Arise: A Simple Story

The main pros of the game

• Emotional Storytelling: Many users praised the game for its ability to convey a deep and emotional narrative without the use of words, making it a powerful experience about love, loss, and remembrance.
• Beautiful Visuals: The hand-drawn art style and vibrant environments were frequently highlighted as stunning and immersive, creating a unique and painterly aesthetic.
• Engaging Soundtrack: The music was consistently described as beautiful and fitting, enhancing the emotional impact of the story and gameplay.
• Unique Gameplay Mechanics: The time manipulation mechanic received positive feedback for adding depth to the gameplay and providing a fresh twist on the platforming genre.
• Short and Impactful: The game's relatively short length (around 3-4 hours) was seen as a benefit, allowing for a concise and emotionally resonant experience.

The main cons of the game

• Clunky Controls: Many reviews pointed out issues with the character's movement, including sluggishness and inconsistency in jumping mechanics, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences.
• Camera Issues: Fixed camera angles and lack of control over the camera were frequently criticized, making depth perception challenging and contributing to unnecessary deaths.
• Platforming Frustrations: Some players found the platforming elements tedious and difficult, with complaints about the character's agility and the penalties for falling.
• Limited Replay Value: A few users felt that while the story was touching, the gameplay did not provide enough engagement to warrant replaying the game for collectibles or achievements.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Customizable Controls: Players expressed frustration over the inability to remap controls, particularly for keyboard users, which limited accessibility.
• More Depth in Gameplay: Some reviewers wanted more complexity or variety in gameplay mechanics beyond the time manipulation aspect, suggesting that additional challenges could enhance the experience.
• Improved Camera Control: Many players felt that allowing manual camera adjustments could significantly improve gameplay and reduce frustration.
• Longer Game Length: While some appreciated the brevity, others wished for a longer experience that could delve deeper into the narrative and gameplay, potentially offering more levels or story arcs.

Summary generated on: November 18, 2025