Embark Studios' latest release, Arc Raiders, has catapulted me into a world of extraction shooter bliss - albeit with an undercurrent of shame and guilt. Deploying onto a map teeming with other players, I must engage in frenzied combat, scavenge for supplies, and frantically escape before rival players can snatch my valuable loot.
The experience is remarkably smooth, punctuated by moments of slightly cumbersome combat that don't detract from the overall enjoyment. The game's sound design effectively ratchets up tension, making those robotic enemies genuinely terrifying. Moreover, the constant need to rifle through inventory drawers keeps me engaged and entertained.
However, I must remain vigilant; Arc Raiders' player versus player element means I can be ambushed by a malicious rival at any moment. This has led me to play with a certain level of trepidation, always looking over my shoulder in anticipation of an in-game or real-life confrontation about the game's use of generative AI voice acting.
In this post-apocalyptic world, you assume the role of a raider living underground, regularly venturing above ground to scrounge for supplies after an ecological disaster and the appearance of autonomous robots ravaged the landscape. These unique enemies can fly overhead, roll around on the ground, or leap extraordinary distances - each uniquely deadly.
You're woefully inadequate against most of these foes, so you must employ evasive maneuvers, throw noisemakers to distract them, or team up with other players over chat to take down more powerful enemies. The ultimate goal is acquiring loot, which grants you the ability to repair equipment, craft medical supplies, train your pet rooster to fetch items for you - and above all, escape.
In this game of survival, timing is everything. Losing a match means losing your valuable loot, so every second counts. The fast-paced action has me hooked; I find myself wanting to jump back into the fray as soon as possible, eager for more heart-pumping close calls, accidental explosions, and nerve-wracking sprints through ruined cities.
Arc Raiders isn't just an entertaining experience - it's a guaranteed shot of serotonin. Embark Studios has managed to create a game that not only captivates but also lifts your spirits. It's no wonder I'm hooked; every match leaves me eager for more, even after failure.
Now available, Arc Raiders costs £30.99 and offers hours of fast-paced extraction gameplay that will leave you breathless and wanting more.
The experience is remarkably smooth, punctuated by moments of slightly cumbersome combat that don't detract from the overall enjoyment. The game's sound design effectively ratchets up tension, making those robotic enemies genuinely terrifying. Moreover, the constant need to rifle through inventory drawers keeps me engaged and entertained.
However, I must remain vigilant; Arc Raiders' player versus player element means I can be ambushed by a malicious rival at any moment. This has led me to play with a certain level of trepidation, always looking over my shoulder in anticipation of an in-game or real-life confrontation about the game's use of generative AI voice acting.
In this post-apocalyptic world, you assume the role of a raider living underground, regularly venturing above ground to scrounge for supplies after an ecological disaster and the appearance of autonomous robots ravaged the landscape. These unique enemies can fly overhead, roll around on the ground, or leap extraordinary distances - each uniquely deadly.
You're woefully inadequate against most of these foes, so you must employ evasive maneuvers, throw noisemakers to distract them, or team up with other players over chat to take down more powerful enemies. The ultimate goal is acquiring loot, which grants you the ability to repair equipment, craft medical supplies, train your pet rooster to fetch items for you - and above all, escape.
In this game of survival, timing is everything. Losing a match means losing your valuable loot, so every second counts. The fast-paced action has me hooked; I find myself wanting to jump back into the fray as soon as possible, eager for more heart-pumping close calls, accidental explosions, and nerve-wracking sprints through ruined cities.
Arc Raiders isn't just an entertaining experience - it's a guaranteed shot of serotonin. Embark Studios has managed to create a game that not only captivates but also lifts your spirits. It's no wonder I'm hooked; every match leaves me eager for more, even after failure.
Now available, Arc Raiders costs £30.99 and offers hours of fast-paced extraction gameplay that will leave you breathless and wanting more.