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MONSTER

Arise: A Simple Story

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Arise: A Simple Story
Item: Arise: A Simple Story
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2019

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Third Person Perspective, Platformer, Side View Perspective, Puzzle and Logic, Casual, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableDec 3, 2019

PlatformNintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 4

DeveloperPiccolo

Overview

Set out on an emotional journey through the bittersweet lives of two people where memories come alive and time bends to your will. Lose yourself in moments of happiness and overcome every hardship as you relive your life’s story. A story of joy and sorrow. A simple story.

Elsewhere

7.8

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics praised the story of Arise: A Simple Story for its emotional depth, poignant themes, and effective storytelling. COGconnected commended the game for offering an "incredible and emotional narrative filled with human emotions and well-written storytelling," focusing on the journey of love and loss of an old man. DarkStation appreciated the simplicity and beauty of the story, drawing comparisons to the game Journey. GameCrate highlighted the heavy and emotional themes of death, separation, love, and the passage of time, conveyed effectively through level design and the protagonist's emotions. VGC described the game as offering a "beautifully heartbreaking tale" that explores themes of life, love, and loss through the memories of an elderly man. On the other hand, DualShockers expressed a lack of attachment to the characters and their story, indicating a disconnect that hindered the emotional impact of the narrative. PC Invasion noted that while the game effectively conveyed emotions without dialogue, it lacked complexity in its storytelling. These critiques suggest that some players may find the storytelling approach of Arise: A Simple Story to be somewhat lacking in character attachment or depth, potentially impacting the overall immersion and emotional resonance of the experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the story of Arise: A Simple Story. Critics such as God is a Geek, Game Informer, and The Indie Game Website praised the game for its emotional engagement, thoughtful exploration of themes like love, loss, and memories, and elegant storytelling. Despite some minor criticisms regarding character attachment and narrative depth, the majority of reviewers found the story to be moving, heartfelt, and effectively conveyed through visual storytelling and emotional moments. The game's ability to evoke a range of emotions without relying on dialogue was a standout feature for many critics, solidifying its reputation as a title with a compelling and resonant narrative.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics laud Arise: A Simple Story for its emotional depth, poignant themes, and effective storytelling, focusing on love, loss, and memories in the journey of an elderly man. Some critics found a lack of character attachment and narrative depth, but overall, the majority praise its moving and heartfelt narrative conveyed through visual storytelling and emotional moments.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

32%

Mixed (50-79)

66%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Arise: A Simple Story has received praise for its innovative time manipulation mechanics and well-crafted level design. Critics like COGconnected and GameCrate highlight the intuitive puzzles and platforming elements that offer a linear yet engaging experience. The ability to control time adds depth and variety to the gameplay, as mentioned by Digital Chumps and Pure Nintendo. The time-shifting mechanic is commended for providing unique ways to interact with the environment and solve puzzles, with PlayStation Universe appreciating the different challenges presented in each stage. On the flip side, some critics have pointed out issues with the gameplay of Arise. GameSpew and IGN Spain mention unresponsive controls and camera problems that hinder the overall experience. DualShockers criticizes the puzzles for being too simple and uninspired, while Game Informer highlights clumsy and frustrating platforming segments. Jeuxvideo.com on Xbox One and PC notes that the time manipulation mechanic loses its novelty and becomes repetitive as the game progresses, suggesting a lack of innovation in the gameplay loop. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards the positive aspects of Arise: A Simple Story's gameplay, with a focus on the unique time manipulation mechanics and engaging platforming elements. The game is praised for its inventive puzzles, variety in level design, and the way it challenges players to think differently about navigating the world. While there are criticisms regarding control issues and repetitive gameplay elements, the majority of reviewers appreciate the blend of platforming and time manipulation that sets Arise apart as a memorable and enjoyable experience. Critics like TheGamer and TrueGaming commend the engaging gameplay and beautifully designed levels, showcasing the game's strengths in delivering a compelling and immersive adventure.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Arise: A Simple Story impresses with innovative time manipulation gameplay and well-crafted levels, praised for intuitive puzzles and engaging platforming. Critics laud the depth added by time control but note issues like unresponsive controls and repetitive mechanics. Despite some criticisms, the majority agree that Arise offers a unique and memorable experience with inventive challenges and beautifully designed levels.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

