Dust: An Elysian Tail Reviews

by Nokimaro

This game is amazing! I played this game a long time ago on Xbox and it's still one of my favorite games. It has an amazing story, great dialog, tons of voice actors, tons of content, a leveling system, side quests, and a whole lot more! The visuals are absolutely beautiful. It's all hand painted worlds that makes a 2D game feel like a 3D environment.

Now that I'm done gushing about the game itself let's talk about the mobile port. It's honestly one of the best ports I've seen so far. The controls are fluid and easy to grasp, very little bugs, it stayed as vanilla as possible (meaning very little changes between mobile and console versions), and a very customizable interface. You can select between swipe or button controls. The best part is that there's no irritating analog stick in this port. I have such a hard time using a fake analog stick in ported games lol. I would recommend this game to anyone of all ages and it's price is an amazing deal since you get way more than what you pay for.

by Jussimple

This game has truly showcased the capabilities of the apple platform as a gaming power house. Bravo to the artists, story writers, voice actors and the programmers that brought this game to life. This game had everything. Rich enough to be engaging and vast enough to be challenging. From the story line to the side quests, this game was extremely difficult to put down. If this developer continues on this path, I will gladly purchase everything they develop. This was truly a pleasure. Thank you for all your effort and for showing all those other developers that the age old business model of making a great game at a great price is still possible. IAP games have tarnished the mobile platform. This game has lifted it back to what it should be....fun.

by Daneius

Please make five new games with each sword different from the first and longer. Everything with this game is story book and fascinating. I’ve got to the end finally and just deleted after the third time because I have no idea what game like this Can I play next?. I have to wait. Best part of it no in app purchases. Just Awesome gameplay. First time I’ve played a game that has Casual mode. That was so smart for individuals who can really enjoy a well put together atmosphere. I’ve played it on hard and I’m not accustomed to doing that but this game... yes I all in. Your are genius mixing the background with live anime,, brilliant. The puzzles you’ve placed even the mixed up screen to find friends was awesome. I haven’t been this amazed since castlevania symphony of the night, darksiders, the legacy of kain series, and prince of Persia series. What’s next??

by Rj Yj

The game is a classic arpg with stunning artwork and an epic ost. After replaying the game twice (2017 and 2021) I can’t say my experience have been anything short of spectacular. Aside from the main quest there were plenty of areas to revisit for exploration and side quests. Not too much npcs or npc interactions but for this type of an 2D arpg format it was sufficient. The battle mechanics were smooth and seamless; the boss skills acquired after defeating bosses were quite a unique concept. The interaction between this app and Figet had the yin and yang factor. The protagonist was taciturn and stoic; the side kick was humorous and verbose (Almost Banjo Kazooie esque, expect Banjo was clumsy and Kazoorie was hilariously eccentric). this app and Figet were an epic duo on an epic adventure. The ending left me with wanting more. Hoping and waiting for part 2 to be released. One of my top 3 arpgs of all time.

by Cbpikachu

This is fantastic game I played it sorry I’m spoiling alert but I have to admit the last boss general gias takes 4 times to beat him but the story of the game is great the movie are great but you really should add more movies and I agree with one of the reviews that you should add more levels so you can go back and continue the game and get stuff that you forgot to get but agin great game also I agree with another review you should make another game it’s sooo fun I buyed it also on my iPad and iPhone because the game was so fun I loved the characters they we great and funny but I loved this app the most but still I understand why when this app went in lava and the sword found him but this app was in his blue this app from and still alive but still love this game sooo much I want to give it infinity stars ⭐️ but I will never change this game off of my favorite list

by Rolandstein

This a great adventure/action with beautiful graphics and soundtrack, fully voice acted which makes it for very entertaining story-telling, the game is generous in save points and the controls are very responsive and easy to pick up (Playing on Ipad Air).
The exploring and adventure is kinda like Castlevania SOTN and/or Metroid, which is something very enjoyable because revisiting maps and re-exploring can be fun.
I played on Normal and dug thru the whole game in 18hrs (taking my time and without internet help just exploring) but still I got this game om special for $1 I have never been so overly satisfied with a dollar, this is fun game, and even if its $5, it is still a great price for the quality of product you are getting, I do hope this game gets a sequel, 5⭐️ for this game and, yes, buy it, you wont regret it.

by Commander Dark

The voice acting and hand drawn environments and characters alone make this game one of the best I’ve ever played. But the incredible story is the most amazing and is what makes this game second to none. The cut scenes are beautiful and the gameplay has been well adapted for mobile. The plot line and characters are irresistible, making this game impossible to put down once you start. The fact that it is fully voiced is a quality that very, very few games have and the voices chosen absolutely fit the characters completely. It is truly a work of art. I am very glad to have played this game and experienced the masterfully crafted story and world. The characters of this app:AET will forever have a place in my heart.

