Arise: A Simple Story

Arise: A Simple Story is a time manipulation platform game that could not have tugged on my old frosted Scottish heartstrings any harder than it did. This is a beautiful game that will have you reaching for a tissue or telling someone that you are not crying, you just have something in your eye. This is a very, very special kind of game and a game that I feel deserved way more buzz and attention than it actually got.

Life Ends, But The Memories Stay

Apart from the text at the start of a level, Arise: A Simple Story has no text at all. How can a game without any kind of text be so story driven you ask? Well, it all happens from the “man's” memories. In this game, we play as a man who has died and we get to traverse his memories as he looks back on his life. It is truly powerful stuff and for me to say any more than I already have would rob you of a truly outstanding experience that you need to discover for yourself.

In Time, Yes, Everything Will Be Alright

If you get that reference, then party on dude, you are awesome! In all seriousness, the time manipulation aspect of Arise: A Simple Story is great. You can move time back and forward, how much depends on the area of the game you are in. You might be able to move a full season forward, or just a little bit of time to make snowfall so it piles up. I would not say that this mechanic is full on “puzzle-based gameplay” as it is not very challenging and easy to figure out. However, it certainly has its charm and makes progressing through the game a great deal of fun.

Jumping Through Time

On the whole, Arise: A Simple Story is a very simple game from a gameplay point of view. You will have to partake in some platforming, but this is my only real criticism of the game. You see, this game is one that has a fixed camera angle and my depth perception is not exactly great in the real world so I did have a bit of trouble when it come to gauging how to make some of the jumps.

Hauntingly Beautiful

The presentation in Arise: A Simple Story is just impeccable. The visuals have a simplistic, but beautiful look to them and as these are the “man's” memories, the way he perceives things is as if it is how these moments in time made them feel. It is hard to explain, but you will understand what I am talking about fairly quickly. The story progresses through these memories that you find, the main ones are easy to find, but there are some that are quite well hidden. The sound design in this game is great, really it is some of the best in a platformer. Not just the haunting music, but the fantastic sound effects too, the sound in this game could not be any more perfect.

I had an amazing time playing through Arise: A Simple Story. Yes, the gameplay is “simple” and I have played through it twice and seen all there is to see.

Pros:

• This story is just so captivating
• The story is amazing and there are not even any words!
• The game has some of the best sound design I have heard in years
• Playing with time makes for some very fun gameplay

Cons:

• I did have trouble with some of the jumps due to the fixed camera
• I do worry that some people will just not “get” this game