Sands of Aura - Open World Endless Medieval Desert RPG

Sands of Aura gameplay with Splat! Let's play Sands of Aura and check out a game where you'll dive into a gorgeous world filled with monsters, brigands, and endless sand.
Key provided by developers
Download Sands of Aura : store.steampow...
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[@DanyF02]

6:27 *Looks into a fetid pool with floating dead bodies, some of which are starting to stand up.* "This would be a good spot for fishing."

[@fmedeirosbr1]

xDDDDDDD

[@SimHB]

What irks me a bit is that the theme seems to only be an afterthought, like beiged-out water : the verdant dungeon you found yourself in was untouched by sand and ruin, and when there was enough wind to sail that fast, no sand in the air to speak of.

[@Abigelow15]

I've always loved your reviews, Splat. I think it takes more tact to walk into a product with an unbiased approach (offering suggestions for developers and even criticizing development changes that are wonky - much like the dodge adjustment in this game). Please keep up the great work! I jumped over to steam to see about adding it to my steam deck, but $25 for an early release (with mixed reviews) doesn't seem quite right to me. One user even mentioned your game save gets deleted every time a patch releases? Ouch. I think I'll wait until they get things fixed (or offer a heavy discount) before venturing forth.

[@fozthepoet8274]

I've played through the game after each update and my play time is around 100hrs (multiple playthroughs as previous updates involved save resets but it's prob a 30-40hr game if you want to do most things). Imo the game is great and a hidden gem on steam. There's loads of hidden stuff, from movable walls to invisible pathways and shortcuts. Plenty of the bosses and puzzles require some out of the box thinking and it's very rewarding once you realise what you need to do. If you like dark souls, deaths door or tunic you'll enjoy it. One of the things I really like in the game is that when you meet some npcs in the world and finish their quest they'll come back to your hometown. Some quests have different outcomes depending on your choices (available choices! as some dialogue/options only appears after you've done/acquired a certain thing). Also upgrading weapons and armour are essential to progress and if you want an easier ride of things early on, noxious vault is a place I'd go searching for...

[@benny5299]

thanks, i will try the game, if a person plays 100h it means the game is at least not bad :D

[@QisforQadim]

Love those parts where the mobs run in and swing at the air on a floor entirely above you with no hope of hitting. Great AI.

[@fabiobravo329]

Anakin Skywalker probably left a dislike

[@5minutemovies977]

Well, who likes sand anyway ?

[@GaborJavorszky]

It's reverse waterworld! Kevin Costner would be proud!

[@bennyboi5953]

This game is dope. Been playing on and off for a long while. Highly recommend

[@Sylentmana]

What you have is more of a sword staff than a glaive which is cool because you don't see those in games that often.

[@brianmoyachiuz905]

Nunchucks you say, well Imma make some mace-chucks for maximum bonk

[@annagreta4933]

Looks sort of elegant, very aesthetic. Special.

[@Tonedriver]

I like the overall FoV in this game, with no use of camera y-axis. Top-down Souls-like seems as a fair middle-ground for the general combat demands, not too easy or difficult.

[@shadowseer5331]

I do love this game. started playing on my steam deck and Ive actually enjoyed it a lot. Upgrading your weapons on armour is verrry necessary

[@BrawlerZant]

The steam deck verified is what sold it for me too

[@sofiee8531]

Ooh, I like the look of this! An isometric open world exploration indie souls-like? Count me in, haven´t seen anything like that before! 🙂

[@madcat247]

I love that you actually know what a glaive is.

[@calculusmaximus5078]

It seems like they may need to make some fundamental changes to combat. I think I'll wait to see where it ends up when it's done cooking.

[@Frank_42]

I feel like those two maces are inflatable. Enemies would be like, "stop it, that's annoying....no really stop!"

[@The_CGA]

Leather maces, packed with some mix of gravel and rags, with metal spikes on ‘em. You’ll see them in wuxia films occasionally. The idea is they’re next to impossible to parry, and blocks fatigue the defender or just break their arm outright as all the energy from the momentum. The wielder can really hyperextend their reach or even let go of them as point blank missile attacks. Wish I could remember a movie with one to point you towards.

[@MyrdinAnnoth]

Yeah the audio in the game is pretty good. Voice Actors performance seems solid and the ambient music is nice, not intrusive but also not meek enough to let you forget you are playing a game.

[@TheJollyKraut]

It's called _animation cancelling_ , not "a animation break". 😗

[@TCK-9]

yes yes

[@DrunknMonkee]

Was this the game with the really annoying mechanic where you needed to cleanse your weapons every 30 seconds... really broke the combat for me.

