Review: American Arcadia
Developer – Out of the Blue Games Publisher – Raw Fury Platforms – Xbox One, PS4 , PC (Reviewed) Review copy given by Publisher From the ingenious minds at Out of the Blue, American Arcadia , invites players to traverse the intriguing landscapes of a retro-futuristic 70s metropolis. Within this city of apparent opulence and comfort, a sinister reality unfolds as citizens remain blissfully ignorant of their involuntary participation in the most popular reality TV show on the planet. In this elaborate facade, love, loss, and the precarious nature of fame converge, setting the stage for a narrative-driven adventure unlike any other. Our protagonist, Trevor Hills, emerges as the unsuspecting hero from the ranks of mundane office clerks. His ordinary existence becomes the catalyst for an adrenaline-pumping escape from the clutches of American Arcadia, where a plummet in popularity equates to the ultimate cost – death. However, Trevor is not alone in this perilous journey; enter Angela Solano, the indispensable ally determined to navigate the intricacies of this dystopian dreamscape. As a stage technician for American Arcadia, Angela assumes the role of a first-person hacker, wielding her technical prowess and strategic acumen to manipulate the environment. Her symbiotic relationship with Trevor creates a dynamic gameplay experience, where cooperation is not just encouraged but vital for success. The synergy between these two characters epitomizes the essence of the game, where unity is the key to overcoming the formidable corporation orchestrating the deadly contest. The game’s innovation shines through in its seamless integration of 2.5D puzzle platforming sections, where players guide Trevor through the labyrinthine challenges of escape. These sections provide a visceral, hands-on experience of the dangers lurking within the metropolis. In contrast, the first-person hacking gameplay as Angela adds a cerebral dimension to the narrative, requiring players to unravel the mysteries from an entirely different perspective. What sets American Arcadia apart is its narrative complexity, rife with unexpected twists, turns, and layers of deception. The plot unfolds gradually, revealing a tapestry of lies that keeps players hooked and invested in the fate of our protagonists. The meticulously crafted world-building is evident in every pixel, immersing players in the pulsating atmosphere of the 70s metropolis. Visually, the game is a feast for the eyes, with graphics and design that pay homage to the retro-futuristic aesthetic. The attention to detail, whether in the bustling metropolis or the meticulously crafted puzzle sections, contributes to the overall immersion. The soundtrack complements the visual experience, enhancing the suspense and drama, making every moment resonate with cinematic intensity. American Arcadia transcends the realm of mere gaming; it’s an interactive narrative that challenges players to confront the duality of utopia and dystopia. With its symbiotic interplay between characters, Out of the Blue has birthed an unforgettable gaming experience. The journey into the shadows of reality is not just perilous; it’s an odyssey that demands resilience, strategy, and a willingness to unravel the intricacies of a world shrouded in deception. In a landscape saturated with gaming options, American Arcadia stands tall as a beacon of originality and excellence. American Arcadia is more than a recommendation; it’s a mandatory sojourn into the heart of dystopian gaming brilliance. Step into the unknown, where every decision echoes through the corridors of a metropolis that conceals as much as it reveals.
The release date for Baldur’s Gate 3 on Xbox will be announced at The Game Awards
Baldur’s Gate 3 is now available to play on PC via Steam and PlayStation 5, but the Xbox Series XlS port has been the biggest issue of them all. Today, Larian Studios announced on social media that news regarding Baldur’s Gate 3 will come in December. Viewers can expect to see the release date announced for Baldur’s Gate 3 on Xbox Series XlS on December 7 during The Game Awards show hosted by Geoff Keighley. Xbox players, we hear you’re looking for more news on Baldur’s Gate 3. The game is on track for a December release. We’ll see you at The Game Awards for the World Premiere™ of the exact release date. — Larian Studios (@larianstudios) November 15, 2023 There will likely be a lot of developers at the show from Larian Studios since their game is up for many awards including Game Of The Year. Since the release date announcement will take place on December 7, that means recent rumors of Baldur’s Gate 3 being released on December 6 are false. Do you think this could be a shadow drop from Larian Studios?
