New Arc Line Hands-on Preview: A Steampunk cRPG That’s Brimming with Potential
New Arc Line enters the cRPG scene with a bold premise, blending a dystopian steampunk aesthetic with classic RPG mechanics. Now available in early access, it’s already showcasing glimpses of greatness, though it’s clear there’s room for improvement before its final release.
Character Creation: A Mixed Bag
The game kicks off with a character creation process that, while functional, lacks the depth seen in contemporaries like Baldur’s Gate 3. With only two available classes—tech-themed and voodoo—the options feel limited, though the magical allure of the Voodoo class was too tempting to resist. Unfortunately, the inability to zoom in for fine-tuning facial features was a noticeable drawback, detracting from the customization experience.
A Stunning World with a Slow Start
Once the game begins, the prologue introduces a breathtaking world that feels like a love child of BioShock Infinite and Disco Elysium. The steampunk fantasy setting is immersive, with vibrant water effects and a striking balance between utopia and dystopia. However, the slow-paced movement and vast exploration zones in the prologue may test players’ patience, particularly those who aren't completionists.
Gameplay and Combat: Rough Around the Edges
Exploration is made smoother by a handy “highlight interactables” feature, reminiscent of Baldur’s Gate 3, but the hitbox detection is frustratingly inconsistent, leading to clunky interactions and missteps in battle. Combat feels hampered by a cramped UI and the aforementioned hitbox issues, which resulted in avoidable setbacks during testing. Additionally, voice acting is sporadic, with inconsistent narration choices that disrupt the game’s otherwise atmospheric storytelling.
New Arc Line has undeniable potential, thanks to its strong world-building and striking visual style. However, improvements to hitboxes, UI design, and pacing are essential for it to stand out in a competitive genre. With its early access phase running until late 2025, there’s ample time for refinement. For those intrigued, now’s a good time to jump in with a 15% launch discount.
What do you think about the early access version of New Arc Line? Is it on your wishlist, or do you think it needs more polish before you dive in? Share your thoughts below!