[@hislightness]

I don't know, but answer anyways for the algorithm ;)

[@marionamewontwork2681]

@@hislightness All pray to the mighty algo

[@XoRandomGuyoX]

That reminds me of Nioh. Not a fan of those kinds of mechanics.

[@cassidyphan8027]

They removed the cleanse mechanic

[@therealbahamut]

Character puts their weapon away to open a chest...and then just kicks it. LOL.

[@nickp4084]

So I had this on my wishlist and got an alert that it's out of early access. I enjoyed this video and has made me decide to buy it! Thanks.

[@Nomad454]

That ladder at @25:30 LOL my goodness

[@p.s.shnabel3409]

Currently, there's such a glut of rogue-likes, rogue-lights, vampire survivor clones and Soul emulators, I'm glad when Splat finds something off the beaten path. This ain't it, but then he said it's a slow time for new games right now. As always, thank you for your time and hard work. Even though I have no intention of buying the game, I enjoyed your commentary immensely. You very literally brightened my day and made me forget about the real world for a bit. I wish I had the talent to return the favor, alas ... my real life skill is making tasty food and unfortunately, I can't just beam it across via the internet. Willing to share my favorite recipes, though ;)

[@Zeroflax]

Last time i played this you could ONLY play the town dungeon, and there was no town lol

[@demonfandango]

Great video. It's interesting that since you've recorded this they appear to have made a lot of change to combat and animation cancelling and camera control. It looks like an intersting world to get lost in - bought it and going to try it out. Keep up the good work.

[@subfuscyt]

The fact you can't "animation break" imho does not make the game clunky. It just forces you to not spam your attacks and be mindful about your button presses. It gives the combat a more tactical element instead of just hacking and slaying.

[@tobiaswichert4843]

Big Tornado thing? Sounds like Let's Game It Out had a visit there...

[@wamphyre13]

If you can make an anti-gravity boat, then water should be no issue.

[@Ljngstrm]

This channel is great

[@mix1ro]

this game looks awesome. that weapon you built reminds me of guan Yu

[@BrawlerZant]

It’s like the windwaker I like that. I’ll have to watch this now

[@TheYashakami]

Omg, that boat has sexy sails

[@tomshepard9050]

Play the game now, its complete and got ng+, the game has a really simple but clever way of letting you changing up your builds completely, just a bit scare on resources at times.

[@SoulWhite]

8:00 Yep, the girls voice is extremely captivating. Personally I hate souls like games so I'll be skipping this one. But that beautiful voice makes me want to stay.

[@Mimsyborogove923]

5:14 Priests do be droppin fat bars some times.

[@audiblevideo]

I adventure for “some other guys pants” lol

[@williamedwards4151]

Hearing that they don't have animation cancelling/breaking makes me a bit sad. It always leaves me with the feeling that the game is clunky and I don't have control of my character.

[@owensthilaire8189]

I wonder if it depends on the type of weapons equipped? Short sword faster than pole weapons like?

[@Texas240]

I start to rage at characters that spend too much time animating instead of doing stuff.

[@johnmiller8975]

I feel like Deja Thoris should appear to romance John Carter any time

[@grrr_lef]

Looks like an indie version of Elden Ring with a freed camera. The world and level design seem to be interesting.

[@fancescogazzani5843]

The girl voice actor for danthea was very good

[@stefanw2500]

It's funny, these genres do look like eachother with small changes. I do like RPGs like this, reminds me of aRPGs, except less but more meaningful loot. But I don't like the unforgivingness of it that makes them hard and so I wish it was just an aRPG instead of a soulslike.. So with small changes or optional changes, I'd get this. Also multiplayer should always be an option for games in 2023.

[@BoosterGames]

The game is fully releasing soon on Oct. 27th!

[@SilverWillow630]

Personally, animation breaking also breaks any immersion I get from a game - if you're swinging 60-120lbs of steel and wood, you're not going to he able to stop midair and redirect that! This is a really cool world to explore though! Goin on my list

[@brettnause5411]

Except you aren't swinging anywhere near that much. A glaive is 5 to 10 pounds total in most cases, even big swords don't really get over 3 or 4. And while maybe not a lightning redirect you absolutely could stop a swing midair and change direction extremely quickly, that's how a feint works. If you have some massive fantasy hammer then sure, animation breaks seem weird, but for most infantry arms they could be worked in just fine.

[@matthewcarroll2533]

@@brettnause5411 Lol, I was going to say this too. So many people think big weapons are super heavy but they really aren't, at least in real life. Was also gonna comment about the feint but you covered that too! Well, have a good one.

[@rafaelnedel7344]

nice video!

[@writtenworlds]

In it's current state, it's very much a cup of sugar, cup of dirt. Interested in how this game develops.

