90
Arco's thrilling, compelling story enthralled me with its seamless blend of gameplay and narrative.
tbd
Arco’s team seized the opportunity to tell a historical story with a magical-realist touch, one that’s easily accessible but never flinches over the gory details of violence perpetrated in the name of colonization. We needed this story, and in all its pixelated glory, Arco lands that gut punch.
85
If you’re a fan of SRPGs and Arco flew under your radar, you owe it to yourself to correct that. It’s one of the better games I’ve played in that category in recent years, with a combat system that successfully tries something new, a setting that hasn’t been explored in any RPG I’m aware of, and a journey that leaves an impact in no small part thanks to the developers’ handling of its subject matter. There are some flaws here that the developers could fix to make this game even better, but don’t let those dissuade you from trying out this singular RPG experience.
9
Arco es una experiencia fascinante que merece un 9 seguro. Es el juego perfecto para disfrutar "de chill", pero no te dejes engañar: es mucho más complicado de lo que parece. Para avanzar, necesitas entender profundamente sus mecánicas y utilizar con cabeza todo lo que tienes a tu disposición. Su sistema de combate es muy único y divertido, mezclando turnos con acción de una forma que se siente fresca y te obliga a planificar cada movimiento. Además, tiene el gran plus de que no consume nada, y que funciona en ordenadores de bajos recursos, lo que permite que muchísima más gente pueda disfrutar de esta **** historia está muy bien planteada y logra generar ese interés constante por ver qué pasará a continuación. A nivel jugable, el sistema de objetos es clave; no basta con tenerlos, hay que saber exactamente cuándo usarlos para sobrevivir. Esto se complementa con un sistema de decisiones muy bien implementado que te hace parar a pensar realmente en las consecuencias de tus actos. Visualmente es una delicia por la cantidad de paisajes diferentes que ofrece, acompañados de una banda sonora que me parece muy buena y que redondea la atmósfera. Es un juego que recomendaría a todo el mundo porque es prácticamente imposible que no te guste. Una recomendación absoluta. Un 9.
10
Absolutely amazing game! The story is the real treasure, but the gameplay is fun too, with refreshingly different combat and lots of skills to choose.
9
I thought it was an easy game, but it was pretty challenging and then rewards you once you become more experienced with the battle system gameplay. The art style is beautiful and very relaxing to the eyes, although at times I couldn't tell some objects in the battle field due to the micro pixel art appearance. Sound direction is also great, music is not digital retro grunge that most games of this kind has, they went with some real sounding music kind of an homage to popular western movies. The storytelling is good, it doesn't bore me to find out more. I am playing this on my SteamDeck and its superb, haven't tried it with a mouse and keyboard yet. I really recommend this title, great game.
Arco
Released On:
Aug 15, 2024
Metascore
Generally Favorable
86
User score
Generally Favorable
8.2
My Score
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All Platforms
Metascore
Generally Favorable
100% Positive
13 Reviews
13 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Sep 9, 2024
100
On paper, Arco seemed like it would be very good, but I didn’t expect to love it as much as I do now. It feels dynamic across the board with superb visuals, music, and a lovely story. If you want an interesting tactical RPG with a memorable story, get Arco right now. There’s even a free demo you can try on Steam right now.
Oct 10, 2024
90
Arco tells a compelling story with minimal dialogue. Leveraging a few well-chosen mechanics, the game immerses players in a world where every interaction and item matters, and each battle decision carries weight. The turn-based tactical combat is challenging yet fair, encouraging strategic thinking without causing frustration. It's a gem worth experiencing.
User score
Generally Favorable
87% Positive
33 Ratings
33 Ratings
3% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
11% Negative
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
Oct 2, 2025
10
Absolutely amazing game! The story is the real treasure, but the gameplay is fun too, with refreshingly different combat and lots of skills to choose.
Jan 4, 2025
10
Amazing game that hides so much under the 8bit minimalist wrapping. Fantastic music. A truly unique combat system. Focuses on native experiences. I don't know what to add except of anyone must play it.
Aug 29, 2024
90
Arco is a challenging yet emotionally resonant game that draws you in with its captivating atmosphere. The gameplay tests your skills, but it’s the rich storytelling and immersive environment that leave a lasting impression. It’s a journey that’s as rewarding as it is demanding.
