Arcadegeddon, developed by IllFonic, bursts onto Steam with its vibrant and whimsical concept that exudes an inviting sense of fun. As Gilly, the dedicated proprietor of a local arcade, strives to fend off the encroaching Fun Fun Co., Arcadegeddon takes players on an adventure where they find themselves battling through this ever-evolving co-op multiplayer roguelite shooter. Making its debut on Valve’s platform a few months after launching, what’s it like?
Set against the backdrop of Gilly’s valiant efforts to save his arcade from the clutches of faceless mega-corporation “Fun Fun Co”, the game’s premise is driven by a true underdog tale. Gilly’s counterattack to preserve his beloved arcade involves creating a super game, uniting an assortment of existing games into one grand venture. However, Fun Fun Co. counters by introducing a virus into the game, setting the stage for players to dive into the digital realm and salvage Gilly’s arcade. It’s a nice premise, though the storytelling is rather basic and not front and center here.
Arcadegeddon, as you’d expect from IllFonic, offers a dynamic co-op multiplayer experience, allowing players and their friends to explore diverse biomes, engage in mini-games, uncover hidden chests, and confront a myriad of enemies and bosses. One of the game’s strengths is its balanced blend of both player-vs-environment (PVE) and player-vs-player (PVP) gameplay, providing the freedom to either charge into action or adopt a more strategic and cooperative approach. The combination of these two styles through minigames adds a unique twist.
The heart of Arcadegeddon resides in its engaging gameplay mechanics, which revolve around precise shooting, seamless gunplay, and an array of power-ups. The game boasts a wide variety of weapons, each with its unique properties and effects. Ranging from standard assault rifles to outlandish options like buzz-saw blade launchers and the all-destructive “Indiscriminator,” the diversity of the games weapons roster adds depth to the combat experience.
As players progress through the game, they can enhance their arsenal by collecting power-ups called “Hacks.” These power-ups offer temporary advantages during a run, creating a dynamic and ever-changing gameplay dynamic. The addition of random objectives and procedurally generated stages further contributes to the game’s replayability, even though there’s room for more varied objectives to elevate the experience.
We enjoyed Arcadegeddon’s controls, making the shooting mechanics intuitive and satisfying even more so than in other IllFonic titles. The protagonist’s movements, from double-jumping to slide-dashing, create a sense of agility – though there are times where the controls could be a bit more responsive.
Visually, Arcadegeddon showcases a colorful and distinctive art style – though at times it tries a little too hard to be “hip”. The various biomes are creatively designed, with neon futurism merging seamlessly with more traditional elements like castles and lava flows. However, the environments can feel a bit empty and would be better with more interactive elements in there to enhance the immersion and richness of the environments.
In summary, Arcadegeddon embraces the essence of classic arcade games in a modern multiplayer package. With its lively visuals, engaging gameplay, and cooperative gameplay mechanics, it offers an enjoyable way to team up with friends and explore an evolving digital world. While it has a few rough edges and potential for improvement, the fun and vibrant atmosphere of Arcadegeddon is likely to keep players entertained and coming back for more, ensuring Gilly’s arcade remains a thriving haven against corporate overreach. Let’s hope Illfonic builds on the foundations of this one.
Score: 7.2/10
Press Play Media 