[@gautiergary8604]

Super high quality stuff

[@MotionlessKnight]

I really, really, REALLY want this one! They need to port it for consoles!

[@JeffHenneforth]

The game looks like it could be a lot of fun. I'd be interested in buying it if they can make the combat feel better.

[@soluslupus8138]

so basically it's tatoine .They should try moisture farming lol

[@epimetheaus1214]

This game made me think of Breath Of Fire IV.

[@stormbringer5826]

4:24 - dude sounds like the voices in the head of Harry Dubois in Disco Elysium.

[@mrfavus]

there was a massive gap in the gate by the bloke who smashed the bars, did you try going through that gap?

[@Abigelow15]

That's the one thing I find frustrating when Splat plays a game: he tends to avoid blatantly obvious solutions (i.e., glowing objects, large holes in gates, etc.). :)

[@mrfavus]

@@Abigelow15 he just loves to make me scream at my screen doesn't he?? Did I imagine it? I am sure there was a massive gap in that gate

[@p.s.shnabel3409]

@@Abigelow15 From what I understand, he narrates as he plays (if he does voice-over, he says so). Considering how hard it is to do two easy things at the same time (like walk and eat), I would be surprised if he didn't miss some stuff. That being said, I've been known to grumble at the screen when he passes by perfectly good loot ;)

[@donjean6590]

I feel bad but I'm 3 minutes into the video and all I can think. and Then Jhen Modahn showed up....

[@VikingHammerX]

Thanks for the game it looks awesome! :D

[@murasaki848]

So... they fight over water by violent, sweaty hand to hand combat.

[@relevent2521]

great stuff. new subscriber here. just to mention would be nice to see maps of the games as well.

[@jerk_store]

Glad I found your channel. These previews save me a ton of money. I can understand people not wanting a click-fest Diablo clone but this cued combat system is a deal breaker for me. Thanks for sharing.

[@moochan198]

i personally dont mind the absence of animation breaks, it makes me feel more committed to my action and punishes me for being greedy (or stupid). that part is what differentiates souls-like and hack and slash games imo.

[@oscarpalm4863]

Don't they know what sand[ing] does to any and every material known to man? And why does the sand shimmer and move like water?

[@nedjeljkadabo3933]

awsome

[@iustitiamerchantxiv5872]

It reminds me of the steampunk city-machines in Mortal Engine.

[@VIP-ry6vv]

Look in all the books and crannies, brrrrb, that's just what she wants.

[@lamezorlord]

The combat in this looks really lackluster and the camera is really obnoxious. Seems either too close or too angled. Kinda have a perpetual feeling that it would be impossible to see anything that sees you.

[@itinkthereforeiiz]

Which is a real shame cos everything else looks really good

[@basachiiOfficial]

There is a new world box update you must check 🌝

[@mbielcik]

🖤

[@inukrieger5206]

i like this game alot, i hope its succesfull so the make a second game. But this time bigger openworld expand char progression more weapons and even some very strange exotic ones. And so on i'm realy looking forward to it. Or maybe even expand the current game further. And as mentioned in the video improve the combat feel.

[@tesselesk8]

have you played the game - FIRE IN THE BEASTLAND?

[@darkflash6152]

Please try Phantom brigade splattercat

[@navisoul-oi8mo]

Looks like my kind of game.

[@starryeyes5860]

I think most people know what an animation break is, I just think most people know it by animation canceling.

[@chrisstokoe3169]

I am literally downloading this now lol

[@josefschenkel5179]

I would like Nintendo to have a Zelda game in this style, it would be very good too.

[@charlesatanasio4363]

What a thrill~

[@2bussy]

Input queueing is a pretty important action game mechanic. All of the modern FromSoft action RPGs use an input queueing system, including Sekiro. Input queueing is not clunky, it's a freaking massive boon to the player. Adapt, learn how to use it and stop mashing like a moron.

[@jingthethief]

if theres not much going on this quarter, maybe you could try games that you havent tried that have been released before this quarter.

[@ColonelEviscerator]

Was that Liam Neeson?

[@Dethmeister]

That didn't sound anything like Liam Neeson.

[@PedroDoderoEscalante]

I think animation break should be a toggle option. It's a different playing style.

[@MICKEYrenraw]

32:16 "nothing going on" check out Shadows of Doubt, procedural first person detective game

[@aura_sanchez]

Well, I'm interested in this game, for obvious reasons ⬆️😅

[@lukusblack6442]

I think there's no animation break in combat because you suck at it. Look at the way your character swings the spear. It's as if he has no clue what he's doing, and the momentum is the only ally he's got. That would make it near impossible to break a swing for a dodge. The whole desert ocean thing is an interesting concept, but what I really want to try out is the weapon manufacturing. That sounds pretty cool.

