Greak: Memories of Azur - A Visually Stunning Platformer with Untapped Potential

The Nintendo Switch has become a haven for 2D platformers, but Greak: Memories of Azur stands out from the crowd with its breathtaking visuals. Beneath its beautiful exterior, however, the game's gameplay is plagued by flaws that prevent it from reaching its full potential.

Immerse Yourself in the Captivating World of Azur

A Narrative of Sibling Separation and Survival

Set in the enchanting land of Azur, Greak: Memories of Azur follows the story of three siblings – Greak, Adara, and Raydel – who are torn apart during a conflict between their race and the invading Urlags. Players begin their journey as Greak, tasked with reuniting the siblings while also aiding in the construction of an airship to escape the war-torn region. While the narrative may not be groundbreaking, it provides a serviceable backdrop for the game's events.

Mastering the Art of Character Switching

The core gameplay of Greak: Memories of Azur revolves around controlling the three siblings, each with their own unique abilities and combat styles. The character-switching mechanic is essential for both puzzle-solving and combat, as players must constantly juggle between the three characters simultaneously. This concept holds great potential, but it can also be clunky at times. Keeping the siblings together during platforming sections can be cumbersome, and switching between characters during combat makes coordination a challenge. The combat itself is relatively simplistic, and encounters rarely feel satisfying, though they are not overly frustrating.

Puzzles and Backtracking: A Mixed Bag

The puzzles in Greak: Memories of Azur are mostly straightforward, involving the activation of switches and the manipulation of light. These puzzles provide a welcome respite from the combat, but once again, the character-switching mechanic can make them more frustrating than they should be. Additionally, the game features some frustrating backtracking, which can feel tedious and disrupt the overall pacing. While the core ideas in Greak have potential, they don't always blend together seamlessly.

A Visually Stunning Storybook Experience

Greak: Memories of Azur shines in its visual presentation, with a hand-drawn art style that creates a captivating storybook-like experience. The environments are rich in color and detail, and each location feels carefully crafted. The character designs and smooth animations also contribute to the game's overall aesthetic appeal.

Untapped Potential: A Promising Foundation for the Future

Greak: Memories of Azur is a game that excels in its visual presentation but falls short in several other areas. The gameplay, while enjoyable at times, is hampered by flaws that prevent the game from reaching its full potential. A sequel that addresses these issues and refines the core mechanics could unlock the true brilliance of this enchanting world.