Arto comes to color your world May 1

Just happy accidents

Freedom Games has announced that they’re bringing OrionGames’ pretty action-RPG, Arto, to PC May 1, 2023.

Arto is a bit of an awkward name, but it’s also very apt as the game revolves around traversing various biomes, each with a different art style. There’s a range of different visual styles at play, from neon to classical Japanese. It bills itself as an action-rpg, but looks a bit hack-and-slashy.

The narrative revolves around a “chromaclysm” that robs the world of its color. You may think you’re just there to restore the color, but Arto apparently gives you the decision there. “Your choices will determine whether the world will continue on this path of destruction or be saved.” What has the world done for me lately?

I’m digging the style here. The gameplay gives me flashbacks of Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes, and I don’t mean that in a good way. Thankfully, the trailers demonstrate a more dynamic combat system. The visuals are the real star here. There are some indications that suggest it being a smaller production, but the use of color overcomes that. It’s a very lively-looking game as things spring to life around you.

Arto is currently only confirmed for PC. It will be coming to Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store on May 1, 2023.

Zoey Handley

Staff Writer – Zoey is a gaming gadabout. She got her start blogging with the community in 2018 and hit the front page soon after. Normally found exploring indie experiments and retro libraries, she does her best to remain chronically uncool.