Arise: A Simple Story Review

With the rise of online gaming, local co-op games have almost become a lost art. High quality local co-op games like A Way Out and Overcooked are few and far between, so those looking for something to play with their friends, family, or significant others don't always have a lot of options. Those looking for something to fill the void in their local co-op collection may want to give Arise: A Simple Story a look.

Arise: A Simple Story from developer Piccolo Studios and publisher Techland Publishing is one of those rare games that are actually built entirely around the concept of co-op. It's possible to play the game solo and in fact it plays fine that way, but the experience is enhanced significantly when playing with a partner. In Arise, one player controls an old man who has passed away and is exploring an afterlife filled with the memories of his wife. One player controls the man, using him to complete basic platforming challenges and puzzles, while the second player controls time, the weather, and more as the game goes on.

The primary function of the second player is to rewind and fast-forward time by moving the right stick back and forth. This is used to manipulate the game world to allow the old man to reach otherwise inaccessible areas. For example, the second player may have to fast-forward time to make it so the rain fills a lake, in turn raising a platform that the old man can use to reach a higher area. This creates a unique dynamic between the first and second players, as they are really having vastly different gameplay experiences, yet working together to accomplish the same goal.

arise a simple story review — Arise a simple story woods

The co-op enhances the story of Arise and the game is certainly better when playing with a friend, but the co-op's actual implementation does leave something to be desired when it comes to the second player. The second player's role is hugely important in terms of the story and exploring some of the more profound themes in Arise: A Simple Story, but their duties versus the first player are comparatively quite dull. The first player does all the legwork, and yes the second player is manipulating the game world and the environment, but many of the puzzles are so basic that they almost feel like a passive observer at times. There are a few moments in Arise, when enemies are introduced, where the second player has to be more actively engaged with the game, but otherwise they may find themselves quite bored by it.

The player controlling the old man will likely have a lot more consistent fun with Arise, as they get to complete platforming challenges and the like. Some may be turned off by how slow the old man moves and there's a weird depth perception problem that mucks up some of the platforming, but it's otherwise an engaging platformer that controls well and is hard to put down. But even if the gameplay in Arise was a complete bust, some would still find themselves compelled to finish it if for nothing else but its gorgeous visuals.

Simply put, Arise is a visual knockout. Had the game released earlier in the year, it would no doubt be nominated for Best Art Direction at The Game Awards 2019, and would likely even stand a chance at winning it. Getting too detailed would spoil the experience for those who want to try Arise for themselves, as seeing what each level will look like is one of the game's best hooks. There are only 10 levels in Arise, but each level has its own visual theme that the developers really went all out with so that each stage feels special.

The eye-popping visuals in Arise: A Simple Story are brought to another level by the way the game harmonizes its art with its sound effects and musical score. Whether it's the snow crunching underfoot when the old man pushes his way through a snowdrift or the music picking up in perfect rhythm with a gust of wind, Arise leverages its sound design to reach new heights. Just like the game would likely be in contention for Best Art Direction at The Game Awards 2019 had it come out a little earlier in the year, it likely would have made the list of Game Awards nominees for the Score/Music category as well.

In terms of sound design and graphics, Arise is a top-tier game that can stand with any other game on the market. These elements and the unique co-op gameplay come together to tell an emotional story that deals with love, loss, death, happiness, and more. Though Arise is a short game that can be completed in just a few hours or less, it still accomplishes more with its narrative than many other games that spend dozens of hours telling their story. Arise may tell a simple story, but it's certainly one worth checking out.

In many categories, Arise: A Simple Story is a step above many other games, and is one of the best indie games of the year, for sure. The local co-op experience being dull for the second player is an admittedly big flaw, but those that are able to overlook it will find a memorable co-op game that they won't regret experiencing.