I always investigate what I spend my money on; Aura was the first blind purchase I’ve ever made, and I received a rather dull introduction to puzzle gaming thanks to it. But the cheap price tag, superb graphics and enjoyable puzzles prevented me from writing naughty emails to the company. If an enthralling story with atmosphere is what excites you give your local library a visit.

In the end, I love Aura, as it’s the kind of visually and intellectually stimulating challenge that I crave and that’s so rare these days. Although it clearly stands on the shoulders of its virtual adventure predecessors, Streko’s design decisions and puzzles are so well conceived and diverse that the whole gameplay experience seems fresh and highly original. If you think of adventure on the personal computer only in terms of character-based interaction, then skip this one; but if you understand what adventure-puzzle titles are supposed to be and love mechanical puzzles, then Aura will be your fantasy fulfilled.