Archvale

Archvale is a charming bullet-hell action RPG set in a fantasy world where players engage in fast-paced, twin-stick combat. The game offers satisfying progression, varied environments, and a mix of challenging gameplay with a satisfying upgrade system. With its delectable sound design and polished mechanics, Archvale delivers an enjoyable experience despite its minimal narrative.

Archvale: Review

Introduction

Archvale is a game that defies easy categorization, blending the frenetic action of bullet-hell shooters with the depth and progression of action RPGs. Released in December 2021 by indie developers idoz & phops, Archvale quickly carved out a niche for itself as a standout title in a crowded genre. This review will dissect the game’s development history, narrative, gameplay mechanics, world-building, reception, and legacy, ultimately arguing that Archvale is a masterclass in genre fusion, offering a unique and exhilarating experience that stands out in the indie gaming landscape.

Development History & Context

The Studio and Creators’ Vision

Archvale was developed by the small indie studio idoz & phops, comprised of Jamie Bateman and James Klemm. The duo brought a clear vision to the project: to create a game that merged the fast-paced, skill-based combat of bullet-hell shooters with the exploration and progression systems of action RPGs. The game’s development was documented extensively on YouTube, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and the challenges faced during its four-year development cycle.

Technological Constraints and the Gaming Landscape

Developed using the GameMaker engine, Archvale faced the typical constraints of indie development, including limited resources and the need to optimize for multiple platforms (Windows, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S). The game’s release in 2021 coincided with a surge in popularity for indie titles, particularly those that blended genres in innovative ways. The success of games like Hades and The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth demonstrated a strong appetite for roguelike and bullet-hell mechanics, providing a fertile ground for Archvale to thrive.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot and Characters

Archvale tells the story of a hero tasked with defeating the Undying, immortal beings cursed by a cruel king who once ruled the land. The narrative is delivered through environmental storytelling and sparse dialogue, allowing players to piece together the world’s lore at their own pace. The protagonist is a silent hero, and while the story is not the game’s primary focus, it provides a compelling backdrop for the action.

Dialogue and Themes

The game’s dialogue is minimal but effective, with NPCs providing hints about the world and its history. Themes of redemption, the consequences of power, and the struggle against tyranny are woven into the fabric of the game’s narrative. The Undying, for instance, serve as a poignant reminder of the king’s cruelty, adding emotional weight to the player’s journey.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loops

Archvale combines twin-stick shooter mechanics with RPG elements, creating a hybrid gameplay experience. Players explore a procedurally generated world, battling enemies and collecting resources to craft and upgrade weapons and armor. The game features over 200 weapons and armor pieces, each with unique stats and abilities, encouraging experimentation and customization.

Combat and Character Progression

Combat in Archvale is fast-paced and challenging, requiring precise timing and quick reflexes. Players can dash to avoid enemy projectiles, and each weapon type (melee, ranged, and magic) offers a different playstyle. Character progression is tied to gear acquisition and the use of badges, which grant passive bonuses and allow for further customization.

UI and Innovative Systems

The game’s UI is clean and intuitive, with health, mana, and dash cooldowns clearly displayed. One innovative system is the use of badges, which allow players to tailor their character’s abilities to their preferred playstyle. This system adds depth to the progression without overwhelming players with complex skill trees.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere

Archvale features a vibrant, pixel-art world that draws inspiration from classic action RPGs like The Legend of Zelda. The game’s diverse biomes, from lush forests to treacherous dungeons, are filled with enemies and hidden secrets. The world is designed to be explored, with checkpoints and safe havens providing respite from the constant combat.

Visual Direction

The game’s art style is a standout feature, with detailed pixel art that brings the world to life. Enemies and environments are designed with care, and the game’s visuals hold up well even when compared to more modern titles. The use of color and lighting creates a distinct atmosphere for each biome, enhancing the sense of exploration.

Sound Design

The soundtrack is a highlight of Archvale, featuring a mix of upbeat tracks and atmospheric melodies that complement the gameplay. The sound design is equally impressive, with satisfying sound effects for combat and environmental interactions. The music dynamically changes based on the player’s actions, adding to the game’s immersive feel.

Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

Archvale received generally favorable reviews upon release, with critics praising its tight controls, engaging combat, and charming presentation. The game’s Metacritic score of 82 indicates a strong reception, with many reviewers highlighting its blend of genres and replayability. Commercially, the game performed well, particularly on the Nintendo Switch, where it was released as a limited physical edition by Super Rare Games.

Influence on Subsequent Games

Archvale has influenced subsequent indie titles, particularly in the bullet-hell and action RPG genres. Its success demonstrated the viability of genre-blending in indie development, inspiring other developers to experiment with similar mechanics. The game’s legacy is further cemented by its inclusion in various “best of” lists and its continued popularity among fans of the genre.

Conclusion

Archvale is a remarkable achievement in indie game development, successfully blending the best elements of bullet-hell shooters and action RPGs into a cohesive and exhilarating experience. Its tight controls, engaging combat, and charming presentation make it a standout title in a crowded genre. While its narrative is not its strongest suit, the game’s world-building and atmospheric design more than compensate. Archvale has earned its place in video game history as a testament to the power of genre fusion and the creativity of indie developers. For fans of action RPGs and bullet-hell shooters, Archvale is an essential play.