
Release Date: November 15, 2023
A cross between a first-person adventure game and an action platformer. American Arcadia is set in the titular metropolis, its people unknowingly participating in a reality show, where losing popularity among the audience gets them killed.
American Arcadia is a creative cross between an adventure game and an aciton platformer. It was developed by Out of the Blue, also known for Call of the Sea.
American Arcadia is set in the alternate 1970s, in Arcadia, a retrofuturistic, seemingly idyllic metropolis. Unbeknownst to its citizens, though, they're all unwilling contestants in the most popular reality show in the world, their lives broadcast on TV 24/7. To make matters more, losing popularity among the audience results in death. Both of our playable characters must learn the truth about Arcadia and find a way out.
American Arcadia could be considered two games in one. When playing as the first character, the game is first-person, tasking us with exploring different areas, hacking devices and gathering intel. As the second character, the game is a side-scroller, tasking us with jumping on platforms, avoiding traps and escaping pursuers. There are numerous puzzles to solve and stealth segments to get through.
The story is conveyed through documentary-like cutscenes, which show interviews and interrogations.
American Arcadia features cartoonish visuals, the bright color palette during the day contrasting dark areas traversed during the night. The game features an all-star voice cast, starring Yuri Lowenthal (Marvel's Spider-Man, Prince of Persia: Sands of Time), Krizia Bajos (Cyberpunk 2077) and Cissy Jones (Firewatch, Life is Strange).
Platforms:
PC Windows November 15, 2023
PlayStation 4 May 15, 2025
Xbox One May 15, 2025
Nintendo Switch May 15, 2025
PlayStation 5 May 15, 2025
Xbox Series X/S May 15, 2025
Developer: Out of the Blue
Publisher: Raw Fury Games
System Requirements for American Arcadia Video Game:
PC / Windows
Minimum System Requirements:
Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4 GHz, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 4 GB GeForce GTX 1050 Ti or better, 20 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit.
Recommended System Requirements:
Intel Core i7-6700 3.4 GHz, 16 GB RAM, graphic card 8 GB GeForce RTX 2070 or better, 20 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit.
Game Ratings for American Arcadia Video Game.
Explosion Network: 9 / 10 by Wil James
I largely do not have a lot to say about American Arcadia other than it's excellent. Out of the Blue Games has served up a well-rounded narrative puzzle adventure that largely succeeds in all areas.
Slant Magazine: 4 / 5 by Aaron Riccio
It’s indicative of the game’s clear messaging that despite multiple car crashes, a delirious dream sequence, a high-stakes infiltration, and more, the moment that most stands out is a relatively quiet one: Trevor sitting at a piano, playing an original piece that he’s composed. For all the time spent controlling him up to that point, this is the first time where Angela, and by extension the player, can see him as an independent person, one capable of making his own decisions (in this case, his art). That glimpse of his humanity is a moving little flourish that attests to American Arcadia’s belief that we all deserve freedom from coercion and an unreal life.
GamesRadar+: 4 / 5 by Jon Bailes
American Arcadia is a sharp, snappy production that could make for an entertaining film if it wasn't peppered with ingenious puzzles and platforming challenges. The dual character scenario is exploited brilliantly, adding variety, originality and humour, and even if some sections lack a real sense of participation, the visual design of Arcadia, along with some smart turns in the plot, ensure momentum through to the end.
Average score from votes.