ArtFormer: Ancient Stories

ArtFormer is a game made with heart and it shows. It’s an old school platformer that takes me back to my childhood when my grandfather who loved history would read me stories about all the wonderful ancient civilizations. He died in 2014, still a lover of history and midget erotica in his heart. Rest in peace Legend. Just as if you were following the development of mankind, after the first chapter created from prehistoric drawings comes another, more sophisticated and portraying a more advanced civilization. It is not an easy game and can be very punishing. Every time you complete a new chapter though, you will feel so satisfied about your progress. The controls are comfortable, and very intuitive if you’re familiar with platformers. You can feel the love, dedication, and hard work in developing this game. If you like history, platformers and don’t mind some jank, don't doubt in trying this one out.

One of the worst purchases I have ever made. I thought it would be like Apotheon, but it has nothing to do like it. The real challenge here is to calculate the jump distance and endure its clunky controls. I kept trying to play just a bit more each time in order to finally finish it, but I couldn't stand it any more. I simply unistalled it. It was like I was playing an old game, but without the fun, since there was nothing fun to keep me going, other than repetitive challenges. I can't even name one single advantage that this game has, maybe except its art, which is also kinda repetitive.

I loved the game concept. However, it has so many bugs and glitches that make playthrough clunky and not fun. Combat is meaningless, and the mechanics are the same you would have on a platform back in the 1990s. All considered, I think this was a missed opportunity to create a game that was fun and historical at the same time.

Absolutely infuriating controls, half the game is locked for no reason. Love the idea, I am looking to do similar to the roman portion for my dissertation, but I cannot even get to the chapter to see how the devs did mosaics.

I really want to enjoy this game, but I can't. The game has a unique art style and theme, but the controls are way too difficult. They're clunky, and with 90% of the game relying on jumping, it’s nearly impossible to play when the jump controls are so frustrating.

I swear, I’ve never in my life encountered such outrageously clunky controls! Except for measuring jump distance, I was forced to reload the checkpoint not once because I couldn’t fight. My character just stood with a spear in his hand and did nothing while I hammered B button on my gamepad. And here’s the real kicker: once the battle starts, you cannot leave it. The solution? Just reload the last checkpoint again and again. It’s not just frustrating, unbearable!! I don't know yet if I'll try this game again.