Escape the Show, Uncover the Truth
In moments we all think we are the main hero in our story, and that the world evolves around us. When we daydream we don’t imagine being the second person from the left in the crowd, instead left to dream of becoming the day-saving icon, marrying the ideal partner, or being rich and wearing gold trousers.
American Arcadia is a game about fame, popularity, and things that are not quite what they seem. You play two roles, one set in an alternate 1970s universe and the other a strange present day. Of course, the two collide and that’s when the fun begins.
Truman Show Vibes
American Arcadia starts with a series of clever cutscenes that follow the normal ordinary life of Trevor Hills. We see him wake, wash, and feed his pet, go off to work on a tram, clock in, and begin his admin job. From there, it’s a case of rinse and repeat.
But suddenly he starts seeing messages on adverts, songs appearing out of nowhere, and a feeling of unease. What are they warning him about? But when a voice starts talking to him directly, requesting he run from some shady-looking characters he does. And then his whole world collapses around him.
I don’t want to spoil the plot too much, but the world of Arcadia where Trevor lives is a TV show; one in which the world has been watching. Here you get to vote and watch your favourite characters while everyone in there is unaware they are being filmed. The thing is, no one is watching Trevor and he is going to be ‘decommissioned’, so on the outside someone is trying to break him out. You play the story between Trevor in a 2.5D perspective and the hacker in a first person view.
A Masterclass in Storytelling
I loved the story and the writing, mostly as the ‘Truman Show’ vibes are brilliant and it is full of some clever asides, attention to detail and great dialogue. The world of Arcadia is brilliantly designed as well, with its mixture of 70s’ kitsch and retro sci-fi. It also has the best one-liner to finish a game ever. And no, I’m not telling you what it is here.
Dual Perspectives, Intertwined Gameplay
The gameplay works in two parts, with a focus on Trevor in the 2.5D world and Angela Solano, the hacker, in first person. With Trevor, he can run and jump and there is some platforming to do, where timing is essential and utilising the environment around you is key. There is some puzzle-solving to be had using switches and pulling and pushing objects too.
With Angela, she walks around locations in first person, looking to complete tasks; at one point trying to loop a security camera so as not to get caught, or in another section running around her flat hiding evidence.
Then you have the bits that bring the two together – Angela watching Trevor live on screen, helping him remotely, opening doors or switching on lifts. Some of these elements need to be timed together perfectly and that’s where the gameplay shines. However, there are moments when it does get a bit annoying, but thankfully never being too difficult that you’ll want to stop.
Retro-Futuristic Charm
The visuals of American Arcadia are superb and I love how it blends the two different playing styles. The 70’s feel of Arcadia is fun with a Hanna-Barbera style to it. The first person world is good as well, with some great character and environmental designs thrown into the mix.
And then, further to that, the soundtrack is extremely strong, full of action and a lovely original piano piece that has its time in the spotlight. For me, it’s the voice work that really shines – it is excellent, full of wit, pathos, and drama in all the right spots.
A Clever and Engaging Narrative Adventure
The story of American Arcadia is fantastic, sharply written and with some nice twists. The puzzles aren’t too hard, and the gameplay is fun, never afraid to throw different mechanics into the pot. Perhaps at times it feels a bit ‘jack of all trades’, but you’ll enjoy your trip to American Arcadia. It’s one you won’t regret.
Important Links
Your Life is a LIE! Escape the 24/7 Reality Show in American Arcadia – https://www.thexboxhub.com/your-life-is-a-lie-escape-the-24-7-reality-show-in-american-arcadia/
Buy American Arcadia on Xbox – https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/american-arcadia/9pklv32pstgm
