Auralux: Constellations is casual yet complex and it’s such a great thing to have in a game, especially on mobile platforms. It starts very accessible, easy-to-learn, and kind in its approach to teaching you the mechanics, but even after spending about a dozen hours with it I’ve yet to master it. It has a sweet balance where it is both fair and frustrating, while also easy to understand, and yet it will still manage to test your patience. My hat would be off to the developer if I wore hats because they’ve outdone themselves with a worthy and addictive sequel.
War Drum Studios has crafted an outer space environment for you to conquer across 150+ levels with different modes and varied combinations. As you tackle each constellation you’ll be charging up your planets with energy and using it to fill up meters to take other planets over. With each and every planet you add you’ll earn extra energy which can be used to conquer additional planets more quickly. However, you will absolutely need to put that energy to work across multiple tasks though as other planets will be attempting to take over yours. Your energy can cancel theirs out (depending on how much power output and how many planets they’re attacking with at once) and prevent them from turning your planet neutral before adding it to their arsenal. It’s a more simplistic approach to Real Time Strategy but it can still get complicated and chaotic in the middle of matches. From upgrading planets you already have in your possession, conquering additional planets, and defending planets under attack, it gets chaotic and intense before you even factor in the actions of the enemies who oppose you.
Auralux: Constellations features vibrant and crisp graphics and a relaxing soundtrack that pulls you right into space. The tone of this game is well established and it just goes to show not only how important atmosphere is, but also how essential even the most minute of sound effects can be. The atmosphere is very well done and I really enjoyed listening to the music with headphones on and the volume turned up high. If the player wishes for a similar musical structure but in a varied and different format then there are a few different options to choose from and this can be done at any time during a match. The sound effects here even help indicate what is going on, so once you get to bigger matches you can utilize audio cues to know if something is happening outside your vision. You can played zoomed out all the way but I found myself zooming in and out and moving the camera all over just to marvel at how pretty the graphical design is here.
There are a lot of great levels here and you’ll even get to experience different aspects of level design as you progress further. This really keeps the good times going but if that isn’t enough for you then there’s multiplayer to enjoy as well. My wife and I checked out the multiplayer and really enjoyed it. The single player mode already has enough going on and with enough factors to have it feel varied, but nothing can ever match the thought process of another human being – and you’re sure to playfully punch each other and laugh the whole time too! This was a good inclusion and I know we will be revisiting this title again and again.
Auralux: Constellations controls well on mobile as well as on PC so there shouldn’t be any issues in this area. I did actually prefer it on mobile just because I felt like I had even more control with the interface, but it was still great on PC. If you’re torn on which copy to get then I would just ask yourself when you’ll be playing because both versions are great but I personally love always having access to it. It will inevitably go on sale on Steam at some point too so you can take comfort in that and always go mobile for now. The mobile version is technically free but it is locked down and restricted without spending money. Don’t worry though as there are no ads in the game. You just won’t be able to experience the entire game without making a purchase. I would personally recommend just dropping ten dollars on it because it unlocks everything and is also the most cost-effective way to experience it all too.
Auralux: Constellations has great gameplay at a great price and also boasts a lot of other great features, including new additions to the previously established Auralux formula, 150+ levels, and also includes support for Android and Apple TV! This is a great package that is sure to absorb at least twenty or so hours of your life and even then, you’re going to want to revisit levels, play multiplayer, and try to improve your times!
I really enjoyed Auralux: Constellations and think that fans of the Real Time Strategy genre or anyone looking for a simple-to-learn but tough-to-master game should consider adding it to their Steam library and/or their Android or iOS libaries! There are times where it got a bit difficult but I found that a break would open my mind back up and I’d be ready to get back into the fray. The full game is really a steal and I can assure you that space and time are the limit. Now, if you’ll you excuse me, I’m off to go buy a hat to take off and tip to the developer.
Auralux: Constellations
Pros
- Simple yet complex RTS gameplay
- Vibrant and beautifully detailed visuals
- Atmospheric soundtrack
- 150+ levels, multiplayer and new gameplay features
Cons
- It can get a bit difficult at times
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