by ConsumerismTheo

I had to review this game, as it deserves it. This is one of the best platform adventure games I have ever played, let alone on my iPhone! I'm even considering buying it on the other platforms I own so that I can play it on the big screen. The hand drawn artwork is stunning, and once I modified the controls, gameplay is so fluid. I literally get lost in this game for hours, and don't even realize I'm playing on a phone. I only realize how long I've been playing when my phones says "20% battery left." It's that good. I was really unsure about it, and had seen people ramble about it, but when the price dropped, I took advantage, and boy am I glad I did. Bottom line, if you're questioning buying this game, at any price, don't. Just get it. You will thank yourself later. Wow.

by Dreaming Of Wolves

No wonder this game has received such praise. A full 10+ hours of content guaranteed with immersive story, stunning animation and music, satisfying combat that’s adjustable (even mid game!) for both casual and hardcore players alike, and secrets that aren’t irritating to find but are hidden enough that you have to poke around a bit.
It’s a lighthearted experience. Don’t expect difficulty except on harder modes.

The controls are fluid and the game is polished. This is PC game quality on your phone. I haven’t been this satisfied with a mobile game since Alto’s Adventure and these are the only two games I’ve truly enjoyed on my phone. And combat is truly satisfying, especially parries. The voice acting is superb as well. Fidget doesn’t break the fourth wall nearly as much as some reviewers claim she does.

The story isn’t unique, but literally everything else is flawless, and the story is still well presented. It’s one of those games that leaves an imprint on you long after it’s finished.
PS - the normal difficulty isn’t actually difficult at all. I would recommend the normal difficulty even if you consider yourself a casual or new player to the genre.

by Bitwise01

First of all, I have much respect for the sole developer of this game (other than voice acting, localizations, etc.) for having the passion and the drive to complete this masterpiece. I think it's safe to say most players, myself included, would not assume that this game was the work of a single person. Ignoring subjective opinions regarding the art style, this game is an example of everything a Metroidvania game should be, and more. It's clear that a lot of time & energy went into programming the phenomenal controls. The intuitive movement & actions create a combat that's visceral & satisfying, yet still challenging. I had a blast playing through ths mobile version of this game despite having completed it on the PC.

by Sgnaegnsetd

I first played this game on consuls and this is a very accurate representation of the game. The pc version is also very nice, and one of the best ports done in a long time. The story is so in depth and well done, it's hard to say much wrong about it. It's a very unique beat um up style game, with equipment and so many cool tricks you can do, like the Ariel this app storm. Understanding the games mechanics to find secrets, as well as using clues you got many hours ago is brilliant. Although, one complaint is the game can be a little easy at times, but that problem is solved with harder difficulties. Normal mode was just too easy. Also, the phone doesn't nearly show how good the controls are. On console and pc, the controls feel fluid and tight, making it only your fault for getting hit. The phone is just to hard to control. Overall, it's a great experience, but if you want the true experience, get the console version.

by Gunther Becker

An absolute masterpiece in every sense. I cannot think of a title on any platform that I would recommend more than this gem. The fact that it is largely the work of one individual is truly mind blowing - the quality of this title is truly off-the-charts.
While the true experience of this game lies in the console and PC versions (the graphics are much sharper then this iOS version), I had a blast playing through this on my iPad and have no hesitation recommending it to action fans looking for an awesome mobile title. Still looks fantastic and the touch screen controls are better than decent.
To Dean the developer - this app was an absolute joy to play through. Thank you for all your efforts in its creation. 🤓

by Rontara

I’m usually too lazy to write reviews, but by ruddy King George, this game is worth buying. First off, I was surprised at the vastness of this app. It’s a huge game for the price. I just finished my first play-through and feel like I missed a lot. It definitely has replay ability, and I’ll be playing again soon. The only complaint I have is that sometimes it is difficult to tell what’s going on during combat when there are several enemies on the screen at the same time. However, this barely diminishes the overall pleasure I derive from playing this amazing game. I would highly recommend this to any platform fans out there. Please tell me there is a sequel...

