Ariana and the Elder Codex (2026)

Developer: Idea Factory, Compile Heart, HYDE, Inc.
Publisher: Idea Factory International, Inc.
Platforms: Windows
Genres: Action, Adventure
Rating: 3.9 of 5, 130 player ratings
Typical playtime: about 6.3 hours
Where to get it: Steam

The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

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How it feels

A determined librarian magically enters damaged books to restore the world's lost magic, creating a quest-driven and slightly mysterious feel.

actionadventurefantasymysteriousquest-drivenbook-themedlinear

What players say

Players praise the combat system for its satisfying magic-melee combos and fluid movement, but many criticize control and platforming issues like input delay and ledge detection. Opinions split on length and enemy variety, with some calling the story short and enemies repetitive while others enjoy the fun exploration.

Screenshots

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More by Hyde

This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.