85%

Mixed (50-79)

15%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Arise: A Simple Story, highlighting its stunning and beautiful art style. COGconnected commended the game for its "beautiful and colorful visuals that change with each chapter," while Digital Chumps described the graphical style as "visually stunning, with depth in environments, lush colors, and beautiful lighting." The game's minimalistic cartoonish art style, as noted by DualShockers, was also praised for its charm and environmental storytelling. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some critics did mention a few issues with the game's visuals. Impulsegamer pointed out that on the Nintendo Switch, the game struggled with a stable framerate, impacting the overall visual experience. Additionally, Nintendo Life highlighted technical issues such as frame drops and delayed asset loads, affecting the otherwise gorgeous art design of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Arise: A Simple Story excels in its Graphics and Visual Design, with the majority of reviewers praising its beauty and artistry. Game Informer noted that each level has visually distinct landscapes that transform concepts into a visual language, while GameSpew described the visual design as "gorgeous and creative." Despite some minor technical issues on certain platforms, the game's stunning visuals, diverse landscapes, and dream-like world were widely appreciated, making it a visual treat for players.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics raved about the stunning and beautiful art style of Arise: A Simple Story, praising its colorful visuals that change with each chapter. While some noted issues like framerate problems on the Nintendo Switch, the majority agreed that the game's gorgeous and creative visual design, with distinct landscapes and a dream-like world, make it a must-play for fans of breathtaking graphics.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics praised the Sound Design and Music of Arise: A Simple Story, highlighting its exceptional quality and emotional impact. COGconnected commended the emotional soundtrack that enriched the player's journey with vibrant and sorrowful tunes, while DarkStation noted the beautiful score that effectively set the emotional mood throughout the game. GameCrate appreciated how the amazing music complemented the storytelling and emotional journey, compensating for the lack of words or speech through the design of each level. SpazioGames described the music as magnificent, with strings and piano perfectly conveying the emotions on screen, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, Worth Playing mentioned that the music composed by Michael Giacchino and David García added gravity and emotion to the scenes, contributing to the game's impact. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, there were a few criticisms regarding the Sound Design and Music of Arise: A Simple Story. Nintendo Life pointed out occasional audio glitches and abrupt cuts in the music on the Nintendo Switch version, which could disrupt the immersive experience for some players. Shindig mentioned that while the haunting score added depth and emotion to the story, the optional gyro controls for time manipulation were not as intuitive as the standard analogue stick, potentially affecting gameplay for some individuals. These minor technical issues and control challenges were noted by a few critics but did not significantly detract from the overall praise for the game's sound design and music. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Arise: A Simple Story. The majority of reviewers appreciated the emotional impact and quality of the soundtrack, with many highlighting how the music enhanced the storytelling, evoked emotions, and complemented the overall experience of the game. Critics like God is a Geek, IGN Spain, and Game Rant emphasized the significant role that the music played in conveying emotions and intensifying the gameplay experience. Despite some minor technical issues mentioned by a few critics, the general sentiment is that the Sound Design and Music of Arise: A Simple Story greatly contributed to the game's emotional depth and immersive storytelling, making it a standout aspect of the overall experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics unanimously praised the Sound Design and Music of Arise: A Simple Story for its exceptional quality and emotional impact. The soundtrack by Michael Giacchino and David García was lauded for enriching the player's journey with vibrant and sorrowful tunes. While some critics noted minor technical issues like audio glitches on the Nintendo Switch version, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with the music effectively enhancing storytelling, evoking emotions, and intensifying the gameplay experience.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

