Developed by a small indie team, Aidan in Danger is a straightforward, retro-style action platformer based around simplicity.
It only costs a few bucks and all the Achievements can be unlocked within twenty minutes, making it seem like this is an EastAsiaSoft published release, but there isn’t anything necessarily wrong with this title. It is just very straightforward without replay value or a major gimmick. There is no advanced double jumping, or grapple hook, items to find, or ability points to spend.
Playing as some kid, one button jumps and another shoots a ranged attack. Eventually a dash move gets unlocked, but that is it. The goal is to simply make it to the goal on the other side of the stage, avoiding hazards and basic enemies along the way. There are holes, some basic enemies that move back and forth, and of course spikes. All standard platforming stuff.
The purposely pixelated visuals are rather charming, giving this game an 8-bit presentation that is nicely done. Each stage is accompanied by a pleasant musical tune too. Do not mistake the retro presentation with low quality.
I guess my biggest complaint comes from occasionally cheap stage design. With most stages having a low difficulty factor, which can be rather relaxing, there will be one tricky jump where you need pixel precision. Even though there is a rare difficulty spike, it usually isn’t anything that will become overly frustrating. Each stage also has a bunch of coins and gems to collect but they are mostly there to give the player something to do. It isn’t like they unlock additional content or cosmetic changes.
Aidan in Danger is a textbook definition of a straightforward platforming experience. There isn’t anything wrong with it but nothing captivating. Although still playable, and Achievement hunters will want to take note, this is a plain middle-of-the-road expected experience.
SCORE: 5.5/10
Also Play: Mutant Mudds
Don’t Forget About: Ravva and the Phantom Library
Wait For It: the next Mario on Switch 2
By: Zachary Gasiorowski, Editor in Chief myGamer.com
X/Twitter: @ZackGaz
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