Arise: A Simple Story

 PlayStation 4
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 112 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 78 out of 112
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 112
  3. Negative: 16 out of 112

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  1. Bkkkkkk
    Dec 8, 2019
    10
    Absolutely lovely. The story of this game is deeply touching, while the gameplay is unique and entertaining. Another game from thatgamecompany that I want to share with my friends and family.
    I couldn't try it yet but I also noticed the two players local mode, and I can't wait to experience it.

    This is more than a game! Gave me in two hours a nostalgic feeling of having a beautiful life.
  2. cachoacacho
    Dec 7, 2019
    10
    One of the games of the year. How beautiful it is!! It is brilliant how developers link different stage of the story with a concordant, smart gameplay mechanics and music. As Journey, the game is an epic poem over the purpose of our lives. Love.
  3. VrrKdor
    Dec 5, 2019
    10
    This game is a crying machine. I can recommend it to everyone I love it! 10/10
  4. Nicolastr01
    Dec 14, 2019
    10
    This game is magnificent, poetic, with accessible gameplay. And what about the music. A real work of art, a masterpiece. To recommend, without the slightest hesitation.
  5. Ironybloody
    Dec 19, 2019
    10
    First time rating a game here. I loved this game. Made me tear up a little. Very compelling story the whole way through. I like small and artistic games like this. Journey comes to mind.
  6. michkonw
    Jan 2, 2020
    10
    Amazing game, beautiful, mature and enjoyable, great music, extraordinary idea and mood. Worth playing.
  7. GamerGuysNGals
    Dec 27, 2019
    9
    Sorry for a couple things before we start. Sorry for how long it took me to get to this review, I've been a little piled up plus the Holidays. Also let me apologize for how many times I might use the word beautiful in my review. I did a video, but the commentary on it I just stopped , because I hated talking over the beautiful scenes and music so I cut my words short, and mainly just leftSorry for a couple things before we start. Sorry for how long it took me to get to this review, I've been a little piled up plus the Holidays. Also let me apologize for how many times I might use the word beautiful in my review. I did a video, but the commentary on it I just stopped , because I hated talking over the beautiful scenes and music so I cut my words short, and mainly just left the rest of the video to be viewed and listened to. I will cover it however far more in depth in the written hopefully.
    In Arise You can control the environment around this older gentleman to proceed through levels. He can do really cool things like raise and lower the water, control the snow, lightning, fire, and many more. It is a really cool concept, and I had a lot of fun using the ability. You must jump and climb your way through the levels until you collect all your memories. Let's get it out of the way though. That is the only flaw in the game is the controls at times. They can seem kind of clunky, and the jump can feel off at times. That being said it doesn't take much away from this title. It is easy to overlook when everything else is so flawless and beautiful. So let's forget about that, it's such a small part of "Arise" and the positives far out weigh any negatives with this title.
    Now that we have got that small negative out of the way let's talk about where the game shines. I don't think I have ever played a game that made me say the word beautiful so much. In "Arise: A Simple Story" you play a older gentleman in his afterlife. He must wander the world he lived in to collect memories.The games story is beautiful and really sad at times. It's story is one of love and loss and you really feel all of the ma's emotions as you control him. The cut scenes really touch your heart every time you reach one. This game does a excellent job at making you feel something and that is very important. I can't remember that last time I felt this way playing a game. It was probably "Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons". This game isn't as jarring and sad as that was, but it almost gets there. It really makes you think and feel and that is something that really makes it such a powerful story in my opinion.
    Here we go with the word beautiful again. The level design of "Arise: A Simple Story" are pure development perfection. Everything around you just grabs your attention and makes it hard to play at times because you just want to look at everything and take it in. Every area even the ones that are mean't to be dark and scary are just so easy on the eyes and I marveled looking at each one. Snow covered worlds, dark caves, stormy woods, sunflower gardens, streams and so on just really pop and make you sit and stare. It was really one of my favorite worlds to experience this year in a game. I really have to give hats off to this team on it's level design. It isn't only easy on the eyes, but it is also well developed as far as how it is setup. You really have to look around to find your way and hidden objects. You don't mind doing that though and that is what is unusual. You will want to take in as much of each level as you can. It will take you a little over 3 hours to complete your journey, and leave you wanting more. If you are an Achievement hunter you will prob dive right back in to grab the ones you missed. You can level select once it's completed so you'll have no problem getting back in there. I really can't wait to hear others opinions on this after I'm done writing mine up. I plan to go read other peoples views. I hope some of you play it, and leave me comments on what you thought as well. There are parts of this game where I was just mind blown at how beautiful it was. Like on one of the levels it's dark and these creepy guys are approaching and you can control the lightning to scare them off and it was one of the most beautiful things I ever seen in a game.
    Are you ready for the world beautiful again? Well it's coming. You can not talk about "Arise" and not talk about it's soundtrack. You can't talk about "Arise's" soundtrack without using the word beautiful. It is without question one of my favorites of the year. If I had heard it before doing my Game Awards no one reads, I would have gave it best soundtrack no question. I will remember it come next year's though. The music is just so elegant at times you sit down your controller to take it all in. I stopped talking on my review and cut it short because It felt disrespectful to talk over it. The word beautiful really doesn't even cut it. It just fits perfectly within the story, and makes you feel so much. Arise is just a perfect overall experience of feelings, and I highly recommend it to any one. I really hope some one reads this, and gives it a try and loves it like I did.    … Expand
  8. Oswin27
    Dec 6, 2019
    9
    Un univers onirique qui nous permets de nous replonger dans notre propre existence. Fabuleux !
  9. MMiko
    Dec 6, 2019
    10
    ESPECTACULAR!!!! cuando adquiri el juego pense que me gustaria, puesto que es el tipo de juegos q suelen gustarme, pero jamas pense que me sorprenderia tanto! Es un juego q te envuelve con los 5 sentidos. A nivel visual espectaculares graficos, bonitos y llenos de color, el oido se deja encandilar por esa musica sobervia, que te toca la fibra, una musica llena de emocion cierto es.
    El    ESPECTACULAR!!!! cuando adquiri el juego pense que me gustaria, puesto que es el tipo de juegos q suelen gustarme, pero jamas pense que me sorprenderia tanto! Es un juego q te envuelve con los 5 sentidos. A nivel visual espectaculares graficos, bonitos y llenos de color, el oido se deja encandilar por esa musica sobervia, que te toca la fibra, una musica llena de emocion cierto es.
    El tacto se lo daremos a los creadores, el tacto que han tenido en crear esta historia tan simple, porque podria ocurrirnos a cualquiera de nosotros, y a su vez tan rica llena de sentimiento.
    El gusto y el olfato otra vez se lo daremos a los creadores, el gusto por este magnifico y bello juego lleno de color y aventuras; y el olfato que han tenido para dejarnos boquiabiertos!!!!! Sin duda ARISE uno de los juegos del año, habra que vigilar de cerca a este estudio para sus proximos proyectos. Le doy un 10!!!!!    … Expand
  10. maaden_swe
    Jan 3, 2020
    10
    In my top 3 best game of 2019. Amazing graphics, fantastic soundtrack and great controls. The story is told without words thru very unique levels. Wow
  11. painava
    Apr 10, 2022
    7
    Pros: Storytelling, art direction, atmosphere, music and time control physics. Overall it's a good indie game.

