{"id":180888,"date":"2019-12-04T03:00:40","date_gmt":"2019-12-03T19:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.geek.com\/featured\/-1812444\/"},"modified":"2019-12-04T03:00:40","modified_gmt":"2019-12-03T19:00:40","slug":"geek-pick-arise-a-simple-story-will-make-you-appreciate-your-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itteacheritfreelance.hk\/test\/wordpress\/2019\/12\/04\/geek-pick-arise-a-simple-story-will-make-you-appreciate-your-life\/","title":{"rendered":"Geek Pick: \u2018Arise: A Simple Story\u2019 Will Make You Appreciate Your Life"},"content":{"rendered":"
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There are many games out there that have had a profound impact on those who\u2019ve experienced them. While I\u2019ve certainly played some that have left their mark, I can\u2019t say one has ever \u201cspoken\u201d to me in a personal way. I\u2019m turning 40 next February, which means I\u2019ve become somewhat more reflective these past few years. As such, a game like Arise: A Simple Story<\/em> — which focuses on a character looking back on his life — feels like a title uniquely for me. Though made for players hitting their \u201cmidlife,\u201d Arise<\/em> is also a title that people of all ages can identify with. It is one of the most poignant games I\u2019ve played in a long time.<\/p>\n

At its core, Arise<\/em> is a platformer. In each level, the player character must jump, climb, and swing to reach the end. The key mechanic that differentiates Arise<\/em> from similar titles is the ability to manipulate time. By moving the right analog stick left and right, you control the movement of the sun and affect the flow of time. Doing so allows you to do things like raise or lower snowy banks and deep rivers. You can also move certain animals into place to make them easier to climb. Eventually, you can stop time altogether. It\u2019s a simple mechanic that the game utilizes in many unique ways.<\/p>\n

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Every level has a specific theme relating to the player character\u2019s life. A level called Joy contains large plants and animals within a lush, colorful landscape. In contrast, a level called Alone has players navigating through a cold dark desolate world. While each level is different, the previously outlined mechanics still come into play. Since Arise<\/em> does a great job of teaching you the basics early on, you won\u2019t focus on the mechanics as you progress — even when you\u2019re asked to implement them in slightly different ways. Without any impediments to distract, you’re free to absorb the experience.<\/p>\n

The fact this is a platformer is actually quite brilliant. Arise<\/em> is very reminiscent of the games I and those of my generation grew up playing on systems like PlayStation, N64, and Sega Saturn. Playing takes me back to the past and makes me contemplate how far I’ve come since those halcyon days. At the same time, I’m playing as a character on a similar journey. I seriously doubt this is a coincidence.<\/p>\n

Arise<\/em> is a pretty straightforward game but it does have replayability. Each stage contains hidden collectibles; usually found in hard-to-reach areas. What\u2019s cool about them is that they reveal the story of each level. Though there is no voice acting or animation, the still images do an effective job of conveying what\u2019s happening. You can still fully enjoy the game if you decide to only focus on the main math. But the collectibles definitely help enhance the experience should you chose to grab them.<\/p>\n

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Arise<\/em> implements couch co-op in a unique fashion. Player One controls the main character while Player Two controls time. As Studio Piccolo game director Alexis Corominas explained, the reason for this type of co-op is so that less-skilled gamers can join in on the fun. Controlling time is not nearly as demanding as controlling the character. With that said, players need to constantly communicate in order to ensure they get through levels.<\/p>\n

The heavily stylized graphics help draw players into this fantastical world. In many cases, both inanimate and animate objects have a decidedly abstract quality to them. This is especially true of human characters, who have no distinct facial features. Some stages are clear representations of natural landscapes. Others are strange and amorphous; constituting concepts and emotions. It\u2019s clear the developers put a lot of thought into each level.<\/p>\n