The Sacred Rings
Preview
Continue the adventure
by Howie Howard
previewed on PC
It's been a long time since the last good adventure game
The Sacred Rings, also known as Aura 2: The Sacred Rings is the highly anticipated puzzle solving adventure game from publisher The Adventure Company. This title is a sequel to the successful first game called Aura: Fate Of Ages. The developer is Streko-Graphics Inc. and it is slated for a first quarter release in 2007.
This new fantasy adventure is cut from the same cloth as the all time favorite fantasy adventure game Myst. It's very similar in appearance to Myst in that it consists of numerous cut scenes and the game itself contains a mouse driven point-and-click interface. However, this game will be a heavily puzzle-laden adventure that is sure to test your puzzle solving abilities. The puzzles range from rather simple ones all the way up to very difficult puzzles as you progress further in the game. Don't worry about that though because there will always be a hint waiting for you at the next turn in the road.
Direct continuation of the original
Aura 2: The Sacred Rings begins exactly where the Fate Of Ages left off. In the first game you played the role of Umang, a young acolyte of the "good" clan. Your previous adventure demanded that you find a lost set of rings that would grant the holder immortality and unimaginable magical powers. In this new adventure you again play as Umang but this time you are tasked with protecting the rings. In addition to providing protection for your valuable treasure you are required to deliver them safe and sound to a band of mystics known as the "Keepers".
Pretty cut scenes and lots of locations
As you progress through this fantasy world filled with evil villains bent on stealing the powerful rings entrusted to your safekeeping you will encounter over 40 minutes of beautifully rendered cut scenes. The cut scene graphics are 2D in nature and they are a joy to behold. The game world contains immersive special effects and the ability to interact with a game environment that is truly amazing. There are over 400 unique locations in 3 different worlds and a hoard of interesting non-player characters to interact with. Add in the inspiring 8 themed musical score and you have the makings of a very rich adventure just waiting to explode on to your screen for your gaming pleasure.
World has turned darker
During your last adventure in the land of Aura: Fate Of Ages the landscape was bright and colorful. The only change in graphic quality in this new incarnation of Aura is that the landscape will now have a darker and more sinister look to it. During your travels in this land you will encounter dark castles and ancient-looking buildings filled with skulls and an assortment of other artifacts. If you are a veteran of Aura: Fate Of Ages then you will have no problem starting out in this new game. Also new players should have an easy time of learning the plot as they progress through the story line so that won't be a problem.
Overall impressions
All in all I must say that Streko-Graphics are doing an excellent job in their presentation of this sequel. It doesn't stray too far from the original and it promises to be actually an excellent continuation of the first title. It would be very nice to see this game go on in future chapters or sequels as this is a very well thought out and developed concept. Solving puzzles is very exciting and it requires the player to use his or her brain and not just their reflexes. Add in the sense of urgency you will feel when your evil foe relentlessly chases you across the countryside. When to your amazement you solve a certain puzzle you will get the feeling that you have somehow saved the day in your own small way.
This fantasy adventure should provide you with a rich adventuring experience that will make you want to come back for more. In addition to the puzzle solving excitement you can expect some surprises in the nature of secret locations and other special objects. If you played the first game then you will want to play this one if just to gain some closure for the first title and to fill in some of the hero's back-story. All in all this promises to be a good fantasy adventure that won't disappoint!
