American Arcadia Reviews
American Arcadia is a sharp, snappy production that could make for an entertaining film if it wasn't peppered with ingenious puzzles and platforming challenges. The dual character scenario is exploited brilliantly, adding variety, originality and humour, and even if some sections lack a real sense of participation, the visual design of Arcadia, along with some smart turns in the plot, ensure momentum through to the end.
Offering a new take on a classic tale of thrilling escape, American Arcadia has some rough edges but its sleek platforming and art reinforce its story beautifully. And what about those twists, folks!? Are you watching this live?
American Arcadia takes The Truman Show's core concept and updates it for the 2020s with a two-sided tale of escape, freedom and corporate control. The gameplay is mainly there to help deliver this story, but I always wanted Trevor to keep running to get me to the final moments and grand reveal.
American Arcadia turns The Truman Show into an interactive indie thriller you don't want to miss.
For those looking for a fresh and unique take on interactive storytelling, this delivers a memorable journey that blends cinematic flair with clever gameplay twists.
American Arcadia offers varied and moderately balanced gameplay, peppered with caustic social commentary.
Review in Russian |
It’s indicative of the game’s clear messaging that despite multiple car crashes, a delirious dream sequence, a high-stakes infiltration, and more, the moment that most stands out is a relatively quiet one: Trevor sitting at a piano, playing an original piece that he’s composed. For all the time spent controlling him up to that point, this is the first time where Angela, and by extension the player, can see him as an independent person, one capable of making his own decisions (in this case, his art). That glimpse of his humanity is a moving little flourish that attests to American Arcadia’s belief that we all deserve freedom from coercion and an unreal life.
American Arcadia, from developer Out of the Blue Games S.L. and publisher Raw Fury, was a suspenseful and thrilling adventure. While the gameplay didn’t challenge the narrative for the limelight, there were still enough interactive elements to call this a solid gaming experience.
Provocative and entertaining, American Arcadia's high-concept premise, inventive storytelling, and creative gameplay scenarios place it alongside its closest inspirations.
Taking six to eight hours to complete, I’ve blasted through American Arcadia in just two sittings, being utterly gripped the whole time. The side-scrolling platforming and first-person puzzle gameplay blend together seamlessly, with the story here being king. Despite a few small presentation issues that need ironing out, the gameplay here is flawless – and jumping from Angela’s first-person viewpoint to being in control of a side-scrolling Trevor via her computer monitor is nothing short of genius. If you enjoy adventure and puzzles, and like the sound of a story that’s reminiscent of The Truman Show, this is a game not to be missed.
Will you manage to escape from American Arcadia?
With a strong atmosphere, interesting story, and engaging but fairly simple mix of puzzle and platforming gameplay, American Arcadia makes for a memorable place to visit - and escape from.
Just fun entertainment on the theme of The Truman Show: not deep, but not stupid either; full of references and stylization, but not entirely derivative; funny, heartfelt and ultimately life-affirming – but with an inevitable bitter aftertaste.
Review in Russian | Read full review
The story is fun to watch unfold and it has many entertaining gameplay segments, too; that is, if you have patience for the more frustrating moments. 🏃♂️
American Arcadia may not have a particularly original premise, but it does present recycled ideas in unique packaging.
American Arcadia is a narrative gem that confirms Out of the Blue's talent for crafting engaging and emotionally compelling stories, supported by a striking visual style and a gameplay component that, while relatively simple, proves to be effective and well-integrated in service of the narrative.
Review in Italian | Read full review
American Arcadia creates a strong retro tone and spins its yarn at a perfect pace - a puzzle-platformer worth experiencing.
Whether you've come for a good yarn, intense drama, or intriguing puzzles, American Arcadia has you covered nicely without ever overstaying its welcome. Experiencing Trevor's story and the interplay between Trevor and Angela is engaging and high-quality entertainment. It's brief, and the characters aren't particularly interesting, but American Arcadia is a game with plenty to say - an inspired, brief, but pleasurable title that deserves attention.
American Arcadia is a frantic adventure game that manages to explore the perspectives of its two main characters in a compelling manner, especially when it demands the player to make actions as both at the same time. With a dystopian narrative that looks ever closer to reality, the game is an easy recommendation for those who like the theme.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review