Arcadegeddon

Arcadegeddon is a fast-paced, co-operative rogue-lite shooter set in a vibrant fantasy arcade universe. Players engage in behind-view combat through colorful, cartoonish environments reminiscent of games like Fortnite, battling enemies and climbing leaderboards while accompanied by an energetic dubstep soundtrack.

Arcadegeddon: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

In the crowded landscape of multiplayer shooters, Arcadegeddon stands out as a vibrant, fast-paced roguelite experience that blends cooperative gameplay with arcade-style mechanics. Developed by IllFonic, the studio behind Predator: Hunting Grounds and Friday the 13th: The Game, Arcadegeddon offers a unique blend of third-person shooting, procedural generation, and a distinctive art style reminiscent of Fortnite and ArcRunner. This review will delve into the game’s development history, narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, world-building, reception, and legacy, ultimately assessing its place in video game history.

Development History & Context

IllFonic, founded in 2007, has a history of developing multiplayer-focused games with a strong emphasis on cooperative and competitive experiences. Arcadegeddon was announced in early 2021 and entered Early Access on July 8, 2021, before its full release on July 5, 2022. The game was developed using Unreal Engine 4, a powerful tool that allowed the team to create a visually striking and technically robust experience.

The gaming landscape at the time of Arcadegeddon‘s release was dominated by battle royale and looter-shooter genres, with titles like Fortnite and Destiny 2 setting the standard for multiplayer engagement. Arcadegeddon aimed to carve out its own niche by combining roguelite elements with cooperative gameplay, offering a fresh take on the genre. The game’s development was marked by a focus on community feedback during its Early Access period, allowing IllFonic to refine mechanics and expand content based on player input.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Arcadegeddon tells the story of Gilly, the owner of a local arcade, who is trying to save his business from a faceless mega-corporation known as Fun Fun Co. To do so, Gilly creates a super game by connecting all the top arcade games, but the corporation hacks the game and injects a virus. The player, known as Plug, must enter the game to save it and the last hometown arcade.

The narrative is relatively light, serving more as a backdrop for the gameplay rather than a deep storytelling experience. However, the themes of resistance against corporate greed and the preservation of independent culture resonate with players. The game’s characters, such as Gilly and the various gang leaders, add personality to the world, though their development is limited by the game’s focus on action and progression.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Arcadegeddon is a cooperative multiplayer shooter that supports up to four players. The game features a mix of PVE (Player vs. Environment) and PVP (Player vs. Player) experiences, allowing for a variety of playstyles. The core gameplay loop involves exploring ever-changing stages in unique biomes, finding hidden chests, defeating numerous enemy types and bosses, and completing challenges.

Combat & Progression

The combat in Arcadegeddon is fast-paced and satisfying, with a variety of weapons ranging from assault rifles to rocket launchers. Each weapon has unique stats and rarities, adding depth to the gameplay. Players can also use surge abilities, which are special attacks that have a cooldown period. These abilities include fireballs, freeze blasts, and orbital strikes, among others.

Progression is tied to completing challenges given by various gangs within the game. Each gang has a main objective and three optional objectives, completing which earns players rewards and XP. The game also features a boss meter that fills up as players kill enemies and open chests, leading to boss fights that provide additional rewards.

User Interface & Customization

The user interface is clean and intuitive, with clear indicators for health, abilities, and objectives. The customization options are extensive, allowing players to change outfits, skins, and equipment on the fly. This adds a layer of personalization and replayability to the game.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Arcadegeddon features a vibrant, cartoonish art style that sets it apart from more realistic shooters. The environments are colorful and diverse, ranging from tropical Mystic Isles to post-apocalyptic metropolises. The game’s visual design is reminiscent of Fortnite, with a focus on bright colors and exaggerated character designs.

The soundtrack is a standout feature, featuring music created by world-renowned producers like Aaron Rutherford, UZ, and Milano. The upbeat, electronic tracks complement the game’s fast-paced action and contribute to its arcade-like atmosphere.

Reception & Legacy

Arcadegeddon received mixed to positive reviews from critics, with an average score of 76% on MobyGames and a Metascore of 73 on Metacritic. Critics praised the game’s fast-paced gameplay, cooperative multiplayer, and unique art style, but some noted that the game felt underdeveloped and lacked depth in its narrative and progression systems.

Player reviews were more mixed, with an average score of 2.0 out of 5 on MobyGames. Some players appreciated the game’s addictive nature and cooperative gameplay, while others found it repetitive and lacking in content. The game’s Early Access period allowed for community feedback, but some players felt that the final product still had room for improvement.

Despite its mixed reception, Arcadegeddon has carved out a niche for itself in the multiplayer shooter genre. Its unique blend of roguelite elements and cooperative gameplay has attracted a dedicated player base, and the game’s post-launch support has included new bosses, areas, and updates. The game’s legacy lies in its ability to offer a fun, fast-paced experience that is easy to pick up and play, making it a solid choice for players looking for a cooperative shooter with a distinctive aesthetic.

Conclusion

Arcadegeddon is a vibrant, fast-paced roguelite shooter that offers a unique blend of cooperative gameplay and arcade-style mechanics. While its narrative and progression systems may feel underdeveloped to some, the game’s vibrant art style, satisfying combat, and extensive customization options make it a standout title in the multiplayer shooter genre. With its dedicated player base and ongoing post-launch support, Arcadegeddon has established itself as a noteworthy entry in the world of cooperative multiplayer games. Its place in video game history is secured by its innovative approach to the genre and its ability to provide an enjoyable, replayable experience for players of all skill levels.