American Arcadia makes its console debut on PlayStation 5 after originally launching on PC in 2023, and it brings with it a unique blend of cinematic storytelling, engaging dual-perspective gameplay, and a retro-futuristic aesthetic that immediately sets it apart. Developed by Out of the Blue Games and published by Raw Fury, the game cleverly merges 2.5D platforming with first-person puzzling, all wrapped inside a stylish dystopian satire inspired by reality television and 70s sci-fi with a hint of The Truman Show thrown in for good measure.
The narrative follows Trevor Hills, an average office worker in the seemingly utopian city of Arcadia – a vibrant, surveillance-heavy metropolis where every citizen is unknowingly part of a reality TV show. When Trevor becomes the target of a ratings purge, he finds himself guided by a mysterious woman named Angela, who operates from behind the scenes. The game’s framing device as a faux documentary adds narrative depth, using flashbacks and police interrogations to flesh out the story. While the plot borrows elements from familiar media in film and gaming, it avoids feeling derivative thanks to its confident tone and clever execution.
Gameplay is split between two protagonists and styles. Trevor’s sections play out as a side-scrolling platformer with stealth and chase sequences that build tension through well-paced set pieces. Meanwhile, Angela’s first-person sections lean heavily on environmental puzzles and hacking mechanics, offering variety and insight into the game’s world. The contrast between perspectives is well-implemented and rarely jarring, though occasional pacing dips and some puzzle repetition do appear in Angela’s segments. Nonetheless, the frequent switching between the two characters keeps the experience fresh, particularly when their storylines converge or overlap in cleverly designed ways.
The PlayStation 5 version benefits from fast load times and smooth performance, ensuring transitions between gameplay segments and cutscenes are seamless. Control-wise, both the platforming and puzzle segments feel responsive and well-tuned, though some may find the action portions lack the fluidity of more traditional side-scrolling games that just stick to one genre. That said, they serve the narrative-driven design well, emphasizing tension and timing over pure mechanical precision.
Visually, American Arcadia is striking. The 70s aesthetic blends retro fashion, analog technology, and bright neon backdrops to create a world that’s simultaneously charming and unsettling. The character animation and cutscene direction reinforce the idea of a televised world, with camera movements and framing that mimic live TV. The strong art direction is supported by excellent voice acting, particularly from Yuri Lowenthal and Cissy Jones, whose performances bring depth to the story’s emotional beats. The score also fits well, subtly enhancing dramatic moments without overpowering the dialogue.
While American Arcadia doesn’t quite revolutionize narrative gaming, it stands out through its bold aesthetic choices and genre-blending gameplay. Its commentary on surveillance culture and media manipulation isn’t subtle, but it’s presented with enough flair and character to keep players engaged across its 6-8 hour runtime. Minor shortcomings in puzzle variety and gameplay tightness don’t overshadow what is ultimately a memorable and inventive experience – especially for those who value storytelling in games. This was one our favorite games during Gamescom when we met with the developers back in 2022, and it’s great to finally see it on all platforms.
Score: 8.0/10
Press Play Media 