Recent reviews by Arya Raiin

Very cute game with deep mechanics! If you enjoy games with multiple endings and visual novels this will be perfect for you. There's so many animations and the art is so high quality! It's worth mentioning that the max resolution is 1080p.

The English localization needs some work and they are currently improving it.

A very difficulty call on whether to recommend this game in its current state. I believe moving this game out of "Early Access" was a mistake.

In most regards, this a reasonable, and fairly ambitious, life-sim. It's a sorely neglected game genera, and having a new life-sim offering is incredibly exciting. Most tasks are completed via mini-games and map exploration, which I thoroughly enjoy. However, some of these mini-games are poorly balanced in difficulty.

The most glaring issue is the lack of interesting relationships and dialogue. Special NPCs, like the "masters" who train you in skills, are unique and fun. But, your general NPC (and marriage candidates) are bland. This is supposed to be developed further in the future. But, for right now, I think this is the greatest issue holding the game back.

Aquarium Design is an excellent simulation, despite being in the early stages of development. Although it's a "sim" game, you won't get bogged down by all the technical details of fishkeeping. So, please keep in mind that this game simplifies the process! But, if you enjoy it enough, perhaps joining the hobby would be right for you!

Of course, joining the hobby costs significantly more than the game's reasonable $10 price-tag!

A variety of quests are available, as well as a sandbox and simulation mode. Sandbox exists without consequences, and your fish and plants will not die due to lack of care. However, simulation mode carries the risk of catastrophe if improperly cared for!

The game certainly needs more content, as well as additional quality of life improvements. However, given the Early Access nature of the game and responsiveness of the developers I'm certain we'll see improvements in the following months!

Aquarium Designer vs. Behind Glass: Aquarium Simulator

Both were released this year, and at first glance are fairly similar. However, I'll highlight what makes Aquarium Simulator standout, for anyone on the fence between the two games.

Aquarium Designer is a simulator, providing tutorial level guidance via a campaign. Basic needs, like filtration, pH, and temperature are required for livestock. However, you don't need to worry about additional water parameters! So, the game remains relaxing while still having a certain level of realism. The decor options are creative, although limited at the time of this review. If you're looking for a game that's a simulator with goals, choose Aquarium Designer.

Although in Early Access, Behind Glass is an excellent tool! If you'd like to practice your aquascaping skills, it's a great and inexpensive place to start.

The customization options are extensive, allowing you to create a wide variety of freshwater and marine tanks. The variety in livestock and hardscape are reasonable, given the Early Access nature of the game. Further development is planned, and I'm certainly looking forward to more content! But, the $10 price-tag is an excellent value for what's currently in the game!

Behind Glass: Aquarium Simulator vs. Aquarium Designer

Both were released this year, and at first glance are fairly similar. However, I'll highlight what makes Behind Glass standout, for anyone on the fence between the two games.

Behind Glass is an excellent tool, although it lacks in-depth simulation such as stocking conflicts or filtration. Instead, it focuses heavily on the design and aesthetic aspect of aquascaping. It'll fit your needs, whether you're using it to plan your next tank or to relax while creating aquatic art.

Polyville Canyon is the best city builder $2 can buy, as of 2021.

The buildings are fun and creative. The detailing possibilities are incredible. There aren't any crisis events, like weather or fires, to handle. So, if you'd like to step away and let things run it's safe to do so.

Although I had some initial complaints and requests regarding the game, the developer has since added them to the game!

Beautiful game, and I hope it gets the attention it deserves.

Barely scratched the surface on this game and there's still so much to do! As a warning to people considering picking up this game, it's a little grindy. You'll be spending a lot of time gathering resources. But, I think some of this may be balancing issues.

Side note, Iron Gate could you please make it so bronze crafting produces two ingots instead of one?

The writing is good! But, that's all this game really has.

The art is okay. There's no voice acting and the sound-effects aren't anything special.

It's like a small teaser for the Werewolf universe rather than a fully fleshed out and engaging story of its own.

Only grab it on sale. Or, this month it's a part of Humble Bundle.

Excellent game for when you'd like to enrage your friends and screech obscenities at each other. 9/10, could use some game mode options.

Edit: Alright! They're really been working hard to turn this game into something great. It's not quite there yet, but I think I can give it a thumbs up now!

After having played for a few hours I can firmly say this should be an "early access" title.
What's here is good, for the most part. There are some small issues with multiplayer, like money names not syncing between clients. I also feel the tech tree unlocks should be shared.

If they continue adding content to the game it'll be great! But, as it is I can't really recommend it. There's not enough here for a $25 game. I want more gameplay variety and more biome diversity. I'll update my review after some of these issues have been addressed.

A beautiful game with some deep and unfortunate game-play flaws.

The cooking, fishing, and traversing the map are novel experiences at the beginning. However, at time wears on it's easy to begin feeling frustrated with all of the mundane busy work.

That said, Spiritfarer is gorgeous with a vivid and interesting story. Perhaps a bit abstract, but still fulfilling. You may not connect with all the characters. But, there's someone here for everyone. Perhaps I wouldn't recommend purchasing the game at full price. But I still felt it was a worthwhile experience from beginning to end.

Rest in peace, sweet Alice. <3