by Xavie G

I have to say that I was really frustrated at first with this game. I waited for almost six months and finally the game was updated. After that I was able to play the game and I have to say this is one of my favorite of all times game. Simply the best of the best. Thank you!!!!❤️🙏🏻😝😊😊💙❤️💕😋☺️
----------------------------------------------
I made a mistake buying this game. I should've read the reviews first.😣
Right after the cut scene the game kicks me out. For a game that costs more than five bucks it really hurts my pocket not being able to play it. I feel I have just been robbed.
PLEASE FIX THE GAME GLITCHES. I HEARD THAT THIS IS A REALLY GOOD GAME. I'Ll GIVE FIVE STARS AFTER YOU GUYS UPDATE THE FREAKING GAME....😓😭🤒😤😡😡

by Bt1223

I’d love a sequel to this game. This is by far the cutest game that has combat abilities as well as some cute characters and some cool characters and I really hope if you do make the sequel this app is back kinda like a respawn thing where he has all his memories from the first game and id like it if it’s the same price as this game it doesn’t have to be tho. This games ending tho it didn’t make me cry for some odd reason it still made me sad to know that this app died but the rest after the end of the fighting place you see this glowing thing flying somewhere and I was wondering was that this app being spawned again?

by CadetSparkleWolf

Mere minutes ago I completed this game and I must confess it’s now one of my top favorites. The story surrounding our mysterious protagonist rapidly drew me in and the animated cutscenes were beautiful, despite the style being slightly outdated. I was blown away by the fluid mechanics and adaptable controls! What’s most impressive is simply the fact that the developer, Dean Dodrill, made it all independently!

Since it’s release back in August of 2012, Dean has stated that there will one day be a sequel! With his second game Never Stop Sneakin’ being released this holiday season, I’m sure it will still be a while. However, I’m positive that it will be well worth the wait!

by MrKitty413

this app: AET is without a doubt one of my favorite video games of all time.
I played it on Xbox and PC previously, but I was extremely skeptical when I saw this mobile port.
I’ve always been skeptical of mobile gaming, especially so when it comes to complex games like this app, but this completely blew me away.
The game controlled much more smoothly than I would have ever expected possible on a phone. Obviously, it plays best on a controller, but considering the constraints of a mobile phone screen, I can’t criticize the touch controls at all.
As for the game itself, I could sing its praise forever. The gameplay is fun and satisfying, the art and music are beautiful, the story and characters are excellent; there’s a reason it’s one of my all-time favorites.
If you’ve never played this game before, I would definitely recommend playing on PC or console first, no question.
However, if you’re a returning fan, and skeptical of the mobile port like I was, absolutely it is worth getting.

by TrentVano

Great voice acting, beautiful music, nicely drawn and animated characters. Overall story is a little bit childish and silly, plus some of the characters are a little too Disney-ish. Plus you get powerful very quick in the game, and the difficulty never really catches quite up to how it is in the first 1-2 hours because you’re so powerful. Still, you manage to die here and there, and it’s a good time beating up all the villains. Plus the voice of your sidekick is adorable. Overall, a nice fun innocent polished game. Keep in mind that those combos rely heavily on timing, and are quite fun once you get good at them! 5 stars.

by ArtBuffalo

Ever since I heard of this game and watched some of its walk through play videos, I got curious to try it. Finally got the game at $1 as I hoped for and let me tell you: I should've paid a bit more for this because this game so far is great. :D The art style, voice acting, all well done and even the controls for the (thank god for it) Bluetooth control pads like Steelseries worked marvelously without a hint of bugs or hiccups or delays. My ONLY concern is that the game's resolution isn't quite "HD" quality for iPad Pro 12.9" so I'm hoping for the update to come by soon that'll increase the game's graphics up to iPad Pro's native 12.9" screen output for a richer experience on that device. Everything else worked beautifully. :) Still a perfect rating. Just needs one more resolution push for the largest iPad's screen quality and then it's golden from here on out. Here's to hoping for this app 2. :)

by JABlazer12

If you don't think that a game can be a work of art then this game will prove you wrong. Every stage is beautifully designed and detailed. Plus it has a plot to rival even some big-budget movies. The characterization is just fantastic, every character had their own mini story. The amount of detail in this game is astonishing, the map screen alone has more of it than other games. If the dev team ever sees this then don't let it go to your head, it's clear that "compromise" was not an acceptable option in development, but this rave review is no excuse to change that ideology.

by Meta732

Check out the TouchArcade forums if you want to hear the latest from a passionate developer with an intuitive approach to his craft and appreciation for fans of the title. This gem is nothing short of spectacular, and it runs at a smooth 60 frames per second on compatible devices. The lower resolution is a consequence of (all compatible) device limitations—a necessary compromise. Otherwise, the one-man team behind this epic would not have bothered with the platform. So, if you like stunning visuals, smooth gaming, and exquisite touch control implementation give it a try. And thanks for supporting the iPhone X!