Summary
Steamusers were recently treated toArco, a game that is currently one of the year’s highest-rated new releases. New games are released onSteamon a near-daily basis, ensuring PC gamers always have something new to play. Of course, some games are definitely better than others, and so it’s always a nice surprise when something unexpected drops and gets rave reviews from critics.
While some games have been released asEpic Games Store exclusives, for the most part, PC gamers can expect all of the biggest games to drop on Steam. There are some games that are only available on consoles, like the critically-acclaimedFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirth, but many of the year’s highest-rated games are readily available on Valve’s platform.
This now includesArco, a new Mesoamerican fantasy RPG mixed with bullet hell elements that has players exploring a game world as “four indigenous heroes.” The game features “simultaneous” turn-based combat, skill trees for each character, and choices that can change the course of the story. Steam users have scored the game highly, earning it a “Very Positive” rating on the platform. Professional critics have been even higher on the game, with it currently enjoying a92overall rating on review aggregate site OpenCritic. This makesArcothefourth-highest-rated game of 2024so far, beaten byTsukihime,Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth,Fate/Stay Night Remastered, andElden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.
Highest-Rated Games of 2024 So Far
Now, it’s entirely possibleArco’s overall score will drop as more reviews are counted. The game, which released on August 15, has only been reviewed by seven outlets so far. Maintaining a 92 overall rating with seven reviews counted is still impressive, though, and combined with theSteam user ratings, many clearly think that the game is well worth playing.
Those interested in tryingArcofor themselves can certainly check it out on Steam, but it’s worth pointing out that the game is also available on the Nintendo Switch. PlayStation and Xbox versions ofArcohave not been released, so console gamers will need to pick up the Switch version if they want to play.Arcocosts $19.99 on both Steam and Switch, so it really just boils down to personal preference. Of course, those that buy the game on Switch will be able to play it handheld without buying any extra equipment, whereas handheld on Steam willrequire users to have a Steam Deck handy.
Arco
WHERE TO PLAY
Arco is a Mesoamerican fantasy RPG where each fight is a handcrafted bullet-hellish maelstrom that you must solve through clever use of your skills, items, and environment. While exploring the world, your narrative choices affect whether the combat skews more turn-based or real-time.Guide four indigenous heroes through intertwining stories as you battle monstrous creatures, rival nations, and greedy colonizers. Choose peace or choose violence but not all threats can be reasoned with…and all roads in Arco lead to revenge. On a llama.Simultaneous turn-based system that requires tactical planning while staying quick on your toes. Intertwined stories with 4 different characters, each with their own unique skill tree and playstyle.Choices that impact the narrative as well as the gameplay. Handcrafted fantastical world with 200+ locations, 50+ enemies, 100+ items, 100+ skills.2 hours of captivating soundtrack. It will break your heart and then heal it.Get cursed, run from your demons, slap monsters, and break your neck trying to discover secrets.
