ArcRunner

66%
Game Brain Score Based on 288 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • music
ArcRunner Game Cover
ArcRunner is a great roguelite and shooter, with style and substance to keep you coming back for more.
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"ArcRunner is a co-op Sci-Fi Hack and Slash roguelite game, where up to 4 players join forces to defeat a rogue AI on a futuristic space station. Experience thrilling gun fights, diverse levels, and unique character-specific combat styles. Utilize augmentations and a wide range of firepower to save 'The Arc', with each run offering a new, challenging experience."

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

66%
Audience ScoreBased on 288 reviews
gameplay36 positive mentions
grinding15 negative mentions
  • The game features vibrant cyberpunk aesthetics and visually appealing environments that enhance the overall experience.
  • Gameplay is fast-paced and satisfying, with a variety of weapons and abilities that allow for different playstyles.
  • The developers are actively engaged with the community, providing regular updates and addressing issues promptly.
  • Level design is repetitive and lacks variety, leading to a monotonous gameplay experience over time.
  • Hitboxes and aiming mechanics are poorly implemented, causing frustration when trying to hit enemies or navigate the environment.
  • Progression can feel slow and unfulfilling, especially with the reset of upgrades and abilities after completing the game.
  • gameplay89 mentions

    The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with many players enjoying the smooth mechanics and satisfying gunplay, particularly in multiplayer settings. However, criticisms highlight a lack of depth and variety in gameplay options, with some feeling that the augment system limits meaningful combinations and that the difficulty curve can be abrupt. Overall, while the game is fun and visually appealing, it requires more content and mechanics to enhance replayability and player engagement.

    • “The dodge mechanic is a nice touch for getting out of particularly dangerous moments, or just for closing the distance a little faster for a shotgun blast.”
    • “Immensely fun with friends, great to kill some time when alone, smooth gameplay from release, many different weapons to fit your playstyle.”
    • “The gameplay is still really fast, smooth and fun, the enemies are engaging and varied, there is excellent build variety and while there are only three classes, each plays quite differently and is very fun.”
    • “I really felt nothing in this game, and I tried it more than once, accumulating over 5 hours of gameplay.”
    • “That would be acceptable if the gameplay was engaging or if there was some kind of atmosphere, but this is stiff and dead in both cases.”
    • “Unfortunately, it falls short in terms of depth and gameplay mechanics, especially when compared to the creative freedom offered by Risk of Rain 2.”
  • graphics53 mentions

    The graphics of the game are widely praised for their stunning visual fidelity and captivating cyberpunk aesthetics, featuring vibrant neon lights and atmospheric environments that enhance the overall experience. While some reviewers noted that the level design could be lacking, the art style and visuals are consistently described as gorgeous and eye-catching, contributing significantly to the game's appeal. Overall, the combination of impressive graphics and a fitting soundtrack creates an immersive and enjoyable atmosphere for players.

    • “The visuals are absolutely stunning; they're well stylized but still have outstanding graphical fidelity.”
    • “The cyberpunk aesthetics are captured perfectly, and all the perpetual rainfall combined with the oppressive buildings and neon lights reflecting in the wet ground create a perfect vibe.”
    • “Aesthetically, the game is gorgeous and blends together well with its soundtrack and sound effects.”
    • “Their only purpose is to carry the aesthetic of the game as they are badly designed arenas in the first place.”
    • “The aesthetic at first is lacking depth and creativity.”
    • “The visuals for the game are pretty eye-catching, but they don't compensate for the overall poor design.”
  • music37 mentions

    The music in the game is characterized by a fitting new-age 80s synth sound that complements its sci-fi cyberpunk aesthetic, with enjoyable sound effects for weapons. While the soundtrack is generally praised for its quality and atmosphere, many players note that it can become repetitive over time, suggesting a lack of variety. Overall, the music enhances the game's presentation, though some players recommend mixing in their own tracks for a fresher experience.

