It sounds like Archetype Arcadia left you with mixed feelings, especially considering your enthusiasm for visual novels and anime. Here’s a breakdown of your thoughts and experiences with the game:
Visual and Artistic Appeal: You appreciate the art and music direction in Archetype Arcadia. The character art, including the chibi Avatars, and the environments are visually pleasing. They effectively convey the atmosphere of loneliness and decay, adding depth to the narrative experience.
Plot and Execution: The game’s premise, reminiscent of Sword Art Online with its “virtual world turned dangerous” theme, initially intrigued you. However, you found the execution lacking, particularly in terms of player interaction and animation fluidity. The abrupt movements during battle scenes and the lack of immersive elements like fluid animations detracted from your overall engagement.
Narrative and Dialogue: While you found the storyline intriguing in concept, with frequent lore drops and a darker, more complex narrative, you felt that the extensive dialogue sometimes dragged on without sufficient engagement. The lack of player choices impacting the narrative progression also contributed to moments of boredom.
Character Development: The exploration of Rust’s psyche and his bond with his sister resonated positively with you. Delving into Rust’s past and how his experiences shape his perception added depth to the characters and the story.
Overall Impression: Despite its shortcomings, you consider Archetype Arcadia a decent visual novel, particularly suited for fans of Sword Art Online and those interested in darker, futuristic themes. While it may not have fully met your expectations in terms of interactive elements and pacing, you acknowledge its potential and appreciate its strengths in art direction and narrative depth.
In conclusion, while Archetype Arcadia has room for improvement, especially in terms of gameplay mechanics and pacing, it offers a satisfactory experience for fans of its thematic elements and narrative style.