Job Listing Points To Live-Service Features For Upcoming Wonder Woman Game
Among the pile of confirmed projects coming from Warner Bros. Games, the publisher is looking to shoehorn in free-to-play, live-service elements into its premium games. Thus far, this has been evident with the upcoming Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. In that, the game is to feature cosmetic battle passes as well as require being connected online to play any portion of the full game. Additionally, more games are to embrace this as well it appears. In a recent statement from Warner Discovery CEO David Zaslav, this trend is to continue onward with its future projects. Already, this is evident with the upcoming mobile endeavor Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions. The game is expected to be a free experience on smart devices whilst catering to in-game purchases and such. This week, it is discovered that this list is to further growing with now Monolith Productions’ Wonder Woman now involved as well. As per a finding by WCCFTech, the project features a new job listing for a Lead Software Engineer that asks candidates for “experience helping maintain a live software product or game.” The full description reads: “As a Gameplay Lead, you will lead the team responsible for core gameplay systems inherent to Monolith’s proprietary engine, including combat, movement, the Nemesis system, and more! You will collaborate closely with our design team to coordinate the implementation of these systems, and represent the interests of the Gameplay team throughout the studio.” On matters for current Warner Bros. Games projects, pre-orders officially went live for Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League this week. Rocksteady Studios announced this amid the new ‘Suicide Squad Insider’ series which shared elements of the story and definitive gameplay for the upcoming title. You can read the full report by heading here. What is your thoughts on Wonder Woman potentially featuring live-service features? Source: Warner Bros. Games
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League Trailer Shares Story Details, Pre-Order Live Now
When Rocksteady Studios revealed Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, the announcement took seven years following the release of Batman Arkham Knight. Amid the wait, the fans are still patient as the new title is still aiming to ship this February. Roughly a decade since the launch of its last title, Rocksteady Studios is sitting in an obscure position as of late. While considered as one of the best AAA developers, the current approach to its newest project is questionable. Previously, it was confirmed that the game would be taking the live-service approach for its way of progression. Battle passes would be introduced – even only for cosmetics. Additionally, there is more that further isolates the Arkham-connected universe with Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. In that, the title is to require a constant internet connection to play as well. This week, Rocksteady Studios as part of new ‘Suicide Squad Insider’ series shared more story elements of the new title and officially launched pre-orders for when Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League ships next winter. You can watch the trailer in the video below: It is also worth noting pre-ordering also includes the original outfits of the new rogue cast of characters for Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. “If looks could kill, the Justice League would be dead by now. Pre-order Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League to score the Squad’s Classic Outfits and take out the League in style,” the description for the trailer reads for the ‘Classic Outfits’ feature. Recently, it was confirmed that the live-service approach for Warner Bros. titles is here to stay. In a earnings call at Warner Discovery, it was shared by CEO David Zaslav that games going forward is to truly embrace this business models in future releases – Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League included. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you pre-ordering Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League? Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League launches on February 2, 2024 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
PlayStation Plus November 2023 Game Catalog Includes Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen, Superliminal, Teardown, And More
Since the beginning of this fall, PlayStation Plus has began to shift in a new approach when it comes to approaching its users. Firstly, the 12-month subscription options did face a price hike across the board – Essential, Extra, and Premium. Additionally, the service expands its reach with cloud streaming also introduced over the past month as well. In terms of what the service offers game wise, last month’s catalog helpings included Gungrave G.O.R.E., Gotham Knights, Outlast II among others. For this month’s free games as per November 2023, members were faced with Mafia II: Definitive Edition, Dragon Ball: The Breakers, and Aliens: Fireteam Elite then also. Entering the halfway point for this month, Sony Interactive Entertainment has revealed the new game catalog lineup for PlayStation Plus Extra & Premium users. This titles are scheduled to arrive on November 21st. You can read the full list below: PlayStation 5 Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising KLONOA Phantasy Reverie Series Superliminal PlayStation 4 Alternate Jake Hunter: Daedalus The Awakening of Golden Jazz Dead Island: Riptide Definitive Edition Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising KLONOA Phantasy Reverie Series Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme VS. Maxiboost ON Nobunaga’s Ambition: Taishi River City Melee Mach!! Superliminal Teardown PlayStation Portable Up PlayStation 2 PaRappa the Rapper 2 PlayStation Grandia Jet Moto Among the heavy lineup, Teardown was a featured title at a previous PlayStation State of Play. CEO Marcus Dawson explains the game as “it’s a voxel-based heist game where you literally tear down walls and obstacles in the environment to create shortcuts and complete objectives. […] With our custom engine comes extensive input data for the DualSense wireless controller, enabling unique haptics throughout the game.” What has you most excited for the PlayStation Plus November 2023 game catalog? Source: PlayStation Plus
