playthroughs. Additionally, Worth Playing and IGN Italia acknowledge that while stealth and multiple approaches offer variety, the game’s pacing and lack of depth in skill progression may alienate players seeking more substantial challenges or narrative engagement. Overall, the critics present a balanced view: Aragami offers notable replayability through its co-op mode, scoring systems, and flexible gameplay, but these strengths are offset by its short campaign, repetitive design, and limited post-game content. GameCritics and Wccftech suggest that the game appeals most to niche audiences—particularly stealth enthusiasts—who value tactical experimentation over expansive worlds. While Gameblog.fr and Twinfinite argue that the medal system and varied playstyles create enough incentive for multiple runs, others like Destructoid and Eurogamer Poland feel the lack of groundbreaking mechanics or depth limits its longevity. The consensus is that Aragami has replay value for specific players but falls short of being a must-replay title due to its structural and content constraints.