Review of Arise – A Simple Story by badabinger

A poignant example of how video games can be major art. Every mechanic in the game serves the story, which is original, beautiful, moving, captivating, a rollercoaster of emotions I had not felt in years. Tears at the end, but lots of tenderness. And they manage to do sowith no words at all. Actually, there’s only one word in the game, and it makes a big impact when you hear it.

The OST is one of the best I have ever heard, gameplay is imaginative, creative and keeps fresh from start to finish using a single mechanic: twisting time. Platforming is simple and difficulty low for the most part, with some spikes here and there where it makes sense in the story.

Art design is amazing, lighting is breathtaking and collectibles add to the story.

An absolute masterpiece.

Read the review »

Time Played: 2-5 hours
Difficulty: Just Right