The Aggie Awards – The Best Adventure Games of 2023 page 6
Best Gameplay: American Arcadia
American Arcadia, the deserving recipient of both the Aggie Award and Readers' Choice for Best Gameplay, is a masterly blend of innovative gameplay and compelling storytelling. Unfolding on the set of a television show, the narrative skillfully intertwines the fate of Trevor Hills, an unassuming clerk, with the high-stakes drama of a society under constant observation. The gameplay is ingeniously split between two distinct styles – Trevor's fast-paced 2.5D puzzle platforming and Angela's first-person hacking sequences. This dual approach not only enriches the player's experience but also mirrors the central theme of supervision and control, adding depth to the tale.
What sets American Arcadia apart is the seamless integration of its gameplay mechanics with the storyline. Players navigate Trevor through a meticulously designed retro-futuristic city, using the environment and objects to overcome obstacles, while Angela's segments require strategic thinking and coordination to assist Trevor and evade the omnipresent security forces. This dynamic interplay between the characters enhances the game's pacing, offering a variety of activities that keep the player hooked and invested in the storyline. The game's narrative, brought to life by the talents of Yuri Lowenthal, Krizia Bajos, and Cissy Jones, is further elevated by its cinematic quality, making American Arcadia not just a game but an immersive encounter that showcases the potential of interactive storytelling in video games.
Readers’ Choice: American Arcadia
Runners-Up:
Next up: Best Concept... the envelope, please!
Continued on the next page...
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