Arcadie: Second-Born
- September 26, 2022
- Arcadie & Utopie
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Arcadie: Second-Born" is a single-player Fantasy Interactive Fiction game with an interesting plot and a wholesome story. As the second-born, you are responsible for future dealings with Arcadie's enemies during a peace treaty. Customize your character and interact with a cast of vivid characters to form romances and friendships, while making decisions that will impact the Kingdom's future.
Reviews
- The story and writing are captivating, with well-fleshed-out characters and a rich narrative that keeps players engaged.
- The game offers a polished experience with meaningful choices that impact character relationships and the overall plot.
- The romance options are well-paced and feel rewarding, adding depth to the character interactions and emotional investment.
- The ending feels anticlimactic and lacks closure, leaving players wanting more resolution to the story.
- Some decisions may feel inconsequential, leading to a frustrating narrative disconnect where choices don't significantly alter the outcome.
- The game can feel short, with some players wishing for more content and exploration of the world and characters.
- story227 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The story of the game is widely praised for its engaging writing, multi-dimensional characters, and emotional depth, making it a standout in the interactive fiction genre. While some reviewers noted that the plot can feel cliched and predictable, many found the character development and impactful choices to be compelling, leading to a satisfying narrative experience. Overall, players expressed a strong desire for sequels or additional content, indicating a deep investment in the story and its characters.
“The story is a heart, featuring multi-dimensional characters and unexpected twists.”
“The story is phenomenal and the romance!”
“The pacing of the story was also good throughout, giving you chances to breathe and develop relationships and an understanding of the world between pitting you into frenetic, perilous circumstances that reach satisfying climaxes which build as they go.”
“The story is rather cliche and lacks depth.”
“The big issues here are the actual impact you have on the story, the quality of the writing, horrible characterization and pacing as well as a complete disconnect between the events of the book and what makes sense for the world.”
“My interest diminished further when your choices didn’t seem to impact the ensuing narrative much unless you accidentally picked whatever aligned with the intended story, which, judging by my experience, I rarely did.”
- emotional22 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highly praised, with players noting its ability to evoke a wide range of feelings, from laughter to deep sadness. Many reviewers highlight specific moments that brought them to tears, emphasizing the well-crafted characters and heartfelt romances that enhance the immersive experience. Overall, the narrative is described as captivating and memorable, leaving a lasting emotional impact on players.
“I have to say this is one of the best novel games I have played/read through yet, one spectacular, heartwarming story. Go author!”
“It made me feel, it made me think, and it made me fall in love with the cast of characters.”
“The writing throughout the story was superb, kept me emotionally invested and held my attention for the entire sitting I played the game, meanwhile it didn't make me feel like I was just waiting for the next story progression point.”
- graphics11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally considered basic and dated, with many reviewers noting that they do not prioritize visual appeal over narrative and character depth. While some express a desire for more graphical elements or customization options, others appreciate the charm of the minimalist approach, suggesting that the focus on storytelling compensates for the lack of impressive visuals. Overall, the consensus is that the game's strength lies in its content rather than its graphics.
“Honestly, I can see this game being open to more graphics and customization than the previous two; well done.”
“Though I will say this one gives you many more choices than the norm, and something about not having all that artwork to stare at but simply details being described to you adds to its charm.”
“Wonderfully written visuals and characters.”
“Visuals: 0/10”
“My only complaint is that there is no graphics at all, which makes it more suitable for mobiles than a PC.”
“In a world where PC gaming no longer stands on the edge of the frontier in terms of innovative technology and ground-breaking graphics, games such as Arcadie and Second Born that take a more basic and dated approach to storytelling serve as a great reminder that the content and passion of a product is worth more than impressive graphics and immersion.”
- gameplay8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The gameplay mechanics are well-received, particularly for fans of interactive fiction, offering familiar elements alongside a robust save system that enhances player choice without compromising on difficult decisions. The high level of customization for the main character contributes to significant replayability, making it an appealing option for both newcomers and genre veterans. Overall, the gameplay is rated positively, with an 8/10 score reflecting its engaging features.
“I would highly recommend this to anyone, especially new players to interactive fiction; the ability to save anywhere you want is a great mechanic.”
“The save system and back button is a huge gameplay feature I didn't know I wanted, allowing you to see what choice you feel comfortable with, without taking away hard decisions.”
“The gameplay mechanics are familiar for fans of the genre, resembling other interactive fiction titles.”
“The save system and back button is a huge gameplay feature I didn't know I wanted, letting you see what choice you feel comfortable with, without taking away hard decisions is a plus.”
“Because of how customizable the main character is, it has significant replayability, so it can offer hours of gameplay.”
- replayability7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The game boasts high replayability due to multiple endings, customizable characters, and varying romance routes, with users rating it between 8/10 and 10/10. Players appreciate the different experiences available through choices, encouraging them to replay the game for a fresh perspective. Overall, the combination of story depth and character options significantly enhances its replay value.
“C's route has two types of romance, either direct or slow burn, so it's a good replayability to see how both differ.”
“Because of how customizable the main character is, it has significant replayability, offering hours of gameplay.”
“There's definitely replay value as well, since there are multiple potential endings and ways to get through the game.”
“As for replayability, my first playthrough took just over three hours to finish.”
“Because of how customizable the main character is, it has significant replayability, so it can offer hours of gameplay.”
- character development6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The character development in the game is highly praised, with engaging dialogue and interactions that enhance replayability, akin to rereading a beloved book. Reviewers note the surprising depth and customization options, highlighting the immersive world and strong romantic elements that contribute to a compelling narrative. Overall, the game successfully allows for meaningful character growth, setting it apart from many others in the genre.
“The story is fine even if it treads rather familiar ground, but its character development and interaction are where this work truly shines.”
“Indeed, the dialogue and character development are engaging enough that I have replayed the game/novel multiple times, much like rereading a favorite book.”
“Surprising depth and character development; Arcadie: Second-Born is a tale worth telling.”
“The story is fine even if it treads rather familiar ground, but its character development and interaction is where this work truly shines.”
“I think she also does something that a lot of authors don't dare to do, or don't want to do, and that is to allow for character development.”
“Surprising depth and character development, 'Arcadie: Second-Born' is a tale worth telling.”
- humor3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by a lighthearted approach, featuring a few amusing easter eggs and a relatable sense of uncertainty that resonates with players. It balances humor with romance and mature themes, creating a tasteful blend that enhances the overall experience.
“It's funny because this could be seen as a con rather than a pro, but I truly related to my character in that I felt out of my depth and unsure about what to do next for basically the entire run.”
“There's humor, romance, and mature scenes in tasteful proportions.”
“There are no consequences (other than a couple of funny Easter eggs) before the ending.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is characterized by a pervasive silence that some players may find off-putting, but others appreciate it as an opportunity to enhance immersion through personal soundtracks, such as the Witcher 3 soundtrack.
“While I think some people might hate this and choose to not play due to the dead silence that persists throughout, I put on The Witcher 3 complete soundtrack, which in my opinion enhanced my immersion and the atmosphere.”
- music1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The music aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with some players finding the lack of in-game music off-putting, while others enhance their experience by playing external soundtracks, such as The Witcher 3's, to improve immersion and atmosphere.
“While I think some people might hate this and choose to not play due to the dead silence that persists throughout, I put on The Witcher 3 complete soundtrack, which in my opinion enhanced my immersion and the atmosphere.”