    Cons: Somewhat clunky and frustrating controls, annoying checkpoints, slow character (I get it he's an old man but still).
  12. Sargeth06
    Dec 3, 2019
    9
    nice game, and nice story, its wonderfull to play. the game shine's on the visual effects
  13. laska00
    Dec 3, 2019
    10
    This is an amazing game. The story, art, music all of it. The atmosphere is mind blowing. just love it.
  14. Nat_
    Dec 3, 2019
    10
    looks amazing. A moving story, beautiful soundtrack, vibrant colors. I like it.
  15. 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.
  16. Kharador
    Dec 3, 2019
    10
    Great videogame. What a surprise to find this kind of passionate games. Music and visuals are greate for only 20 bucks. Well done guys!
  17. DoctorCalamari
    Dec 3, 2019
    7
    So.. this game has top notch visuals, a gripping story, and an amazing score, but there is so little game here, and it is so short, that I think this would fit better as a film or tv special than a video game.
  18. Yourmumsbills
    Dec 22, 2019
    6
    Arise is a beautiful looking game that tells a lovely story with a delightful soundtrack. Sadly it's let down by poor gameplay mechanics and bad level design. The jumping is sluggish and unresponsive, which for a platforming game is a big problem, and the perspective in some levels is so badly done that you just continuously jump to your death over and over which very quickly becomesArise is a beautiful looking game that tells a lovely story with a delightful soundtrack. Sadly it's let down by poor gameplay mechanics and bad level design. The jumping is sluggish and unresponsive, which for a platforming game is a big problem, and the perspective in some levels is so badly done that you just continuously jump to your death over and over which very quickly becomes extremely irritating, and which of course ruins the story and atmosphere of the game. I will also say that even though it is a pretty game, it's really nothing particularly new or original and there are better more enjoyable games of a similar type out there, Rime being a more recent one. Sadly i think this game will be one that does not stay in my library for future play.… Expand
  19. GrumpyReviewer
    Dec 14, 2019
    3
    This is one gorgeous, haunting, little indie game. The setting is beautiful, almost dreamlike. The soundtrack is perfection. Every little thing about this game screams love. It's sad, though, that it offers one of the WORST, most broken platforming I've seen in years. Although Arise is a beautiful game to LOOK AT, it is a CHORE to play.

