Arcadian Atlas Reviews

Ignoring all the drama around the game, the developer and some of the developer's comments, I can't recommend the game despite its beautiful art and solid writing. The gameplay is really slow-paced, not really interesting and engaging. Actions and options are limited, movement and controls are slow and combat in general feels insignificant. There's a lot of level recycling; two early side quests lead you to the same two maps you've previously cleared on the main quest. Music choice is questionable. I don't think the jazz music fits the tone and setting of the game. While dialogues and overall story are solid, it's not so extraordinary to hide the fact the gameplay feels trivial. Equipping your troops is a chore since many QoL are missing like switching troops while being in the equipment selection screen, and there's no auto equip. Additionally a lot of assets are reused, character sprites and portraits. You fight against the same enemies all the time. I'd rather recommend Triangle Strategy. Only play Arcadian Atlas if you're die-hard SRPG fan and have played all the good ones.

I don't understand the apparent smear campaign against this one. Sure, it's an indie offering that isn't quite as good as FInal Fantasy Tactics. Sure, it was talked up over a very long development cycle. Post-hype, it's a really fun game that you can snag on sale for a steal. The graphics are unique and quite good. The music is solid if different (kind of reminds me of parts of Chrono Trigger). The story is very engaging and told from creative perspectives. The skill development, while not free form class selection, is really interesting and leads to a broad variety of builds. There are some quirks, like the rare lock up or the fact that you can't really catch up levels on side characters that don't fit in every fight. For the latter, you just dismiss the ones that fall behind and hire new ones. You have more than enough gold to do anything. Push through it all. It's worth it.