Beneath the Surface of Arco: A Pixel RPG That Delivers a Stunning Revenge Saga
Game News PlayArcade 19 Nov , 2024 0
Beneath the Surface of Arco: A Pixel RPG That Delivers a Stunning Revenge Saga
Don’t let Arco be the most overlooked game of the year. Released in August, this action-forward fantasy RPG unfolds a gripping Western revenge saga across desert plateaus and lush forests, all beautifully rendered in intricate pixel art. This unique style enhances the otherworldliness of the game’s Mesoamerican-inspired setting, a land populated by both monstrous creatures and a more grounded adversary: the Red Company, a band of oil-seeking colonizers willing to kill for profit. Players take on the roles of four Indigenous heroes, brought together by violent circumstances, as they wield knives, guns, and the arco—the bow—to hunt down those responsible for their people’s suffering. Yet, as with all great Westerns, even righteous vengeance weighs heavily on a gunslinger’s soul.
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Produced by Franek Nowotniak, José Ramón García, Antonio Uribe, and Max Cahill, Arco combines intricate character development with a killer soundtrack and thrilling turn-based combat. The RPG doesn’t offer endless play or a multitude of outcomes (I completed my first playthrough in 20 hours), but the choices you make matter, and the outcomes resonate deeply. Whether through battles or dialogue, the stakes of the heroes’ war for their nation are constantly escalating.
In Arco, players can choose from four protagonists—Tizo, a hardened vigilante; Itzae, a cursed warrior seeking redemption; and siblings Afur and Chio, who are looking to secure their futures. Each character comes with their own unique baggage and skill trees, featuring abilities ranging from ranged attacks to healing and agile movements. The game is structured somewhat like a Monkey Island adventure, complete with sharp-witted dialogue as the characters travel from town to town, engaging with locals and accepting missions that bring them closer to the Red Company.
While there is no vocal acting in Arco, the clarity of the writing shines through. Tizo carries a gruff, Clint Eastwood-like demeanor, while Afur and Chio resemble bumbling Coen brothers protagonists. Even the punctuation conveys weight; a well-placed ellipsis paired with the image of a burning village evokes a profound sense of despair. However, it’s not all bleak—Itzae, despite being cast out from her tribe, embraces the world with enthusiasm and a thirst for combat, embodying the spirit of a fierce guardian. The score, featuring dynamic guitar riffs, ethereal pan flutes, and occasional Spanish-language vocals, perfectly harmonizes with the game’s themes.
The action in Arco is as cohesive as its narrative. Though the pixelated blood spills in small blocks, the brutality is relentless and haunting, thanks to the game’s calculated combat scenarios. The battles blend turn-based and real-time mechanics, with players selecting actions while anticipating enemy moves. Players can preview enemy orders and attack trajectories, allowing for strategic maneuvers that can turn the tide of battle.
For example, if Tizo faces three gunmen and a knife fighter, he might first stab the nearest enemy before dodging incoming fire in the second turn. Various skills allow heroes to dash across the battlefield or interrupt enemy actions, making tactical decisions crucial for survival. However, every move costs Magia, which can be replenished during turns or gathered from items. With diverse enemy types, skill sets, and items to collect, each fight presents a unique challenge.
Adding complexity to the battles are the ghosts of the past. Throughout their journey, players encounter moral dilemmas, such as whether to help those in need or kill them for supplies. They might offer assistance to apparent victims, only to fall into traps set for the unwary. Choices that lead to bloodshed have consequences, manifesting as literal ghosts haunting the heroes.
Arco has yet to find its audience, with some developers attributing this to its innovative blend of ideas and styles, which can be challenging to market. However, this game deserves recognition for its stunning artistry and exhilarating tactical combat. For all its eclectic influences, Arco coalesces into a story that resonates deeply.
The Western genre has long been dominated by American heroes, often depicting the same tropes of white cowboys and Manifest Destiny. While many neo-Westerns grapple with these themes, few reframe the narrative from the perspective of Indigenous peoples, who fought to protect their homes and ways of life. The team behind Arco seizes the opportunity to tell a historical tale infused with magical realism, addressing the violent realities of colonization without flinching from its gory details. This story is not just necessary; it’s a powerful gut punch delivered in pixelated glory.
Arco is available on Nintendo Switch, Mac, and Windows PC. The game was reviewed on Steam Deck using a copy purchased by the author. Vox Media has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links. You can find additional information about Polygon’s ethics policy here.