Arcadia (2019)

Arcadia is not a game, it's an e-book that's been dumped on Steam masquerading as a game. As a visual/interactive novel, this doesn't feature any notable gameplay, it's just a lot of clicking through badly written dialogue that would never have been accepted or published in print, which poses the question, "How did something this badly written end up on Steam?". When someone hoping to become an author is unable to get published in print, they spend $100 and dump their high school fan-fiction onto Steam, under the guise of a game. This poorly written e-book was slapped together using the Ren'Py construction kit, so just like no professional writing took place, no professional software development took place either, just filling out the basic template format for the construction kit and everything else is done. Weirdly this was slapped together at a "game jam", which is an event for people who can't get jobs as game developers to pat each other on the back and pretend they're real game developers, and then dump their demos on Steam to reinforce the fantasy. But this isn't a game, so I guess this e-book being written at a game jam is like going to one of those paint and sip wine…

choom leaves arasaka megacorp to gonk out at a jazz bar

Very positively touched by this short but meaningful VN. I am a fan of those three-hour experiences that you can enjoy in one sitting, which makes them feel very much like watching a movie. Nothing against a 70-hour visual novel, but those are mammoths in their own right. Arcadia, on the other hand, especially in the so-called "bad ending," feels very genuine. I dare say the good ending was a bit too cheesy and did not explore the psychology of the characters deeply enough. They carry many regrets and leave so much unsaid. The monologues about how they view work and life are particularly outstanding. I connected with those themes a great deal, as I have had my fair share of burnout, regrets over career decisions, and moments of immaturity. I found all of this very compelling, especially if you follow the "bad route," as mentioned. I also loved the game's take on progress. In a world that feels very believable, it avoids the common glorification of the past that so many stories lean into—the idea that "things were better in my day" or that "AI is stealing our jobs," which seems to be a growing trend. Instead, the topic is handled with realism. We cannot stop time, and that'…

enjoyed

short but good read. game's art and music make for a great atmosphere.

Okay this game is fine I guess. The dialogue is a bit unrealistic and annoying at times but overall good music, decent art, and semi-okay writing makes an overall okay experience. I'd recommend trying out if you're curious. 6/10