    I was actually sad to be mad and frustrated at    This is one gorgeous, haunting, little indie game. The setting is beautiful, almost dreamlike. The soundtrack is perfection. Every little thing about this game screams love. It's sad, though, that it offers one of the WORST, most broken platforming I've seen in years. Although Arise is a beautiful game to LOOK AT, it is a CHORE to play.

    I was actually sad to be mad and frustrated at this game; but, after you fall in the same pit over and over and over again it becomes difficult not to hate it. It just seems to be poorly made, rushed, unpolished. There is no fun in falling, dying, missing jumps because of bad game design.

    At the end, I know they wanted to give me a strong story but I'm afraid I could not enjoy it, I was hating this game so much. I just wanted to get it one and move on. It is a shame that such a beautiful game is a pain to play. I simply had no desire to find the collectibles, I was just happy it was over. Art direction and soundtrack 10. Gameplay design 0.    … Expand
  20. curzon_dax
    May 13, 2020
    9
    This is a beautiful story that can be enjoyed by everyone regardless of genre preferences. Normally I would rate it slightly lower because it has a few bugs and the gameplay lacks some skipping features, however the gameplay it employs compared to most games is extremely inventive and original (when you think it will be as simple as the start it keeps surprising you with new gameplayThis is a beautiful story that can be enjoyed by everyone regardless of genre preferences. Normally I would rate it slightly lower because it has a few bugs and the gameplay lacks some skipping features, however the gameplay it employs compared to most games is extremely inventive and original (when you think it will be as simple as the start it keeps surprising you with new gameplay elements) therefore for that reason alone it is almost a perfect game.… Expand
  21. arw002
    Jan 29, 2020
    10
    This game is what it appears to be - a simple but beautiful story both thematically and visually. I really appreciated that the game tells a coherent story. Many artistic indi games often stray too far into abstract, excessive symbolism without any real closure or a complete story. This game intentionally avoids that. I also appreciated the variety of level appearances and moods -This game is what it appears to be - a simple but beautiful story both thematically and visually. I really appreciated that the game tells a coherent story. Many artistic indi games often stray too far into abstract, excessive symbolism without any real closure or a complete story. This game intentionally avoids that. I also appreciated the variety of level appearances and moods - although it is sort of a sad game overall there are plenty of moments of wonder and joy.
    My one complaint is that the wall climbing is aggravatingly awkward in terms of button controls and responsiveness for such a simple mechanic. Some of the jump landing detection can also be a little spotty. However, the game provides generous checkpoints and unlimited lives, so you never pay too dearly for a missed jump, and the creativity of the levels makes up for the bland platforming.
    I highly recommend playing it in one sitting.    … Expand
  22. KayVen17
    May 17, 2021
    7
    Es ist wirklich ein gutes Spiel. Schöne Musik. Schöne Optik. Es spielt sich leicht und es hat sehr traurige Momente, die man nicht kommen sieht.

    Trotzdem ging bei mir nicht der Funke über. Ich weiß nicht warum. Es ließ mich kalt. Für das eine Mal spielen reichte es und bei einer Szene war ich auch überrascht. Trotzdem ist es für mich weder sehr gut noch fantastisch. Es ist einfach...    Es ist wirklich ein gutes Spiel. Schöne Musik. Schöne Optik. Es spielt sich leicht und es hat sehr traurige Momente, die man nicht kommen sieht.

    Trotzdem ging bei mir nicht der Funke über. Ich weiß nicht warum. Es ließ mich kalt. Für das eine Mal spielen reichte es und bei einer Szene war ich auch überrascht. Trotzdem ist es für mich weder sehr gut noch fantastisch. Es ist einfach... gut. :D    … Expand
  23. Wackme
    Jan 14, 2020
    9
    I really recommend this game, but be prepared for the cons. I wanted to give it a 8.5, but i rounded up to a 9.

