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Aestik from Hooded Traveler Games looks absolutely gorgeous, with some clear Hollow Knight inspiration and may be a good one to play through while you wait for Silksong.

This hand-drawn metroidvania has some pretty fun features to set it apart from other similar games, including a bunch of impactful decisions in moral dilemma situations which will change how it all unfolds. There's also numerous upgrade paths, cute little creatures you can get to follow you along, fishing, a challenge mode and more.

More: "As you explore the Realm of Aestik, you will need to make impactful decisions which will alter the course of the game. Platform your way through this strangely unique world and fathom the mysterious corruption that drives sane creatures mad. Fight off wild beasts and navigate through harsh environments to uncover the world's interconnected maps and secrets."

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Features:

  • A Vast, Interconnected World: Traverse the intricate maps of Aestik, discovering hidden secrets and unraveling the mysteries of the realm.
  • Unique Environments: Every corner of Aestik offers something new, from the cozy Bubblewoods to the spooky Gourd Glade.
  • Challenging Obstacles: Overcome demanding platforming challenges with precision and skill.
  • Customize Your Playstyle: Equip ability runes that fit your personal playstyle to navigate through the world!
  • Snappy Combat: Engage in fast-paced combat against over 25 unique foes!
  • Epic Boss Battles: Face off against more than 15 formidable bosses that will test your combat prowess and strategy.
  • Impactful Choices: Your decisions will alter the course of your adventure & lead to unique encounters!
  • Replayability: Experience different outcomes and storylines based on the paths you choose.

I only discovered this as it advertises Linux support on Steam, but there doesn't actually seem to be a Linux version. So it's not clear what happened there. Looking on SteamDB, there doesn't seem to actually be anything for Linux. So most likely you'll need to force it to run through Proton where it will likely run well anyway. Update: the developer confirmed no actual Linux version so you do need Proton.

Available on the Steam store.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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5 comments

Romlok Aug 29
Quotethe developer confirmed no actual Linux version so you do need Proton.
Is this now a permitted use of the SteamOS icon in the Steam store? I've seen multiple games do this in recent months. What does Valve say the SteamOS icon is supposed to mean?

From my point of view, they're advertising something they aren't actually selling. Had I bought it, I would absolutely refund and report the game as nonfunctional and/or falsely advertised.

Remember folks: Don't buy games unless you're going to play them within the refund window.
Liam Dawe Aug 29
Quoting: Romlok
Quotethe developer confirmed no actual Linux version so you do need Proton.
Is this now a permitted use of the SteamOS icon in the Steam store? I've seen multiple games do this in recent months. What does Valve say the SteamOS icon is supposed to mean?

From my point of view, they're advertising something they aren't actually selling. Had I bought it, I would absolutely refund and report the game as nonfunctional and/or falsely advertised.

Remember folks: Don't buy games unless you're going to play them within the refund window.
As far as I am aware, no, this is not how it's supposed to be used, and ends up every time causing issues with an empty download when Steam is looking for the Linux version. So you have to manually force Proton. I've reached out to Valve to see if they plan to allow developers to properly note Proton support to stop this issue.

I have absolutely no issues with it myself, if the developer has tested it working and will keep it working with Proton. The issue is how Steam fubars the download right now when it's ticked and the dev meant Proton.
Pyrate Aug 29
Quoting: RomlokRemember folks: Don't buy games unless you're going to play them within the refund window.

Words to live by.
Phlebiac Aug 30
Quoting: Liam DaweAs far as I am aware, no, this is not how it's supposed to be used, and ends up every time causing issues with an empty download when Steam is looking for the Linux version. So you have to manually force Proton. I've reached out to Valve to see if they plan to allow developers to properly note Proton support to stop this issue.

I have absolutely no issues with it myself, if the developer has tested it working and will keep it working with Proton. The issue is how Steam fubars the download right now when it's ticked and the dev meant Proton.

Valve should offer an explicit "we support Proton" option, which then shows a Proton icon instead of the SteamOS one (actually, it would be even better if they ditched that and went back to Tux).

Edit: forgot to add - removal of said explicit support, whether it be Proton or Linux, should also increase liability for refunds. Not sure what the rules should be exactly, but there should be some level of consequence.


Last edited by Phlebiac on 30 August 2024 at 3:49 am UTC
ShabbyX Aug 31
Quoting: Pyrate
Quoting: RomlokRemember folks: Don't buy games unless you're going to play them within the refund window.

Words to live by.

Yeap! Always at least get in the game, start the first level and if it runs fine by then, it's probably going to be fine later when you get to playing it.
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