Highlights
The announcement trailer for New Arc Line, a steampunk fantasy CRPG, draws comparisons to BioShock Infinite due to its striking visual style.
The hints provided in the trailer imply that similar themes of tyranny and dysfunction, which are concealed beneath progress, can be expected in the narrative.
New Arc Line, the first game released by indie studio Dreamate Games, is scheduled for release in 2024.
A brand-new announcement trailer for New Arc Line, a steampunk fantasy CRPG set to release in 2024, has just been unveiled. The trailer's visually stunning style strongly resembles that of the classic steampunk FPS BioShock Infinite. Currently, there is very limited information available about this project apart from the intriguing hints showcased in the trailer.
The announcement trailer for New Arc Line, with its steampunk Americana aesthetic, is drawing comparisons to the immensely popular BioShock Infinite from 2013. Given the lasting impact of BioShock Infinite on the gaming industry, it comes as no surprise that these similarities are being noticed. A similar situation occurred when inXile announced Clockwork Revolution, a steampunk RPG that also bore visual and thematic resemblances to BioShock Infinite.
The short trailer for New Arc Line introduces the game's setting, the fantastical city of New Arc, followed by snippets of gameplay footage and a glimpse of a mysterious character who may be the story's antagonist. The visuals of New Arc are reminiscent of BioShock Infinite's floating city of Columbia, and the trailer's narration suggests similar narrative themes of hidden tyranny and dysfunction beneath progress and exceptionalism. However, it is unclear if these similarities go beyond surface level, as the trailer does not provide enough information about the game's story to determine if it reaches the same depth as BioShock Infinite's iconic narrative.
New Arc Line is being developed by Dreamate Games, a Czech-Ukrainian indie studio, as their debut title. Described as a "Story-Rich Single-player RPG, Set During the Gilded Age of Magic and Technology" on the official website, the game is aiming for a 2024 release, with a specific date yet to be announced. Interested gamers will have to wait for more information to see how New Arc Line compares to other fantastic CRPGs released in recent years.
The recent unveiling of the New Arc Line announcement trailer has already generated a great deal of anticipation for the project. Those who adored BioShock Infinite are likely eager to see if this new endeavor can recapture the essence of that beloved game, especially given the seemingly stagnant progress of BioShock 4. It is yet to be determined whether Dreamate will embrace these comparisons in future announcements or if they will forge a unique and innovative identity for their flagship project. New Arc Line is set to release in 2024 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.