Arise: A Simple Story similar games & best alternatives
Arise: A Simple Story
2020
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Quick resume
Embark on an emotional journey of losing the love of one's life. Manipulate time, solve puzzles, reshape surroundings as you push forward into the bittersweet recollections of a past life. This is a story about happiness and hardship, joy and sorrow. A story that all of us will one day experience.
Global score
92/100
Genres
Adventure, Indie, Platform
Pros
- Beautiful and emotional story
- Unique time manipulation mechanics
- Stunning visuals and soundtrack
- Accessible yet engaging platforming
- Support for local co-op play
Cons
- Camera control limitations
- Some frustrating platforming sections
- Short game length
- Lack of control customization
- Occasional bugs and janky controls
Motivations
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Autonomy3
"Players manipulate time to solve puzzles and progress, allowing personal control over environment and actions."
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Competence2
"Gameplay involves platforming and puzzle solving with moderate challenge and skill, including precision jumps and timing."
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Competition-4
"Focus is on personal emotional experience and story progression without competitive elements or leaderboards."
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Continuation3
"Players often engage in multiple sessions to explore collectibles and achievements, showing attachment and replay value."
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Cooperation1
"Supports local co-op play where one player controls character and another controls time, encouraging teamwork."
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Creativity4
"Unique time manipulation mechanics and level design encourage creative problem solving and interaction with environment."
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Domination-5
"No evidence of exerting control or superiority over others; experience is personal and cooperative."
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Escapism5
"Strong emotional narrative and immersive atmosphere provide escape from real-life stress and grief."
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Expectation-4
"Players engage voluntarily driven by intrinsic interest in story and emotional experience."
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Experimenting3
"Time manipulation mechanics and varied levels encourage players to try new strategies and explore mechanics."
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Exploration3
"Players explore diverse, symbolic environments and hidden memories, fostering discovery."
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Expression2
"Some customization of experience through time control and exploration, but no avatar personalization."
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Fantasy2
"Story is allegorical and symbolic with imaginative elements, though grounded in human emotions and life."
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Fellowship1
"Some social connection via co-op play and community sharing, but primarily a solitary emotional journey."
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Growth3
"Players develop skills in timing, platforming, and puzzle solving, and gain emotional insight."
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Health-5
"Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."
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Idle-3
"Requires focused attention and engagement due to platforming and puzzle challenges."
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Intimacy3
"Emotional narrative fosters deep personal connection and empathy, though limited social interaction."
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Leadership-4
"No leadership roles; cooperative play is shared and supportive without authority."
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Progression3
"Progression through story chapters and collectible memories provides sense of advancement."
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Relaxation3
"Generally soothing and emotional experience with moments of challenge balanced by calming visuals and music."
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Sensation4
"Rich audiovisual presentation with beautiful graphics and emotional soundtrack provides strong sensory stimulation."
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Status-5
"No social status or recognition systems; focus is on personal experience."
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Story5
"Narrative immersion is central, with emotional storytelling conveyed through visuals, music, and gameplay."
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Strategy2
"Puzzle solving and time manipulation require mental challenge and planning, though not highly complex."
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Thrill1
"Some suspense and tension in platforming segments, but overall experience is more contemplative than thrilling."
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Value4
"Highly praised for emotional impact and artistic value relative to game length and price."
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Violence-5
"No violence or destructive gameplay; focus on constructive and emotional experiences."
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Survival1
"Some elements of avoiding death in platforming, but low risk overall and forgiving checkpoints."
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Where to buy
Last update: 06/03/2026