    Pros: - Beautiful game!! - Nice graphics - Beautiful soundtrack (Goosebumps) - Gripping story - Sometimes even a bit scary - I'm glad i played it Cons: - The jumping is really frustrating. I had numerous time i wanted to quit the game because of it. You will fall at    I really recommend this game, but be prepared for the cons. I wanted to give it a 8.5, but i rounded up to a 9.

    Pros:
    - Beautiful game!!
    - Nice graphics
    - Beautiful soundtrack (Goosebumps)
    - Gripping story
    - Sometimes even a bit scary
    - I'm glad i played it

    Cons:
    - The jumping is really frustrating. I had numerous time i wanted to quit the game because of it. You will fall at least a 100 times, which is very irritating. I won't play the game a second time because of this.
    - The game is short    … Expand
  24. landryclayton
    Jan 31, 2020
    9
    Fantastic game with a fantastic score. Arise a simple story may be just that a simple story but it tugs on all the heartstrings in all the right ways.
  25. cecilu
    Jan 27, 2020
    10
    The most poignant example of how video games can be art. Every mechanic in the game served the story. Original, beautiful, moving, captivating. No words.
  26. buujah
    Feb 24, 2020
    10
    beautiful, just beautiful. give it a try. if you are not a robot it will touch you. support the studio. just buy, chill, relax and enjoy the journey - you wont regret it.
  27. piuscorvus
    Jan 15, 2021
    9
    Just like I felt after playing Journey, this is a game that can give you a lot in only a few hours and without any spoken word.

    The only downside is platforming, which is not that great and can lead to countless jumps into the pit that might break the flow of a really nice story.
  28. WhatAboutThat
    Oct 10, 2020
    9
    This has been one of the best games I've ever played. Deeply emotional, calming, creative, beautiful. I loved the way it explores such deep aspects of our humanity, such as love, loss, facing our inner fears, joy, romance, solitude - and all without any dialogue! I cried many times while playing it, as is touched those aspects of my own life that I haven't fully acknowledged. An absoluteThis has been one of the best games I've ever played. Deeply emotional, calming, creative, beautiful. I loved the way it explores such deep aspects of our humanity, such as love, loss, facing our inner fears, joy, romance, solitude - and all without any dialogue! I cried many times while playing it, as is touched those aspects of my own life that I haven't fully acknowledged. An absolute profound delight and I hope it inspires more games to be created in this style. Thank you to all the creators!… Expand
  29. logicdrip
    Feb 18, 2021
    9
    Amazing game! The story is so heartwarming and you are constantly bombarded with emotions! Although it lacks in gameplay, for example it misses a restart level option ( for those who are after the trophies, and must exit to limbo, and re enter the level which is time consuming ), or the control of the character is unstable in some critical moments ( like when you need to balance in a rockAmazing game! The story is so heartwarming and you are constantly bombarded with emotions! Although it lacks in gameplay, for example it misses a restart level option ( for those who are after the trophies, and must exit to limbo, and re enter the level which is time consuming ), or the control of the character is unstable in some critical moments ( like when you need to balance in a rock or a tree trunk ) and you keep falling, but overall the story and the atmosphere outweighs the few flaws!!! It's a game worth playing!… Expand
  30. infamousgeorge_
    May 7, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A masterpiece. The level design, the storytelling, the art direction, the simplicity, I loved every piece of it. The music is the cherry on top, which perfectly accompanies the game. If someone wants to study games as a way to tell a story and as an art, then this is the game for you. Amazing game, got me emotional, especially at the end.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

62
#62 Best PS4 Game of 2019
75
#75 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. Worth Playing
    Feb 20, 2020
    81
    The title occasionally feels derivative and lacks a tightness in the controls, but generally, Arise is largely filled with strengths that result in exactly what it promises to deliver: a simple narrative that also happens to be incredibly moving.
    Read full review
  2. CD-Action
    Jan 10, 2020
    70
    The level design changes between exceptional and mediocre which is rather disappointing for a 6-hour long game. It was a pleasant experience overall but its potential dwindles before it has a chance to make a proper impact. [01/2020, p.79]
  3. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Jan 9, 2020
    80
    A pretty picture concerned with memory and mortality that strides through its emotional beats with confidence. A 3D puzzle platformer that trips where so many others have before. [Issue@#171, p.94]
See all critic reviews »