
Arken Age
Release Date: January 16, 2025
Action, FPP, fantasy, science fiction, action adventure, PlayStation VR, SteamVR, VR, singleplayer
Steam
A first-person action adventure game created for VR headsets. Arken Age takes us to a terraformed dark fantasy world. We play as "an alien biological weapon", traveling this world and fighting battles with opponents. In addition to combat we can also climb and swim to reach new areas.
Arken Age is an adventure action game, designed for virtual reality sets. This project is the work of the Canadian studio VitruviusVR, which also has games such as Shadow Legend VR and Mervils in their portfolio.
Story
Arken Age transports us to a terraformed fantasy land known as Bio-Chasm, for which the deadly danger comes from a neural contamination called Hyperion.
During the game, we take on the role of a character referred to as an alien biological weapon. We travel this world, trying to neutralize any threats encountered. On the way, we delve into the culture of the indigenous Nara race, and also uncover the secrets of the so-called Grand Arborist, to whom Bio-Chasm owes its current appearance.
Gameplay
In Arken Age we watch the action from a first-person perspective (FPP). While traversing Bio-Chasm, we often have to fight against opponents. In addition to regular adversaries, powerful bosses stand in our way, battles with whom are often divided into several stages.
We eliminate enemies using melee and ranged weapons. A physics engine has been implemented in the game, ensuring realistic behavior of swords and other weapons. As we progress, we accumulate modifications and resources that serve us to create personalized murder tools.
The exploration of locations is diversified by the possibility of climbing some elements of the environment (it is possible using special hooks). We have to show agility and reflexes, jumping over obstacles. From time to time, we also have to swim.
Game modes
The core of Arken Age is a story campaign. There is also an endless struggle mode, in which we face successive waves of adversaries.
Videos and Screens
[1:00] Arken Age - Launch Trailer
[3:23] Arken Age - Release Date Trailer
The main pros of the game
- Graphics and Design: Many users praised the game's visuals, noting its beautiful environments and vibrant art style, which create an immersive experience.
- Gameplay Mechanics: The game features engaging physics-based combat, intuitive controls, and a well-designed climbing system that enhances exploration.
- Combat Variety: Users enjoyed the combination of melee and ranged combat, with customizable weapons and a crafting system that allows for experimentation.
- Exploration and Secrets: The game rewards exploration with collectibles and hidden areas, making the gameplay feel rewarding and engaging.
- Performance and Optimization: The game runs smoothly on various hardware setups, with many players reporting stable frame rates and good performance.
- Soundtrack and Atmosphere: The soundtrack received positive mentions, contributing to the overall atmosphere of the game.
The main cons of the game
- Repetitive Combat: Some players felt that the combat could become monotonous, with a lack of depth and variety in enemy encounters.
- Enemy Variety: A common complaint was the limited variety of enemy types, which could lead to predictable gameplay.
- Difficulty Balance: Several reviews noted that while the game starts off challenging, it can become frustrating due to enemy health scaling and the perception of "bullet sponge" enemies.
- Sound Design: Some users criticized the sound effects, describing them as flat or lacking impact, which detracted from the immersion.
- Visual Quality: A few players pointed out that while the art style is appealing, some textures could be improved for better visual fidelity.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Enhanced Combat Mechanics: Users suggested improvements in melee combat feedback and the ability to use shields more effectively.
- More Diverse Environments: Some players expressed a desire for more varied level designs rather than the repeated use of similar areas.
- Additional Enemy Types: There were requests for more distinct enemy types and behaviors to enhance combat diversity.
- Map and Navigation Aids: Players noted the absence of a comprehensive map feature, making navigation challenging in the game’s visually similar environments.
- In-depth Tutorials: While the tutorial was generally praised, some players felt that more detailed instructions for crafting and weapon upgrades would be beneficial.
Summary
- Overall, Arken Age is viewed positively by many players for its immersive VR experience, engaging gameplay mechanics, and beautiful design, though it does have some areas for improvement, particularly in combat variety and enemy design.
Summary generated on:
Arken Age Summary
Platforms:
PC Windows
PlayStation 5
Developer: VitruviusVR
Publisher: VitruviusVR
Age restrictions: 16+
Arken Age System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core i5-7600 3.5 GHz, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 8 GB GeForce GTX 1070, 30 GB HDD, Windows 10/11 64-bit
Recommended: Intel Core i7-9700K 3.6 GHz, 16 GB RAM, graphic card 8 GB GeForce RTX 2070, 30 GB HDD, Windows 10/11 64-bit