American Arcadia - Review : TechGoggles

Welcome to American Arcadia, a meticulously crafted world within a world, brimming with charm, puzzles, and a gripping narrative that unfolds like a meta-fictional onion. This retro-futuristic adventure from Out of the Blue, the devs behind Call of the Sea, throws you into the shoes of Trevor Goodfellow, a seemingly ordinary guy living in a picture-perfect 1970s utopia. But beneath the sunshine and smiles, reality cracks, revealing a Truman Show-esque twist that sends Trevor on a thrilling escape from a fabricated paradise.

Strengths:

A Story Rich in Layers: The narrative is the game’s crown jewel. It starts light and charming, then seamlessly unravels into a gripping conspiracy with surprising twists and turns. The meta-fictional aspects, where you play as both real-world Trevor and his in-game persona, are cleverly utilized and thought-provoking.
Two Worlds, Two Playstyles: The gameplay seamlessly switches between 2.5D platforming and first-person puzzles, keeping things fresh and engaging. The platforming challenges are fun and well-designed, while the puzzles are clever and encourage creative thinking.
A Feast for the Senses: The art style is a vibrant ode to the 70s, with bold colors, funky patterns, and meticulous attention to detail. The soundtrack perfectly complements the visuals, blending groovy jazz with atmospheric synth music.
Voice Acting Masterclass: The voice acting is superb, breathing life into every character. From Trevor’s witty remarks to the robotic monotone of the city’s AI overlord, every line is delivered with skill and precision.

Weaknesses:

Short and Sweet: The main campaign can be completed in around 7-8 hours, leaving some players wanting more. While the story wraps up satisfyingly, there’s room for deeper exploration of the world and its characters.
Puzzles for Purists: Some puzzles can be a bit too cryptic for casual players, requiring pixel-perfect precision and obscure logic leaps. While frustrating at times, these moments can be immensely rewarding for puzzle enthusiasts.
Combat Lackluster: The combat sections, while visually appealing, feel slightly underdeveloped. The controls can be a bit clunky, and the encounters themselves are fairly repetitive.

Verdict:

American Arcadia is a gem of a narrative adventure, offering a delightful escape into a surreal, retro-futuristic world. The clever story, engaging gameplay blend, and stunning visuals make it a must-play for fans of unique experiences and well-told tales. While the short playtime and occasionally challenging puzzles might hold it back from perfect score territory, it’s an unforgettable journey that stays with you long after the credits roll.

Final Score: 8.5/10

Recommendation:

Highly recommended for fans of narrative-driven adventure games, platformers, and puzzle enthusiasts.
If you enjoyed The Truman Show or Call of the Sea, this is right up your alley.
Be prepared for a shorter experience but one packed with quality and charm.