92%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the PS4, the majority of critics had positive feedback for "Arise: A Simple Story." DualShockers praised the game for its solid technical performance, with minimal technical issues encountered during gameplay. PlayStation LifeStyle appreciated the frequent respawn checkpoints that helped mitigate frustration caused by the fixed camera perspective. Despite some occasional input lag mentioned by SpazioGames, the overall consensus for the PS4 version leans towards acceptable technical performance, with only minor issues like camera angles and controls affecting the experience, as noted by COGconnected and God is a Geek. On the Nintendo Switch platform, the technical performance of "Arise: A Simple Story" received mixed reviews. While Shindig and Starbit highlighted smooth performance without compromising visuals or gameplay, some critics like Impulsegamer and Pure Nintendo pointed out issues such as stuttering, frame drops, and disruptive loading screens. Nintendo Life mentioned audio glitches and delayed asset loads, impacting the emotional journey due to abrupt disruptions in music and visuals. VGC noted stuttering and resolution drops, affecting the overall experience on the Switch version. Overall, the critics' opinions on the technical performance of "Arise: A Simple Story" vary across platforms. While some platforms like the PS4 received praise for solid technical performance with minor issues, others like the Nintendo Switch faced more significant challenges such as frame drops, audio glitches, and disruptive loading screens. The consensus suggests that the game's technical performance is generally acceptable but may vary depending on the platform, with some versions experiencing more noticeable drawbacks. Critics like IGN Spain and Jeuxvideo.com highlighted issues with imprecise controls and frustrating moments in platforming, indicating that technical performance issues could impact the overall gameplay experience on certain platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics generally praised the PS4 version of "Arise: A Simple Story" for solid technical performance with minimal issues, while the Nintendo Switch version received mixed reviews due to frame drops, stuttering, and loading screen problems. Overall, technical performance varies by platform, with some minor issues impacting the gameplay experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

68%

Negative (0-49)

32%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In terms of positives, several critics highlighted the inclusion of collectibles in Arise: A Simple Story as a factor that adds depth to the gameplay experience. Critics like PlayStation Universe and Push Square appreciated how these collectibles provided additional context to the story and extended the playtime, making it worthwhile to replay. Additionally, DarkStation noted that the game offers a satisfying experience during the initial playthrough, which could potentially encourage players to revisit certain aspects of the game. On the negative side, a common point of criticism among reviewers was the lack of variety in gameplay mechanics and level design, which hindered the game's replay value. Critics such as Jeuxvideo.com and GamingTrend expressed that the game did not offer enough diversity or renewal to incentivize multiple playthroughs. Furthermore, PC Invasion highlighted the absence of alternate solutions to puzzles or challenging story elements as a drawback that limited the game's replayability. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards Arise: A Simple Story having limited replay value due to its linear progression, lack of gameplay freedom, and repetitive mechanics. While the inclusion of collectibles and hidden secrets was appreciated by some reviewers like TheXboxHub and Wccftech, the majority of critics, including Jeuxvideo.com and Meristation, felt that these elements were not substantial enough to significantly enhance the replayability of the game. The emotional impact and narrative focus of the game were acknowledged positively by some, such as IGN Spain and VGC, but ultimately, the lack of varied gameplay experiences seemed to be a recurring issue that affected the overall replay value of Arise: A Simple Story.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praised Arise: A Simple Story for its engaging collectibles that added depth and replay value. However, the lack of gameplay variety and linear progression hindered its replayability. While some appreciated its emotional narrative, most felt the game fell short in offering diverse experiences for multiple playthroughs.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

79%

Mixed (50-79)