Sep 10, 2024
88
Arco is the kind of video game to which the term “hidden gem” fits like a glove. The story is interesting and cleverly told, with plenty of references to Mesoamerican Native culture. The tiny graphics are full of points of interest to discover along a rather large map that features threats at every corner. Combats, the real focus of the game, are handled with a hybrid turn-based mode that forces reasoning to flip the situation initially always to our disadvantage, and the presence of the ghosts of the past – actual enemies to be killed – require quick decision-making. Those who like turn-based RPGs will have a lot of fun.
Aug 22, 2024
85
Arco has a unique look and world and a set of mechanics that are easy to understand but grow in complexity as characters unlock more options. I never got used to the ghosts that randomly join the fight but was eager to replay engagements to avoid losing even one pip of health. The game might rely too much on Western tropes at times and the unique look will not be for everyone. But Arco tries to innovate, mixing and matching ideas, and manages to deliver a constant sense of discovery.
Aug 14, 2024
75
Arco is a game that doesn't exceed its premise. The story that unfolds in front of the player is gritty and uncommon to see in the video game industry, with some threads bonding it to Central and South America's actual history at the end of the 19th century. The gameplay isn't as interesting as the narrative but it is interesting to find the best way to go through the fights. Some bugs mix this nice melting pot of ideas with a fallibility that makes it seem humane and a nice ticket for the future of these valuable artists.
Jan 26, 2026
9
Arco es una experiencia fascinante que merece un 9 seguro. Es el juego perfecto para disfrutar "de chill", pero no te dejes engañar: es mucho más complicado de lo que parece. Para avanzar, necesitas entender profundamente sus mecánicas y utilizar con cabeza todo lo que tienes a tu disposición. Su sistema de combate es muy único y divertido, mezclando turnos con acción de una forma que se siente fresca y te obliga a planificar cada movimiento. Además, tiene el gran plus de que no consume nada, y que funciona en ordenadores de bajos recursos, lo que permite que muchísima más gente pueda disfrutar de esta **** historia está muy bien planteada y logra generar ese interés constante por ver qué pasará a continuación. A nivel jugable, el sistema de objetos es clave; no basta con tenerlos, hay que saber exactamente cuándo usarlos para sobrevivir. Esto se complementa con un sistema de decisiones muy bien implementado que te hace parar a pensar realmente en las consecuencias de tus actos. Visualmente es una delicia por la cantidad de paisajes diferentes que ofrece, acompañados de una banda sonora que me parece muy buena y que redondea la atmósfera. Es un juego que recomendaría a todo el mundo porque es prácticamente imposible que no te guste. Una recomendación absoluta. Un 9.
May 7, 2025
9
I thought it was an easy game, but it was pretty challenging and then rewards you once you become more experienced with the battle system gameplay. The art style is beautiful and very relaxing to the eyes, although at times I couldn't tell some objects in the battle field due to the micro pixel art appearance. Sound direction is also great, music is not digital retro grunge that most games of this kind has, they went with some real sounding music kind of an homage to popular western movies. The storytelling is good, it doesn't bore me to find out more. I am playing this on my SteamDeck and its superb, haven't tried it with a mouse and keyboard yet. I really recommend this title, great game.
Sep 13, 2024
9
WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW !!! (A review in detail might come one day but simply : WOW !!! What a game !!!!!!)
Aug 23, 2024
9
Beautiful in all ways. A lovely experience. Not what I expected going in, but what a lovely surprise.
Aug 22, 2024
9
This game will capture your attention from the very beginning. The intro song is great, the jokes are funny, the gameplay is easy to catch on, and what to say abpot the graphics, good old nostalgia! This game has that feeling that, once you close it, a couple hours later you will feel the need to get back and continue playing. In a gaming world full of millions of both good and bad "pixelated-style" games, we are sure this one will keep finding it's own place with time. Greatly recommended. Go and play it now!
SummaryEnter the breathtaking world of Arco, a dynamic tactical RPG where your decisions shape the story. Three tales forged in bloodshed, laced with magic, and united by revenge.
Platforms:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X
- PC
- Nintendo Switch
Initial Release Date:Aug 15, 2024
Developer:
- Max Cahill, Franek, Bibiki, and Antonio Uribe
Publisher:
