New Arc Line – Early Access Preview

OUR RATING – 7.5/10

Ever wondered what it would be like to step into a world where magic and machinery collide? New Arc Line, a mystical steampunk RPG from Dreamate and Fulqrum Publishing promises you just that. But how well does this combination work? We spent the last few days playing the game to figure that out. Let’s dive in.

The city of New Arc is a character in its own right. Its streets are a maze of industrial marvels and magical mysteries. As I wandered through the game’s beautifully crafted environments, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe. The attention to detail is staggering, from the steam-powered gadgets to the arcane symbols etched into ancient stones.

But it’s not all shiny gears and mystical runes. There’s a dark underbelly to this city, and it’s your job to uncover it. People are disappearing, whispers of sinister plots fill the air, and you’re caught right in the middle of it all. The story hooks you from the get-go, and I found myself eager to unravel its mysteries.

One of the things that really stood out to me about New Arc Line is the depth of character creation. You’re not just picking a preset avatar here, folks. You’re crafting a unique individual with their own backstory, skills, and motivations.

Want to play as a human tech whiz with a knack for gadgetry? Go for it! Prefer to be an elven mage with a mysterious past? The choice is yours! The game offers a robust set of options that let you tailor your character to your playstyle. I spent a good chunk of time just experimenting with different combinations, and each felt like it could lead to a completely different adventure.

But it’s not just about looks and backstory. Your choices have real consequences in the game world. How you interact with NPCs, approach quests, and solve problems all depend on the skills and abilities you’ve chosen. It’s a level of depth that I really appreciate in an RPG, and New Arc Line delivers it in spades.

Now, let’s talk about the meat and potatoes of any good RPG: the gameplay. New Arc Line takes its cues from classic tabletop RPGs, and it shows in the best possible way. The game uses a d100 system for skill checks, which I found refreshing compared to the more common d20 systems out there.

Combat is turn-based, giving you time to strategize and make the most of your party’s abilities. And let me tell you, you’ll need every advantage you can get. The enemies in New Arc Line are no pushovers, and I found myself really having to think about my tactics to come out on top.

But it’s not all about swinging swords and slinging spells. The game puts a heavy emphasis on problem-solving and exploration. Many quests can be approached in multiple ways, depending on your skills and preferences. Want to talk your way past a guard instead of fighting? Go for it! Prefer to sneak in through a back entrance? The choice is yours.

This flexibility in gameplay really adds to the replay value. I found myself wondering how different choices might have played out, making me eager to start a new playthrough with a completely different character build.

Visually, New Arc Line is a treat. The steampunk aesthetic is beautifully realized, with intricate machinery and magical effects that really pop off the screen. The character models are detailed and expressive, bringing the diverse cast to life.

The environments are particularly impressive. From the bustling city streets to eerie abandoned factories, each location feels distinct and atmospheric. I often found myself pausing just to take in the scenery, marveling at the level of detail packed into every corner of the game world.

The audio design deserves a special mention too. The soundtrack perfectly captures the mood of each area, from the energetic bustle of the city to the tense atmosphere of a dungeon crawl. Sound effects are crisp and satisfying, really selling the impact of your actions in the game world.

Now, it’s important to remember that New Arc Line is still in Early Access. While there’s a lot to love, there are also some rough edges that need polishing.

The English localization, in particular, could use some work. I encountered a few instances of awkward phrasing and grammatical errors that pulled me out of the experience. It’s not game-breaking by any means, but it does detract from the otherwise immersive world.

Some animations also feel a bit stiff at times, particularly during dialogue scenes. Again, it’s not a deal-breaker, but smoothing these out would go a long way towards making the game feel more polished.

Lastly, while the combat system is solid, it can feel a bit clunky in its current state. There were times when the camera would behave erratically during battles, making it hard to keep track of the action. A bit more refinement here would make the combat experience much smoother.

Despite its early access status and a few rough edges, New Arc Line shows incredible promise. The blend of high fantasy and steampunk creates a unique and captivating world that I was eager to explore. The depth of character creation and the flexibility in approaching quests offer a level of player agency that’s truly impressive.

If you’re a fan of RPGs and don’t mind dealing with a few early access hiccups, I’d say New Arc Line is definitely worth checking out. The core gameplay is solid, the world-building is top-notch, and there’s a lot of potential for the game to grow and improve. For those who prefer a more polished experience, it might be worth keeping an eye on New Arc Line’s development. With some refinement and additional content, this could easily become a standout title in the RPG genre.