| Platform | PlayStation Portable (PSP) |
| Genre | ACTION RPG |
| Release Date | Japan: October 14, 2010 North America: January 25, 2011 Europe: February 4, 2011 Australia: February 10, 2011 |
| Developer | Access Games |
| Publisher | Square Enix |
| MODE | Single player / Multi player |
Step into the dark, brutal world of Lord of Arcana, an action RPG for the PlayStation Portable (PSP) that blends monster hunting with elements of gothic fantasy. Developed by Access Games and published by Square Enix, this title offers players a challenging journey through the world of Horodyn, a land named after its first king, where warriors known as Slayers battle for control of the all-powerful Arcana stone. With its mix of cinematic combat, monster-summoning mechanics, and cooperative multiplayer, Lord of Arcana aims to deliver a gripping, if imperfect, monster-hunting experience.
Gameplay Lord of Arcana draws heavy inspiration from the Monster Hunter series, but it seeks to carve its own identity with unique gameplay elements. Players engage in intense battles against monstrous foes, including iconic demons and creatures that make cameo appearances from other Square Enix games. The core loop revolves around completing missions, collecting resources, and upgrading weapons, armor, and magical abilities.
Combat is methodical and often brutal, featuring cinematic “finishers” that provide a satisfying payoff for hard-fought battles. Players can summon monsters to fight alongside them and use magical abilities to turn the tide of battle. However, this is where Lord of Arcana receives criticism — combat can feel sluggish, and repetitive missions dampen the excitement over time.
Storyline The story takes place in the world of Horodyn, a realm of mystery and danger where warriors, known as Slayers, compete to wield the power of the Arcana stone. While the premise is compelling, the narrative takes a back seat to the gameplay. Players take on the role of a Slayer, battling through hordes of enemies to prove their worth and claim the Arcana’s power. Unfortunately, the story is told through sparse cutscenes and minimal exposition, leaving many players wanting more depth and connection to the world and its characters.
Multiplayer One of the most appealing features of Lord of Arcana is its multiplayer mode, which allows up to four players to team up via local ad-hoc connection. Cooperative play enhances the experience, as taking down powerful bosses with friends is far more engaging than tackling them solo. Multiplayer encourages teamwork and strategy, adding a welcome layer of depth to the game’s repetitive mission structure.
Graphics and Sound Visually, Lord of Arcana adopts a dark, gritty aesthetic that complements its gothic fantasy setting. The monster designs are eerie and creative, and the detailed environments evoke a sense of dread and mystery. The soundtrack and sound effects emphasize the intensity of combat, with heavy, dramatic music underscoring key battles.
Reception and Criticism Upon its release, Lord of Arcana received mixed reviews from critics and players alike. With a Metacritic score of 53/100, it was criticized for its sluggish combat and repetitive mission structure. While the monster-slaying action was appreciated, the slow pace of fights and the lack of story depth turned off many players. On the other hand, the ability to summon monsters and the inclusion of cinematic finishers were praised as standout features.
Final Verdict Lord of Arcana aimed to stand out in the crowded monster-hunting genre, offering a gothic twist on the classic formula. While it introduces engaging ideas, like monster summoning and cinematic kills, it ultimately falls short due to slow combat and repetitive missions. However, for players who appreciate methodical battles and dark fantasy worlds, there is enjoyment to be found, especially in its cooperative multiplayer mode. If you’re looking for a game with challenging bosses, a haunting atmosphere, and the chance to fight alongside friends, Lord of Arcana may still be worth a playthrough.
Pros:
- Cinematic finishers and brutal combat mechanics
- Unique monster-summoning abilities
- Supports up to four-player cooperative multiplayer
Cons:
- Repetitive mission structure
- Sluggish combat pace
- Minimal story depth
Overall Rating: 6/10
While Lord of Arcana isn’t a top-tier contender in the monster-hunting genre, it’s still a worthwhile experience for fans of dark fantasy action RPGs. The mix of strategy, cooperative play, and gothic horror provides a fresh twist on monster-hunting, even if it doesn’t reach the heights of its more polished competitors.
| GAME | FILE SIZE |
| Lord_of_Arcana_EUR_PSP.iso | 775.2 mb |
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