Arcadegeddon

Arcadegeddon is a loud, fast, and visually electric shooter that tosses you into a retro-futuristic arcade world under siege—and it's every bit as chaotic as it sounds. Developed by IllFonic, the game mixes co-op PvE and PvP action with roguelite elements, all wrapped in a glitchy, neon-drenched aesthetic that feels like Tron met Borderlands in a synthwave nightclub. At its core, Arcadegeddon is a third-person shooter that thrives on momentum. You and up to three friends dive into procedurally generated levels filled with hostile AI factions, platforming sections, and boss fights. The loop is simple: blast enemies, collect loot, and survive as long as you can. What elevates it is the roguelite structure—death means starting over, but each run earns you gear, cosmetics, and street cred. The controls are tight, with gunplay that feels satisfying and movement that encourages parkour-like fluidity. You can zip, dash, and jump your way through levels while using an array of over-the-top weapons like electricity shotguns and glitch bombs. It's not super deep, but it’s fun—especially with friends. The game's visual style is one of its strongest assets. The bright neon environments, pixelated explosions, and synth-heavy soundtrack scream arcade nostalgia. Every enemy type and biome feels crafted to match the game’s rebellious, punk-rock aesthetic. It's a bit much at times, and the visual noise can be overwhelming during heated fights, but it’s clearly a deliberate choice. Whether you love it or find it distracting depends on your tolerance for visual chaos. Progression is where Arcadegeddon gets both interesting and a bit repetitive. Between runs, you return to a social hub where you interact with NPC gang leaders who give you challenges. Completing these unlocks new abilities and weapons. There's a lot of grinding involved, and while it adds longevity, the missions can start to feel like filler. PvP modes are an optional but welcome addition, breaking up the co-op routine with short bursts of competitive chaos. They’re not revolutionary but provide variety. Performance-wise, the game runs smoothly on modern hardware, and IllFonic has put in consistent updates since launch. That said, it’s not without bugs—occasional clipping, AI oddities, and matchmaking hiccups can break immersion. Arcadegeddon isn’t aiming to be the next Destiny or Apex Legends—it’s a vibrant, fast-paced shooter that thrives on energy, not depth. While it can feel shallow over long sessions, its style, co-op focus, and satisfying gameplay loops make it a solid pick for quick, chaotic fun with friends. If you're a fan of roguelites and love games that don’t take themselves too seriously, Arcadegeddon might just be worth plugging into. Rating: 7/10