Arcadegeddon is a cooperative multiplayer shooter from developer and publisher IllFonic, who is known for Friday the 13th: The Game and Predator: Hunting Grounds. Arcadegeddon's Early Access released yesterday in tandem with the game's announcement at PlayStation's State of Play, and fans are currently able to play it on either PS5 or PC through the Epic Games Store.
PlayStation's State of Play centered its presentation on indie and third-party titles, as well as Death Stranding: Director's Cut and Deathloop. Arcadegeddon is the product of a canceled game, due to how the pandemic has ultimately affected game developers in the past couple of years. IllFonic Head of Creative and Design Jared Gerritzen has since shared more information about Arcadegeddon and what inspired the team to move forward with it.
Arcadegeddon's origin is reportedly the effort of Gerritzen and IllFonic to share their version of escapism, citing the pandemic as a growing inspiration for Arcadegeddon to provide fans with entertainment. Gerritzen shares that "the Muppets, Gorillaz, and 90's punk rock" are influences that have inspired the tone and art style of Arcadegeddon. Its story is about fans of small-time arcade communities wanting to help keep local arcade businesses afloat, as Gilly's Arcade gets hacked by a mega-corporation known as Fun Fun Co.
Arcadegeddon's co-op shooter gameplay is a combination of PvE and PvP, with horde enemies appearing in numerous types. Arcadegeddon is playable in either single-player or co-op with up to three others. The game is structured around a loot system with hidden chests and mini-games that players may seek out from of the nine gangs in Gilly's Arcade. Street Cred is teased as an incentive for accomplishing tasks for gangs, as well as earning unique skin cosmetics which identify players as part of each gang.
Arcadegeddon is currently in Early Access for $19.99, and fans who have experienced Arcadegeddon already are sharing their thoughts. Fans who have seen the announcement trailer have been quick to compare Arcadegeddon's visual style and gameplay to games such as Destruction AllStars, Knockout City, and Fortnite. Gerritzen states that more content will be added to Arcadegeddon on a gradual basis through update patches up to the game's release.
Arcadegeddon's Early Access currently contains three unique biome maps. But Gerritzen explains that IllFonic plans to have at least five maps available in Early Access before launch. Fans also speculate that Arcadegeddon would be a fitting game for PlayStation Plus's free monthly games when it does fully launch. However, it is uncertain whether there are plans for Arcadegeddon to launch on other consoles as well.
Arcadegeddon is available now in Early Access on PC and PS5, with a full release slated for 2022.
Source: PlayStation Blog