Arcadegeddon: A Fresh Arcade Shooter from Illfonic in North America and Beyond

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North American Illfonic delivers a salvation story for traditional arcades through a modern shooter crafted for PC and the latest Xbox and PlayStation consoles.

Founded in 2007 in Colorado, Illfonic has built a reputation around licensed favorites such as Friday the 13th and Predator. The studio is currently developing a fresh title based on the Ghostbusters license. The eighties revival that fans associate with Arcadedgeddon remains a strong draw for the team, which has just released a game across PC (Epic Games Store), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Series X|S.

The plot centers on saving the arcade from Gilly, who tries to keep the business afloat amid new offers, all under the thumb of a large corporation—an old story retold. A simpler way to view it: players literally enter an arcade machine to complete its levels and, in the process, attempt to eradicate a virus the company introduced into the new arcade.

As a game, it shares many familiar traits with its peers: an animated aesthetic, fluid movement, a broad arsenal of weapons and abilities, and a focus on cooperative and competitive play. It sits in a mid-range price tier, emphasizing replayable multiplayer maps and scenarios and promising additional content to expand the experience beyond launch.

An image from Arcadegeddon.

The option to select a goal or mission in each room stands out as one of Arcadegeddon’s most intriguing design choices. Progression is driven by conversations with party members and by selecting the quests they offer. Players gain access to new skills and strategies, making tactical thinking as important as shooting prowess.

Beyond straight combat, the game includes other playful elements that broaden the playstyle. The variety of missions and objectives adds depth, offering a fresh perspective to the typical arcade shooter. The original concept may feel deceptively simple, with a not-so-extraordinary arsenal and skills that don’t seem to dramatically alter gameplay at first glance. But this is only the beginning.

The game’s progression system stands out, delivering a meaningful sense of growth as difficulty and weapon or skill impact scale with each attempt. This progression is arguably Illfonic’s most notable achievement, enriching the experience with a feeling of advancement. The title features both virtual and AI-driven enemies and culminates in challenging final bosses that require careful strategy and precise execution.

Visually, Arcadegeddon impresses with its polished effects, vibrant environments, and a movement system that feels natural and responsive. In addition to the previously mentioned modes, the game offers a cooperative experience that remains appealing across multiple play sessions. The design supports replayability by allowing players to tackle scenarios again at higher difficulties, encouraging repeated playthroughs without forcing a strict end-point.

Ultimately, Arcadegeddon presents an engaging shooter with a distinctive animated aesthetic. It delivers satisfying combat, a robust array of skills, a cooperative mode, and a diverse lineup of enemies, quests, and scenarios. The result is a fresh and entertaining offering that promises many hours of play without excessive fanfare, appealing to fans of arcade-inspired action and cooperative challenges alike. (citation: Illfonic materials, official announcements)

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