Review: Arcadian Atlas is a Map-tastically Mediocre Adventure

Arcadian Atlas is a compelling RPG that delves into the intricate web of choices driven by love, ambition, and loyalty, unraveling the very fabric of a once-united kingdom. As players embark on this enthralling journey, they will navigate the consequences of pivotal decisions that shape the destiny of the realm, witnessing firsthand the heart-wrenching impact of such choices on both individuals and the kingdom as a whole.

This tactical RPG weaves a tale of intrigue and political strife in a nostalgic, pixelated world. From the outset, it’s evident that the developers poured their hearts into this project, delivering a visually endearing and charmingly atmospheric experience. The game’s intricate narrative and character-driven plot are noteworthy, drawing players into a tale of ambition, betrayal, and forbidden romance. However, as with any journey, there are more than a few bumps along Arcadian Atlas’s road. Keep reading for a full-length review of Arcadian Atlas’s strengths and weaknesses!

Biggest Takeaways

• Although it’s easy to forget, Arcadian Atlas is actually a love story between two star-crossed lovers (Romeo and Juliette style).
• The plot is occasionally hard to follow, but it’s oddly almost reminiscent of the beginning of the Game of Thrones series. If you’re able to follow all of the complex intricacies of all that royal, king-and-queen, peasant nonsense, then you probably won’t have any issues with following this game’s narrative.
• It’s surprisingly more challenging than you’d think.
• If you’re used to fast-paced, action-packed RPGs with attention-grabbing narratives, then you probably won’t be too impressed with Arcadian Atlas.
• Arcadian Atlas is a decent game, but it definitely leaves a lot to be desired.
• Final Score: 6.5/10

Notable Narrative

Despite its shortcomings, one of Arcadian Atlas’s strongest aspects lies in its storytelling and character development. The intricate plot unfolds through beautifully written dialogues and engaging cutscenes, immersing players in the complexities of the world of Arcadia. Many of this game’s characters are multi-dimensional and possess unique quirks and backstories, making them a delight to uncover and interact with throughout the game.

Despite this, however, there are more than a few plot holes that litter Arcadian Atlas’s narrative. Furthermore, as I previously mentioned, its plot can be difficult to follow. If you happen to lose focus or stop paying attention to the story for more than 5 minutes, you get completely lost in all of the unnecessary complexities and arbitrary squabbles that make up most of this game’s dialogue.

Clunky Combat

I don’t want to be mean, because it’s obvious that the developers really poured their hearts and souls into this game, but the combat system is a total joke. I think Twin Otter Studios should have put less effort into the game’s narrative and focused more on its actual gameplay mechanics, because the only thing that you’ll be fighting with in this game is the combat system itself.

Regardless of where you’re at in this game, all of the battlefields are entirely 2D and portray a complete disregard for terrain complexities and the vertical axis. Most of the battle areas feature terrain that obstructs your sight to open battle tiles, which is only made worse by the fact that there’s no way to rotate the world at all for a better viewpoint. Trying to get to specific areas to target specific enemies is a near-impossible task. Moreover, trying to play with a mouse and keyboard is wildly impractical, as clicks often target the wrong tile, fail to register at all, or incorrectly command a character’s actions.

Sleepy Soundtrack

While I normally appreciate relaxing soundtracks in RPGs, it becomes a concern when every single song in the game seems to actively attempt to lull me to sleep. Variety in music is key to creating an engaging and immersive gaming experience, and it’s disheartening to find such a lack of diversity in a game like Arcadian Atlas, whose plot is ripe with forbidden love, intimate betrayal, and civil war. You’d think that there’d be at least one good bop in this game, but you’d be wrong. It all just sounds like elevator music.

This so-called soundtrack is just a disappointingly basic and endlessly repetitive mashup of rehashed elevator jingles, which makes it really hard to get excited or pumped up for a battle. This never-ending loop of monotonous tunes just fails to evoke any emotion or excitement in its players, and although I normally appreciate having background music while I’m getting down on an RPG, I hope to never have to hear this game’s soul-less battle music ever again.

Pixelated Prowess

In spite of its many limitations, Arcadian Atlas’s art style is one of the few things that the developers actually got right. The visuals in Arcadian Atlas truly shine as its main standout feature, immersing players in a fantastical world brought to life through its wistful pixelated art style.

The game’s art style perfectly captures the essence of classic RPGs, evoking a nostalgic charm that resonates with both long-time RPG enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The evocative art direction elevates the overall gaming experience, transporting players to a realm of pixelated enchantment and making Arcadian Atlas a truly memorable visual feast.

Conclusion

Arcadian Atlas presents a captivating and visually stunning world that beckons players into an enthralling tale of love, power, and political intrigue. The game’s retro-inspired pixelated art style transports players to a nostalgic realm reminiscent of classic RPGs, while the attention to detail in character design and environments enhances the overall immersive experience.

The intricate storytelling and character-driven plot add depth and emotional resonance to the journey, allowing players to form meaningful connections with the cast of intriguing characters. However, despite these strengths, the lackluster and repetitive soundtrack, along with certain gameplay limitations, hinder the game from reaching its full potential.

While Arcadian Atlas delivers an engaging RPG experience, a few areas hold it back from becoming an absolute masterpiece. Nevertheless, for those seeking a visually enchanting adventure filled with strategic challenges, Arcadian Atlas remains a journey worth embarking upon. With further polish and attention to player feedback, Arcadian Atlas could elevate its score and become a truly remarkable RPG experience.

Related: Review: Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes Tests Your Patience

Arcadian Atlas may not be the most remarkably well-polished RPG on the market, but it’s a far cry from unplayable. If you enjoy playing RPGs that focus on the story more than anything else, then you’d probably like Arcadian Atlas.

If story-driven RPGs are your cup of tea, then you’d probably also like This Way Madness Lies or any of the Fire Emblem games. Be sure to keep up with Gamer Journalist for more information and guides on all these games and more!