Arco - a Pixelated Western - could be this Year's Sleeper Hit

Many video games have ventured into the American Western genre, with titles like Red Dead Redemption, Call of Juarez, Gun, and Desperados leading the charge. However, if you think you've experienced all that the Western genre has to offer, you might be in for a surprise with Arco.

Published by Panic, Arco offers a refreshing take on the Western genre with its pixelated, story-driven adventure. Unlike traditional Western games that center around rugged cowboys battling through the frontier, Arco shifts the narrative to early Mesoamerica. Here, players step into the shoes of Indigenous characters fighting to safeguard their land and people from invading colonizers. This role reversal provides a unique perspective and creatively redefines the genre.

One of the standout features of Arco is its anthology-like structure. The game unfolds across five chapters, each offering a different viewpoint on the struggle against the antagonistic Red Company. This approach not only enriches the story but also immerses players in the culture and traditions of its Indigenous characters. It’s about more than just confronting foes—Arco emphasizes resource management, environmental respect, and honoring the deceased.

These themes are woven into the gameplay in innovative ways. The game includes a choice system that influences the narrative and gameplay. For example, in one chapter, I discovered a necklace in a graveyard, which I took without much thought. This decision led to haunting apparitions during battles until I could atone for my actions. Such choices are integral to the game, encouraging players to proceed thoughtfully and engage deeply with the story and its world.

Combat in Arco introduces a turn-based strategy system where both sides move simultaneously. From a top-down view, players plan their moves and attacks while anticipating the actions of their enemies. Each turn becomes a strategic puzzle, balancing offense and defense to navigate the battlefield effectively.

The game features diverse characters, each with unique abilities and skill trees. One character might be an agile ranger who excels at long-range attacks, while another could be a melee fighter with powerful close-combat moves. Managing skills and resources requires careful planning, as wrong choices or low health can lead to challenging setbacks. This trial-and-error approach is central to mastering the game’s combat.

What sets Arco apart is how it captures the essence of Western action through its gameplay mechanics. The turn-based system mirrors the tactical decision-making seen in classic Western films, evoking a sense of dramatic tension and strategic depth.

At its core, Arco is more than just a game—it’s a thoughtful reimagining of the Western genre. By focusing on living in harmony with the environment rather than dominating it, Arco redefines what it means to be wild in the West. It’s a powerful inversion of traditional Western tropes, offering a fresh and meaningful experience.

Available now for PC and Nintendo Switch, Arco is a hidden gem that might just be the sleeper hit of the year.