21%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The critics generally praised Arise: A Simple Story for its strong emotional impact, captivating narrative, beautiful visuals, and evocative soundtrack. GameCritics highlighted the heart-tugging story and stunning visuals, while COGconnected and God is a Geek appreciated the emotionally rich storytelling and engaging narrative. The game's ability to deliver a touching and heartwarming experience through its simplicity and minimalism was commended by LaPS4 and Nintendo Life. Additionally, Worth Playing and Washington Post noted the game's success in conveying a universal tale through its platforming mechanics and level design. On the downside, several critics pointed out issues with gameplay mechanics, controls, and technical aspects that hindered the overall experience of Arise: A Simple Story. Jeuxvideo.com, Wccftech, and IGN Spain mentioned problems with repetitive gameplay, lack of precision, clumsy controls, and technical issues, which affected player engagement. Starbit and DualShockers highlighted execution errors, occasional slow pacing, and lack of deeper emotional impact as drawbacks. Furthermore, Game Informer and TrueGaming noted that while the game had strengths in visual design and narrative execution, it occasionally felt derivative and lacked tight controls, impacting the overall enjoyment for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding Arise: A Simple Story leans towards a mixed reception. While the game received praise for its emotional storytelling, stunning visuals, and captivating soundtrack, it also faced criticism for its gameplay issues, lack of replay value, and technical shortcomings. Critics like Game Rant and PlayStation Universe viewed the game positively, considering it a standout indie title with a moving narrative. However, the divided opinions from critics such as GameSpew and Jeuxvideo.com suggest that Arise: A Simple Story may appeal more to players seeking a heartfelt and visually engaging experience rather than those looking for polished gameplay mechanics. Despite its flaws, the game managed to resonate with many reviewers, offering a unique and memorable journey through life's memories and experiences.

TL;DR

Arise: A Simple Story impresses with emotional impact, visuals, and soundtrack, but faces criticism for gameplay issues and technical flaws. Critics praise its storytelling and visuals, but note problems with controls and repetitive gameplay. Overall, opinions are mixed, with some seeing it as a moving indie gem while others find it lacking in gameplay polish. Despite its flaws, the game offers a unique journey through memories and experiences.

MONSTER

Reviews

103 reviews found

100

App Trigger

Xbox One

Dec 11, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A perfect game with a sincere and heartwarming story, stunning visuals, and excellent music

Read full review

100

PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 4

Dec 2, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Easily the best indie title, emotionally impactful and relatable, a simple game with a weight that everyone in life goes through.

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100

TheXboxHub

Xbox One

Dec 8, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Arise: A Simple Story is a brilliantly devised game with a perfect amount of gameplay hours for the price. It is a wordless story with beautiful visuals and an epic soundtrack. Despite occasional frustrations with the platforming, it is one of the best games played this year.

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 4

Dec 2, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Arise: A Simple Story is a delightful mix of stunning visuals, sounds, and engaging story. It is recommended to try the game.

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Game Informer

Xbox One

Dec 11, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Arise is a game that knows what it wants to communicate and does so with delicacy and sensitivity.

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COGconnected

Nintendo Switch

May 9, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A simple but emotionally rich game with a wonderful story, breathtaking visuals, and a beautiful soundtrack. Some technical issues and depth issues with platforming, but still highly recommended.

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LaPS4

PlayStation 4

Dec 20, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Arise: A Simple Story is a unique, beautiful, and memorable indie game that offers a lot through its simplicity and minimalism.

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TrueGaming

Dec 3, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Arise: A Simple Story is a beautiful game with a well-executed narrative, stunning visuals, and a captivating soundtrack. The gameplay mechanics, although flawed in some aspects, offer an enjoyable experience. The game's short length and limited replay value may be a drawback for some players.

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COGconnected

PlayStation 4

Dec 2, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Arise: A Simple Story - Definitive Edition delivers a heartwarming and emotional experience with creative gameplay, beautiful visuals, and a captivating narrative. Despite some control and camera angle issues, the game offers a memorable journey through the old man's life.

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Destructoid

PlayStation 4

Dec 2, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Arise: A Simple Story is true to its name, offering both function and form. It is a pleasant surprise and worth experiencing.