    • “The music has the new-age 80s synth sound to it, and each of the weapons have their fun distinctive 'pew-pews' and 'bang-bangs'.”
    • “The soundtrack is also absolutely stellar and it complements these awesome visuals perfectly.”
    • “Aesthetically the game is gorgeous, and blends together well with its soundtrack and sound effects.”
    • “Music is repetitive but very good and I don't really get tired of it, though I'm certain you can turn it off if desired.”
    • “I suggest listening to each track once or twice, then subbing in your own music.”
    • “The music might be in loop for each level but it just works!”
  • grinding15 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has been criticized for being tedious and repetitive, particularly due to the lack of variety in level design and enemy mechanics. Players express frustration over losing progress, such as nanites and talents, after each run, which diminishes motivation to continue grinding. Overall, the experience feels demoralizing and lacks the engaging elements that typically characterize successful roguelites.

    • “Due to the roguelite nature of the game, there is some upfront grinding of the first few levels, and I feel there could be more opportunity for variety in level assets and design, as it can get repetitive in a way that some other roguelites have avoided.”
    • “Upgrades get wiped, augments 'rewards' wiped on death with a low chance of having the same choices next run, and your entire progress (hours and hours of grinding the same few levels at a time to build up nanites) gets wiped upon the end.”
    • “Everything that will help you progress in the game and enjoy the roguelike mechanics is blocked by 'grinding'.”
  • atmosphere12 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its beautiful cyberpunk elements, neon-dystopian aesthetics, and pleasing sound design, creating an immersive experience. However, some reviewers note that despite the strong atmospheric presentation, the gameplay feels stiff and lacks engagement, detracting from the overall enjoyment.

    • “The reflections in the floor, the environmental atmosphere, the cyberpunk elements, all are beautiful.”
    • “That would be acceptable if the gameplay rocks or there's some kind of atmosphere... but this is stiff and dead in both cases.”
    • “The biggest strength of this game lies in the atmosphere.”
    • “For the lore, atmosphere and aesthetics alone, this game is a thoroughly enjoyable experience.”
  • replayability8 mentions

    The game's replayability is generally considered strong, driven by the excitement of multiple runs, though it may not match the extensive replayability of the "Risk of Rain" series due to a smaller character roster. Ultimately, players' desire to engage in repeated gameplay is a key factor in their experience.

    • “Super replayable.”
    • “The replayability of this game simply comes from whether or not you have the urge to blast your way through another run or not.”
    • “Though, don't expect it to have as much replayability as the ROR series due to a smaller roster.”
    • “This creates a sense of excitement and replayability that keeps players coming back for more.”
  • optimization8 mentions

    The game's optimization has received mixed feedback; while some players report smooth performance on their rigs, others experience significant performance issues. Many users express a desire for better optimization, particularly for the Steam Deck, but overall, these concerns do not deter them from enjoying the game.

    • “- Performance: ran like a charm on my previous rig, still runs like a charm on the new one.”
    • “Game suffers from extremely low performance.”
    • “I do wish it was optimized a tad better, but far from any type of reason to avoid the game; it's good.”
    • “It does everything right, and I would really love to see it optimized for Steam Deck.”
  • story4 mentions

    The story is considered secondary to the gameplay, with many reviewers noting it as a simplified narrative reminiscent of a cyberpunk version of Hades. While engaging, it does not serve as the primary draw for players.

    • “A brilliant cyberpunk version of Hades - with a simplified storyline though.”
    • “The story is not why you're here.”
    • “A brilliant cyberpunk version of Hades - with a simplified storyline, though.”
  • stability4 mentions

    The game's stability has been criticized for being somewhat buggy, with players experiencing issues such as ineffective melee weapons and glitches that detract from the overall experience. While some users find the problems manageable, others have chosen to refund the game, indicating a need for updates and fixes to improve stability.

    • “I like these types of games, but as cool as the levels and all the neon are, the guns and moves are just so bland. Some of the augments are kind of useless, and why do the melee weapons suck so much? When you swing the hammer, you're locked in place. I refunded, but if I see updates and fixes for the glitches, then I might get it again. For now, I would avoid it.”
    • “Kinda buggy, not that bad.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

72% average critic score

Buy ArcRunner

Play time

6hMedian play time
6hAverage play time
5-6hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 4 analyzed playthroughs

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