Ariana and the Elder Codex
2025 video game
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ariana and the Elder Codex[a] is an action role-playing game developed by Hyde and published by Compile Heart and Idea Factory International. It was released for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 on 21 August 2025. In the game, Ariana must repair the Seven Hero Codices and restore magic to the world.
| Ariana and the Elder Codex | |
|---|---|
| |
| Developer | Hyde |
| Publishers | |
| Director | Aoki Hiroshi |
| Platforms | |
| Release | Switch, PS4, PS5
|
| Genre | Action role-playing |
| Mode | Single-player |
Gameplay
Ariana and the Elder Codex is an action role-playing game with Metroidvania elements.[1][2] The player controls Ariana, who primarily fights with a host of magic spells. When spells are cast against an enemy for certain times, the enemy becomes stunned, allowing Ariana to attack them with high damage.[1]
Development and release
Developer Hyde is based in Tokyo.[3] Ariana and the Elder Codex was directed by Aoki Hiroshi, who developed Rune Factory 5, Rune Factory 4 Special, Dariusburst, and Psychic Force.[4] The game was developed for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch.[5]
The game was first revealed in January 2025 in the latest issue of Weekly Famitsu.[4] It was one of the seven titles included in Compile Heart's 2025 lineup.[6] It was released by Compile Heart on 21 August 2025 in Japan.[7] Idea Factory International published the international release on 24 March 2026. The console versions were available both physically and digitally.[8][9][10] The Windows version will be newly launched via Steam on 29 April.[11]
Reception
| Aggregator | Score |
|---|---|
| Metacritic | PS5: 74/100[12] NS: 79/100[13] |
| OpenCritic | 63% recommend[14] |
According to review aggregator Metacritic, Ariana and the Elder Codex received "mixed or average" reviews for the PlayStation 5 version, and "generally favorable" reviews for the Nintendo Switch version.[12][13] 63% of the critics recommended the game according to OpenCritic.[14]