Arise: A Simple Story

 PC
User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 59 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 59
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 59
  3. Negative: 13 out of 59

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  1. Hectorgomez81
    Dec 3, 2019
    10
    Brilliant! Very interesting gameplay, 4D puzzle platformer (3D + time control).
    Music and art style are simply stunning.
    One of the best games this year.
  2. praisethepickle
    Dec 4, 2019
    10
    Arise completely took my breath away. Ever since the reveal trailer I've been looking forward to playing this game, thinking I'd experience a visually appealing, fun, platforming adventure. I was not expecting something as authentic and memorable as this. I made my account to write this spoiler-free review.

    Visually, Arise is stunning - low poly models combined with a variety of    Arise completely took my breath away. Ever since the reveal trailer I've been looking forward to playing this game, thinking I'd experience a visually appealing, fun, platforming adventure. I was not expecting something as authentic and memorable as this. I made my account to write this spoiler-free review.

    Visually, Arise is stunning - low poly models combined with a variety of techniques to render interesting textures and lighting effects create a world that pops out of the screen. Each map has it's own, completely unique palette of colours that convey a range of feelings as you traverse them.

    Your character has no facial expressions, and says no words. The story is told through excellent animations and varied, dynamic environments that become interactive through the use of your time control abilities. The developers seemingly make a point of keeping everything as simple as possible - so that you focus on the important things (a theme that has stuck with me since I finished the game) - but the animations are crisp, expressive, varied and give the character weight in a world that moves all the way between punishing and serene.

    Each level is a chronological reflection of your characters life up until his death (the game starts with your character at his funeral, and is a reflection on his life up until that moment). Themes of love, loss, despair, empathy, discovery and growth are all present and presented in beautiful, poetic ways.

    What really tied the entire experience together - was the music. An utterly gorgeous orchestral soundtrack to accompany every level, emotion and movement that at times, felt almost interactive in it's own right. I will not spoil anymore here - but it is one of the best and most fitting game soundtracks I've ever heard.

    Collectables add huge value to the story, filling in gaps and further evolving the character and his connection to loved ones.

    The game is not difficult, nor does it play itself. Instead, you flow from area to area, soaking up the art that can be utterly overwhelming at times, in the best possible way.

    When the credits rolled, I had tears in my eyes, and was left speechless. I wanted to speak to my family immediately, and tell them how much I loved them. The emotions that this game instilled in me are ones that I haven't felt from a video game for a long time.

    In my eyes, Arise stands on the shoulders of giants such as Journey and Brothers: Tale Of Two Sons, at the pinnacle of video games as an art form. This is an experience I will never forget.

    If you liked any of the aforementioned games, please pick this up. This is quite possibly my game of the year... and I have played a lot of games this year.

    An absolute masterpiece.    … Expand
  3. ekabon
    May 18, 2020
    8
    Great atmosphere and environmental storytelling! It's a short game but well worth every penny they ask for it.
  4. hileger
    Jan 28, 2023
    7
    ТУпо пойдет ТУпо пойдет ТУпо пойдет ТУпо пойдет ТУпо пойдет ТУпо пойдет
  5. Dubeau
    Dec 5, 2019
    9
    Arise is very nice game with a compelling emotional story. The story is one that can be very relatable to everyone. It is presented in a simple way but with an interesting time control mechanic. The graphics are cell shaded and surrounded with good lighting effects. Visually, certain areas are amazing (sunflowers). The music is vivid and in the style of classical Disney musics. If youArise is very nice game with a compelling emotional story. The story is one that can be very relatable to everyone. It is presented in a simple way but with an interesting time control mechanic. The graphics are cell shaded and surrounded with good lighting effects. Visually, certain areas are amazing (sunflowers). The music is vivid and in the style of classical Disney musics. If you don't like that, you might like that game. Some jumping are difficult, not because of the challenge but the camera can be very oddly placed at times. I give it a 88%. This is a game in line with Journey. All atmosphere and slow progression through a good story.… Expand
  6. gameking
    Jan 10, 2020
    10
    Incredible story. Incredible atmosphere. You can cry after the game.The story works so well that you are immersed in yourself. You don't understand when the game ends.
  7. Ugly_Zebra
    May 6, 2020
    10
    Really breathtaking game - simple in its construction but full of emotions and deep in story telling. And the sound track that supports and intensifies the experience.

Awards & Rankings

95
#95 Best PC Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Adventure Gamers
    May 4, 2020
    80
    Arise uses creative level design, gorgeous visuals and challenging environmental puzzles to explore the length and breadth of a full lifetime. A few presentation issues aside, it’s a moving, thought-provoking experience that tells a complete story with scarcely a word.
    Read full review
  2. GamingTrend
    Mar 10, 2020
    80
    Likening this game to the movie Up, Arise: A Simple Story is much more than what its title lets on. It forces us to take a step back and analyze life. With its time control mechanics that manipulate the world in so many ways, platforming style of play, and its ability to tell a narrative story without dialogue, Arise is one of those games that makes you question whether small titles like this are becoming the status quo.
    Read full review
  3. Edge Magazine
    Jan 31, 2020
    80
    This is a beautiful game from top to bottom: a feast for the eyes, a treat for the ears, a test for the brain and thumbs and a good old stress-test for the heart and tear ducts. This is a rare sort of debut: one that marks out its developer as one to watch. [Issue#342, p.112]
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