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The hack and slash genre has seen a resurgence in recent years, with titles like Diablo IV and Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem reigniting interest. Into this revived landscape steps Aluna: Sentinel of the Shards, an action RPG from independent studio DigiArt Interactive. Does this newcomer live up to the genre’s renewed potential, or does it fall short? Let’s delve into the world of Aluna and find out.

A Unique Setting and Story

Unlike many hack and slash games drawing inspiration from European fantasy, Aluna explores the rich mythology of South America during the time of the Spanish Conquistadors. This offers a refreshing change of pace, immersing players in a world rarely seen in the genre.

You play as Aluna, a demigoddess, daughter of the earth goddess Pachamama and a Conquistador. Your quest is to recover the magical Shards and protect humanity from sinister forces seeking to exploit them.

This unique premise introduces several compelling elements. You’ll face enemies inspired by South American folklore, navigate lush jungles dotted with ancient ruins, and encounter powerful indigenous deities. The clash between indigenous magic and Conquistador weaponry allows for a diverse arsenal, from traditional tribal weapons to early firearms.

The narrative unfolds through linear missions, progressing from one region to the next. Comic book-style cutscenes, reminiscent of inFamous: Second Son, connect the story, offering a lighter, more accessible experience than the gritty realism of games like Tyranny.

However, the straightforward storyline lacks the depth and complexity of titles like Grim Dawn. The “big bad” is revealed early on, and the plot progresses predictably, without any significant twists or turns. The character development and supporting cast also feel somewhat underdeveloped.

The game’s visuals reflect this lighter tone, adopting a bright, cartoonish aesthetic reminiscent of Torchlight 2. Even the darkest environments and most menacing enemies retain a certain vibrancy. The soundtrack complements the setting with orchestral scores, and the voice acting is well-delivered, adding to the overall presentation.

Aluna: Sentinel of the Shards – Exploring the Jungle

Stumbling Blocks: Gameplay and Technical Issues

Despite its less demanding target audience, Aluna suffers from several issues that detract from the overall experience.

Performance is surprisingly inconsistent. Despite being designed for less powerful hardware like the Nintendo Switch Lite, the PC version experiences noticeable frame rate drops, even on high-end systems. This impacts the fluidity of combat and detracts from the overall enjoyment.

Aluna: Sentinel of the Shards – Combat

The core gameplay also falls short of the genre’s standards. Linear level design and limited enemy density restrict the satisfying “loot and slaughter” loop that defines hack and slash games. Combat often feels more like a tactical skirmish than a frenetic power fantasy. Enemies have high health pools, encouraging a more cautious approach than the fast-paced action of games like The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing: Final Cut.

The linear structure also eliminates exploration and traditional “grinding” for levels and loot. Inventory management is simplified, removing the strategic element of deciding which items to keep or discard. Crafting offers some customization, but the results are often unpredictable.

Aluna: Sentinel of the Shards – Crafting

Finally, the user interface presents minor but persistent frustrations. Manual key binding and a confusing minimap add unnecessary complexity to the experience.

Conclusion

Aluna: Sentinel of the Shards offers a unique and refreshing setting, but ultimately stumbles in its execution. Technical issues, lackluster gameplay, and a simplistic story prevent it from reaching its full potential. While the game’s vibrant visuals and engaging voice acting are commendable, they are not enough to overcome its core shortcomings. If you are looking for a deep and engaging hack and slash experience, Aluna might leave you wanting more. However, its accessible nature and unique setting might appeal to younger audiences or those looking for a less demanding entry into the genre.