An enjoyable game with a clearly defined style, pleasing audio and satisfying puzzles. However, it's also incredibly short and offers no incentive to replay. Sitting very firmly in a niche category, Arrog will appeal to few, but if this kind of game is your bag then give it a go, if only once.
Get on Steam"Arrog is a single-player adventure game with good graphics, featuring a 30-minute narrative experience about a man accepting his death through surreal, black-and-white dreams, accentuated by color and traditional animation, and a hand-crafted soundtrack. Support the developers' next title, Tunche, on Steam."
Reviews
- Beautiful hand-drawn art and soothing sound design create a mesmerizing atmosphere.
- The game offers a unique and contemplative experience, focusing on themes of life, death, and rebirth.
- Short playtime of around 30 minutes is complemented by enjoyable, simple puzzles that enhance the overall experience.
- The game is very short, with a playtime of only 20-30 minutes, leading to concerns about replay value.
- Puzzles are simplistic and may not provide enough challenge for players seeking more engaging gameplay.
- The narrative lacks depth, making it difficult for players to connect emotionally with the story or characters.
- story24 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The story in "Arrog" is a poignant exploration of life, death, and acceptance, conveyed through a blend of art and sound rather than traditional narrative. While some players found the storytelling to be simple and occasionally vague, many appreciated its emotional depth and the way it intertwined with the gameplay, despite the puzzles being easy and not always directly related to the plot. Overall, the game is characterized by its artistic presentation and a wistful atmosphere, though some reviewers expressed a desire for a more developed narrative and complex gameplay.
“What makes Arrog such a special experience is how it interlaces all of its aspects into a game that really affects you: the vague but expressive story about letting go, the way the puzzles come up seamlessly between cutscenes and moments of contemplation, and the relaxing soundscape that envelops you.”
“Arrog is a wonderful, little game which tells a story of life, death, and rebirth through visually charming puzzles and a curious, wistful aesthetic.”
“It's a Ghibli-esque story about misfortune, the cycle of life and death, and both celebrating and mourning for it.”
“It's very pretty, but the puzzles are extremely easy and there isn't really any story.”
“I wish there was a bit more build-up before the story happens, more background for the individual so we could sympathize with him.”
“I'm not sure if I understood the entire story, but it made sense to me in bits and pieces, about life coming a full circle, and where death isn't merely an occasion for sorrow.”
- graphics18 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their stunning hand-drawn visuals and unique art styles, including a striking binary-color palette and charming 2D black-and-white designs. Many reviewers highlight the artwork as the standout feature, complementing the game's themes of life, death, and rebirth, while the accompanying soundtracks enhance the overall experience. However, some feel that the visuals, while beautiful, could be further improved to elevate the emotional impact of the narrative.
“Fortunately, it's a very good interactive art piece, featuring wondrously surreal hand-drawn visuals that explore the cycle of death and rebirth.”
“It does a great job at it too, with striking visuals that marry simplistic drawings with a binary-color art style.”
“A short puzzle adventure game with a beautiful hand-drawn art style.”
“Arrog is a game with 2D black and white graphics and a soothing accompanying soundtrack.”
“The artwork and sound design are on another level, the puzzles didn't seem to relate to the story very well however I thoroughly enjoyed the plot.”
“Arrog is a wonderful, little game which tells a story of life, death and rebirth through visually charming puzzles and a curious, wistful aesthetic.”
- music11 mentions
- 64 % positive mentions
- 9 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its soothing and immersive qualities, enhancing the overall experience with a delightful and ambient soundtrack that complements the visuals beautifully. Many reviewers highlight the emotional depth conveyed through the music, although some felt it lacked a stronger connection to the character's journey. Overall, the combination of lovely soundscapes and appealing animations makes for a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
“The soundtrack is great and relies on ambient sounds played at the perfect moment to make the experience more immersive.”
“I recommend this beautiful game for gamers who love special art styles, wonderful soundtracks, and even those who let themselves be inspired by these kinds of games.”
“The music is soothing and calm, sometimes even sad, as if it’s conveying the confusion and longing the man experiences during his last venture.”
“Arrog is a game with 2D black and white graphics and a soothing accompanying soundtrack.”
“The game lasts around 30 to 40 minutes, which is more than enough time to get addicted to the flavorful combination of the music, the ambience, and animation.”
- gameplay9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising its creative puzzles and engaging dynamics, while others criticize it for being simplistic and lacking depth. Many players noted that the game prioritizes storytelling over gameplay mechanics, resulting in a short experience that may not justify its price. Overall, the gameplay is described as easy to understand but lacking in innovation and depth.
“I really liked it; creative work at a high level, interesting plot, cool dynamics, and gameplay.”
“Gameplay includes simplistic but fun puzzles.”
“The gameplay is not hard and is easy to understand.”
“Gameplay is not really present; you have to click around at a couple of puzzles, each rewarding you with an achievement that explains the symbolism a bit.”
“This is a story-first, gameplay-maybe-later type of game.”
“Would have been nice to know it was a short game; well, 'short' is being polite. It took me 33 minutes, including the intro where you don't play and the ending, so probably only 20-25 minutes of actual gameplay. Overpriced at $1.88; I've played longer and better free games.”
- emotional3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game effectively engages players emotionally, particularly through its bittersweet narrative, though some users felt a lack of connection to the character diminished the emotional impact. Overall, it offers a compelling experience for those seeking an emotional journey, while others may find it lacking in depth.
“And in my case, the game succeeded in investing me emotionally in this story about an individual I know so little about.”
“If you’re looking for an emotional and bittersweet experience, I can recommend Arrog, and I can’t wait to see what the developers do next.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is characterized by its beautiful and cozy environment, complemented by a slow-paced experience that incorporates heavy and sometimes erratic symbolism, enhancing the overall immersive quality.
“A beautiful game with a cozy atmosphere.”
“A slow-paced, atmospheric game with heavy, almost erratic symbolism.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users note that "arrog" offers limited replayability, as it features only about half an hour of gameplay and is more akin to an interactive art piece with puzzles than a traditional game.
“With around half an hour of playtime and no real replay value, Arrog feels more like an interactive art piece with puzzles rather than a full game.”
Critic Reviews
Arrog Review - A Charming Puzzler Short Enough To Squeeze Into A Coffee Break
An enjoyable game with a clearly defined style, pleasing audio and satisfying puzzles. However, it's also incredibly short and offers no incentive to replay. Sitting very firmly in a niche category, Arrog will appeal to few, but if this kind of game is your bag then give it a go, if only once.
75%Arrog Review
60%Arrog Review – Full Circle (PS4)
80%
