I'm slightly disappointed that AER - Memories of Old didn't leave more of a lasting impression on me. I've been looking forward to this low-poly open world exploration adventure for a while, but now that it's been released, I don't really think about the game at all when I'm not playing it. However - and bear with me here, because this might sound weird - this is actually a good thing. You see, AER is all about enjoying the moment.

That moment when shapeshifting protagonista Auk takes to the air for the very first time and the music swells and off you go into the skies... that moment is pretty much perfect. This is such an uplifting, wonderful experience. You are, after all, flying, soaring above the clouds, right then and there, and it's such an enjoyable thing to do.
Exploring AER's open world is a delight. Instead of one connected landmass, there are several small islands floating in the clouds. You're free to explore them all without restrictions, and discovering new things feels rewarding on its own. While the game world isn't necessarily large, you can spend a few hours just flying around, taking in the sights, and discovering small, lovely details. Have you met the little lambs" They're just the cutest.

Your pilgrimage also takes you into old, abandoned temples that have you solving light environmental puzzles and enduring some rather annoying platforming sequences. You cannot fly in there, and at first this feels like you're being punished - groun...