Rollerdrome, Persona 5 Tactica, Dune: Spice Wars Listed For Xbox Game Pass November 2023 Update
Upon exploring the options that Xbox Game Pass has to offer, some beloved releases did depart recently. At the end of October, most notably Persona 5 Royal officially exited the subscription after nearly a year since its arrival on the platform. Howbeit, this would be a short-lived farewell as a connecting title – Persona 5 Tactica – is expected to hit the service as well. Even more, the arrival for other anticipated titles were also shared to hit the subscription library later this month as well. In an announcement from Private Division, Rollerdrome is to debut on Xbox whilst simultaneously shipping for Xbox Game Pass too. Even more, the service is also extending its reach with a previous addition as well. In November 2022, Dune: Spice Wars hit the service for PC Game Pass owners then. From a new Xbox Wire post this week, all three aforementioned titles are lined up to hit Xbox Game Pass for the remainder of November 2023. You can read the full list below: Console Persona 5 Tactica – 11/17 Dune: Spice Wars – 11/28 Rollerdrome [Xbox Series X|S] – 11/28 PC Persona 5 Tactica – 11/17 Rollerdrome – 11/28 Cloud Persona 5 Tactica – 11/17 Dune: Spice Wars – 11/28 Rollerdrome – 11/28 Elsewhere this month, Xbox Game Pass continued its commitment to its players with an ambitious start to November earlier on. In that, the service featured additions including Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, Headbangers Rhythm Royale, Wild Hearts, Justant, Football Manager 2024, and Thirsty Suitors. As for this month, there is over a handful leaving at the end of November, including Anvil (Cloud; Console; PC), Battlefield 1943 (Console) [EA Play], Battlefield: Bad Company (Console) [EA Play], Battlefield: Bad Company 2 (Console; PC) [EA Play], Disc Room (Cloud; Console; PC), Eastward (Cloud; Console; PC), and Grid (Console) [EA Play]. Noted, the Battlefield games are leaving as servers shutter this month. You can read the full report by heading here. What of the trio has you most excited for the remainder of November for Xbox Game Pass? Source: Xbox Wire
Viewfinder is nominated for Best Indie Game and Best Debut Indie Game at The Game Awards
One of Thunderful and Sad Owl Studios’ newest games of the year, Viewfinder has been nominated in two categories for this year’s The Game Awards. Many critics claim Viewfinder to be one of the best puzzle games you can play as of today. Viewfinder is nominated for Best Indie Game and Best Debut Indie Game at The Game Awards and you can vote for the game now. Viewfinder is a first-person puzzle adventure where photos, paintings, sketches, screenshots and posters can be placed in the world to become a fabric of its reality, reshaping the environment around you. This unique mechanic delights in the way it plays with perception, evolving in surprising directions that keep players challenged with every new puzzle they encounter. You can play Viewfinder only on PlayStation 5 and PC.
Rumor: Persona 6 will release in 2025
While Atlus is preparing for the launch of Persona 5: Tactica on November 17 and with Persona 3 Reload coming out in Early 2024, reports are coming out for future Persona games. It had been rumored in recent months that Persona 6 would have a “Black and White” theme and it will come to Xbox Day One. According to reliable Persona Leaker, I Am A Hero Too, Persona 6 is going to be released in 2025 with a reveal time still being decided. They also talk about Metaphor: ReFantazio being planned for a 2024 release still. https://twitter.com/MbKKssTBhz5/status/1724211996164317258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1724211996164317258%7Ctwgr%5E4b083dc3f40ba020f4ac2a9bd58df6d7b5c84d15%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fgamingbolt.com%2Fmetaphor-refantazio-releasing-in-2024-persona-6-in-2025-rumor 2025 is still far away, but when do you think a Persona 6 reveal will come? Source: GamingBolt
Outer Wilds: Archaeologist Edition comes to Nintendo Switch on December 7
The Nintendo Indie World Showcase concluded on Tuesday, November 14, and shared news on games coming to the platform in the near future. One of the games rumored a day prior was Outer Wilds and that became true during the presentation. The game was first announced to come to the Switch in 2021, but it had been delayed ever since. Fans will be able to play Outer Wilds: Archaeologist Edition for the Nintendo Switch on December 7, 2023. Initially, the release will be digital-only, but a physical version will be released in 2024. Outer Wilds: Archaeologist Edition from Mobius Digital and Annapurna Interactive: In this open-world adventure, scour multiple planets in search of clues, strange signals and ancient alien texts to decipher. But the whole solar system is trapped in a time loop, and each planet changes dramatically during each loop. Delve into an underground city before it’s swallowed by sand, dodge sky-high cyclones and more. Find the keys to unlock the mysteries of this solar system in the most hidden and dangerous of places, then unravel the deepest secret of them all in the included Echoes of the Eye expansion.
