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Review of Arcaea on Nintendo Switch

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo May 2021
Cover image of Arcaea on Switch
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Platform: Switch Switch logo
Released: 18 May 2021
Genre: Rhythm
Developer: Lowiro
Publisher: Lowiro

Introduction

Alright, fellow gamers, let's dive into the rhythm-tastic world of Arcaea! If you've ever wanted to feel like you're making your way through a musical wormhole while desperately trying to avoid smacking your friends in the face with a Joy-Con, this game is for you. But don't worry, if you bring home the Switch version, you'll be framed in higher definition, which makes everything look even more psychedelic. Get ready for some sick beats and overwhelming dopamine, folks!

Gameplay

Alright, so how does one play Arcaea? Imagine two sets of notes moving across your screen, like a chaotic dance party where everyone is drunk and you decide it's a good idea to join in. You need to tap, hold, and swipe as they approach those sweet, sweet guideline lines at the bottom. If you mess up, don't worry - you'll just feel like you're failing in rhythm games for the next five years! You'll find five difficulties: Past, Present, Future, Eternal, and Beyond! Yes, much like your chances of finding a decent connection at your local coffee shop, they range from 'meh' to 'I need to call the paramedics.' And let's not forget the cast of characters -- they aren't just pretty faces; they give you epic buffs to help overcome challenges. As you play, they level up faster than your embarrassing high school crushes!

Graphics

Graphically, Arcaea is like a visual buffet made by a whimsical artist who ate too many rainbow-flavored popsicles. The character designs look cool and vibrant, giving it a whole anime vibe that at least 12 obsessions and 100 fan art pieces would be proud of. Each song feels like a mini-concert of its own thanks to the captivating backgrounds and animations that come alive with every beat. Furthermore, those 3D rhythm mechanics in the Present, Future, and Beyond difficulties will have you feeling like you're holding a virtual microphone at Coachella with the stress of ruining the show riding on you. It's colorful, it's flashy, and it makes sulking at your keyboard while playing an online game feel like a thing of the past.

Conclusion

So, is Arcaea on Switch a win? With its engaging gameplay, stellar music and visuals that will sit you down and have a chat with your inner artist, I'd say it's a rhythm revolution that's hard to pass up. Sure, the unlock requirements might feel like a mild betrayal, as if the game is saying: 'Congrats on your skill, now go do 100 push-ups to earn the next song.' But the unique rhythm style and character buffs totally make up for it. If you're looking to reach the echelons of rhythm game excellence, grab your Switch, download a bunch of sweet tracks, and dive into this wild world where music meets chaos. You won't just be playing; you'll be feeling every note. Rock on!

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