Arise: A Simple Story

 PC
Arise: A Simple Story Image
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 59 Ratings

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  • Summary: 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.

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Arise: A Simple Story Gameplay - 9 Minutes Of Giant Sunflowers & Earthquakes

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. 3DJuegos
    Dec 19, 2019
    85
    Its ingenious design that allows us to manipulate time remains agile and fresh since it refuses to repeat mechanics in each of its ten levels, while the story is simple, yes, but it reaches the heart.
  2. TrueGaming
    Dec 3, 2019
    85
    If you like video games with artistic approach you will probably fall in love with Arise's heartwarming story and beautiful music.
  3. The Games Machine
    Dec 2, 2019
    84
    Arise: A Simple Story is a puzzle platform game with a soul. It’s a beautiful and touching trip through the emotions of the protagonist and the player. Even if short and without words, Arise can say a lot to the heart.
  4. The Indie Game Website
    Dec 3, 2019
    80
    Arise: A Simple Story is one of the stronger ‘Journey-like’ experiences I’ve played. Its awe-inspiring levels that morph with the flow of time are only hampered slightly by a few design problems. What’s more, the titular ‘simple story’ is heartfelt and elegantly told. Minor frustrations aside, this is a lovely little tale that’s easy to recommend.
  5. TheGamer
    Dec 12, 2019
    80
    So bring a box of tissues and brace yourself for emotional impact, because Arise: A Simple Story is perhaps the most tearjerking game you'll play this year.
  6. Gameblog.fr
    Dec 6, 2019
    80
    In Arise: A Simple Story, everything seems simple. It's quite easy to play - even though controls are clunky - and quite easy to understand. But it's not easy to forget, as it is a superb and very emotional tale, with superb visuals, fantastic music and a very moving story - that will make you easily cry.
  7. Jeuxvideo.com
    Dec 2, 2019
    65
    Arise: A Simple Story draws the player's attention with a beautiful art and sound design but quickly fails to keep it due to repetitive gameplay mechanics.

See all 14 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. 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 aArise 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
  2. 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 andReally 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.… Expand
  4. 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'tIncredible 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.… Expand
  5. 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    Brilliant! Very interesting gameplay, 4D puzzle platformer (3D + time control).
    Music and art style are simply stunning.
    One of the best games this year.    … Expand
  6. 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 aArise 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
  7. ekabon
    May 18, 2020
    8
    Great atmosphere and environmental storytelling! It's a short game but well worth every penny they ask for it.
  8. hileger
    Jan 28, 2023
    7
    ТУпо пойдет ТУпо пойдет ТУпо пойдет ТУпо пойдет ТУпо пойдет ТУпо пойдет

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Awards & Rankings

95
#95 Best PC Game of 2019

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