Arise: A Simple Story - Definitive Edition

 Switch
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8

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  1. drlowdon
    May 8, 2022
    6
    When an elderly man dies he revisits past memories from his life, both the happy and the sad.

    Arise contains many elements that gamers would have seen in similar titles, but the emotional story and excellent score means it can still be very affecting at times. In gameplay terms the central concept is the ability to move time forwards or backwards, and each level is able to use this to    When an elderly man dies he revisits past memories from his life, both the happy and the sad.

    Arise contains many elements that gamers would have seen in similar titles, but the emotional story and excellent score means it can still be very affecting at times. In gameplay terms the central concept is the ability to move time forwards or backwards, and each level is able to use this to create a series of unique, and mostly well crafted puzzles. Unfortunately the platforming can often be incredibly frustrating due to the imprecise controls and awkward camera angles, and as a result it can’t be considered a must play.    … Expand
  2. Weight4Jake
    May 11, 2022
    7
    Not the most exciting game. Pretty to look at. Peaceful, light puzzler platformer.
  3. drekkard
    May 11, 2022
    10
    Played the PS4 version and found it a masterpiece, even with its flaws. A game that tries to do something different, powerful and honest, creating raw emotions through gameplay, not exposition.

    The Switch version comes with obvious downgrades but keeps the core of what made the original version great, plus an incredible OST and an interesting Art Book.
  4. bitterologist
    May 28, 2022
    9
    Somewhat janky controls, but beautifully crafted and with some neat mechanics.
  5. besiegedparent
    Jul 25, 2023
    9
    A beautiful, evocative game that masterfully (and wordlessly) blends gameplay and music to capture the emotions and experiences in a human lifetime. So brilliantly designed, the first thing I did upon finishing was to look up other games by the studio. I’ve giving it a 9 instead of a 10 for the sometimes janky controls, but those issues are relatively minor.
  6. eskway
    May 3, 2023
    9
    Deeply emotional and evocative story, told through beautiful visuals and an amazing soundtrack. One point off because of some awkward controls / rendering delays.

Awards & Rankings

56
#56 Best Switch Game of 2022
84
#84 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2022

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Starbit
    Sep 29, 2022
    80
    Arise: A Simple Story - Definitive Edition is an emotional and visually striking journey where a simple but involving gameplay will bring players to focus on the experience, while its exquisite soundtrack fits perfectly with the game's purpose. Featuring a deliberately slow pace that will soothe the most stressful souls, Arise is a very welcoming work that will fit very well in anyone's Nintendo Switch, especially in this Definitive Edition that brings a good amount of additional content.
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  2. Impulsegamer
    May 23, 2022
    80
    Arise: A Simple Story is a fantastic indie game from Piccolo Studio’s, demonstrating incredible talent. The platforming is fun and engaging, allowing anyone to dive right in without too high of a skill gap. Each world is wonderful and vibrant, with each offering a unique and interesting platforming puzzle to make every level stand out in its own way. If you’re a fan of games like Journey or Last Day of June, this game will definitely scratch that itch.
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  3. TouchArcade
    May 10, 2022
    80
    Even with all of the frustrations I had with the platforming in Arise: A Simple Story, everything else here is so good that I feel good about recommending it. The emotional journey is outstanding, and unlike a lot of other narrative-focused games, Arise packs in a lot of gameplay to go with the story. This Switch port makes some minor technical concessions, but it’s quite good on the whole. A straight run through will only take you a few hours, but hidden collectibles make it worth taking your time to explore. A Simple Story it is, but there’s something to be said for simplicity.
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