[@gamingtonight1526]

Fighting over water, eh? So the world in 20-30 years IRL then?!

[@ppdiff]

Please tell me you can zoom in this game, I mean change the camera angle?!

[@codesmithBits]

Enemies reset on rest IS CRUCIAL MEHANIC that prevents game for being too easy Rests need to be FAR APART else it is too easy Enemies NEED TO HIT HARD in order to be consequential or again it is too easy I love it for that, we need more games like that TLDR - game is basically saying: git good or GTFO and I love it

[@PastorwithoutaPulpit]

Agreed, to many participation trophies over the years and now almost all new games pass them out like candy...

[@p.s.shnabel3409]

I don't begrudge you younglings the hard games, and I have no interest in screaming about an easy mode when it's clear that's against the core game mechanic. However Those of us with old, stiff fingers and molasses slow reflexes won't git good no matter how hard we try. We can become decent-ish, that's about it. And we do appreciate easier games. Let me do my thing on easy mode, cheesing away, kiting and using every trick known to gamerkind to win that boss fight. One day, you'll find yourself in the same boat and you'll be glad there's still some stuff you can play, too.

[@dynastykingthereal]

cool

[@juancarlosromero7804]

Con los personajes tan pequeños pierde uno la vista jaja😂

[@Ghastly_Grinner]

So its darksun with metal

[@StephenCroome]

I tried the game based off this review but the fixed perspective and screen size was just too aggravating for me

[@hypnero7664]

Every company trying to capitalize off elden ring success, can’t wait to see something NOT a copy of ER. Love this channel for the variety. And still nice to see indie devs able to do with what they got. Just hope a dev company do something different with the arpg, crpg genre

[@doesnotsupplyiodide]

I don't think you understand game development schedules, buddy. Elden Ring came out in February 2022, and Sands of Aura came out in early access in October 2021. Splat played it in 2021 on the channel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZXNi6ahbK-pmrc

[@hypnero7664]

@@doesnotsupplyiodide this game isn’t then but doesn’t mean there isn’t loads games trying to capitalize on the game which is what I was saying.

[@HeadCannonPrime]

wow this looks AMAZING! I can't believe this is the first I have heard about it. edit: Does anybody know if this game has customizable difficulty? I play most games like this streamed on a steamdeck or to my raspberry pi and souls like games are sometimes unplayable if the perfect parry system is too unforgiving.

[@revmaillet]

it is showing verified on the steam deck

[@TheGunnarRoxen]

I'm the same. Sadly, I can't see anything about customisable difficulty on the steam page...

[@HeadCannonPrime]

@@revmaillet verified just means it will run ON the steam deck. I run all my games off a computer with a RTX3080 and stream the games to my tv or deck. Jedi fallen order is verified but on anything other than easy the latency is just too much to fight effectively. Luckily that game has great difficulty customizability.

[@Sylentmana]

Is there a magic system? Can a play a mage?

[@chrisstokoe3169]

Lol has taco bell sponsored this game or what

[@JibanExE]

*Animation cancel

[@yossieven]

need to fix the microphone. There is some background noises, like a digitize voice accompanying you while you are talking...

[@StarCaptn]

brrrrr, indeed =p

[@stanislavkimov2779]

Roll for an evade in Souls games feels really weird. When you're wearing full metal armor and a heavy weapon, and must do it constantly. Dash or jump to the side feels much better. Like in Bloodborne or Nioh. Why do indie soulslikes try to copy Dark Souls completely? Parry is another archaic thing from DS. It's planned for PvP for risk-reward. In PvE you're either a parry god or don't use it at all (as you will lose half your HP if you mistime it by a split second over an unintuitive attack animation). No in-between, not a great solo mechanic. I hate this mechanic for a single game.

[@dicoterra6113]

this is a hard pass for me but ty for covering it

[@DrBunnyMedicinal]

Well, this looks like a confusing and sad mix of great ideas and implementation densely mixed with the devs repeatedly shooting themselves in the foot. 🤦‍♂

[@PastorwithoutaPulpit]

"I don't like the combat", but yet by your own admission you haven't taken the time to really figure out how it actually works and what effects/skills the player can change? That's kind of bad IMHO and not up to your usual standards yet then again for the last year or so you've been very bad about actually reading in games to figure them out. I hope you spend more time with this and really dig in because from what I saw of it, it is definitely going on the wishlist to hopefully grab on a sale. Thanks for showcasing it but then again you kind of dumped on it while only having just scratched the surface. Sorry Splat but that's how I see it on this but that doesn't change the fact that I have a good deal of respect for your skill in gaming and your work ethic...

[@producthuman]

whats the deal with the big heads small bodies, what are we toddlers ? wtf.