Summary
Games with a dominant 90s theme aren’t so mainstream in the modern era of gaming, as more and more RPGs opt for a photorealistic look to capture attention. However, the remarkable sales numbers and popularity of newer classicRPGs likeBaldur’s Gate 3could cause more titles to explore the aesthetic in the future, andArcadian Atlasillustrates how classic and modern gaming elements can mix.Arcadian Atlasgives gamers a variety of jobs to perform in its world, ranging from the supporting Apothecary to the long-range Ranger, equipping each of its base classes with a minimum of two promotion choices. The Cavalier, a tanky close-range specialist, offers something unique to gamers and is one of the more popular choices available.
Arcadian Atlas' allure goes beyond captivating old-fashioned pixel art, as it boasts over 70 main missions set across diverse terrains, emphasizing strategy and positioning over the element of grinding through its turn-based combat system. The title’s overarching plot follows the Knights Vashti Dahlman and Desmond Rhines, who are caught in the crosshairs of Arcadia’s political turmoil after the king’s death. A civil war follows shortly after as the matter of succession turns sour, and gamers take control of the main characters to navigate through the treacherous landscape torn by war. Alongside playing the roles of Vashti and Desmond, players can also controlArcadian Atlas' classesin a party, and the Cavalier shines brightest in close-quarters clashes.
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The Cavalier is a Frightening Melee Opponent on the Battlefield
Lovers ofmedieval combat gameswill resonate with the Cavalier’s characteristics, as the class sports swords and shields while being under protection by a thick layer of armor. The class is at its strongest when faced with strong enemies, dealing heavy melee damage and wreaking havoc on enemies' pre-planned strategies and formations. However, every warrior has its weakness, and the Cavalier is particularly vulnerable to magic and ranged attacks due to their slower movement, so players must pay careful attention to battlefield positioning to minimize damage.
Cavaliers have two developmental paths that gamers can progress their builds through. The first is a sword and shield user, boasting high defense stats at the cost of some attack power, while the other is a dual sword-wielder, trading defensive stability for offensive power. AsArcadian Atlas' story progresses, its emphasis on choice becomes evident; players’ selected development paths directly impact the characters in battles, defining strengths, weaknesses, and roles within the team.
The base Cavalier comes with a skill tree that grants access to advanced abilities and play style variations, and players can choose between two classes to upgrade their build – the Inquisitor and the Ronin. The Inquisitor transforms the base Cavalier into aholy paladin, excelling at dealing holy damage and bolstering team defense. On the other hand, the Ronin path turns the Cavalier into a ruthless assassin, specializing in high-damage strikes and disrupting enemy formations but having to sacrifice their control. Players can still use their unlocked skills after choosing a promotion, although they can no longer access the previous skill tree, making these Promotions unique classes in their own right.
Cavaliers have appeared in various RPGs, originating as knights intabletop games likeDungeons and Dragons, and later playing essential roles in titles likeUltima 4andThe Bard’s Tale. They’ve consistently served as a powerhouse of brute force in games, but as RPGs evolve, Cavaliers are taking on a more nuanced role, leading parties and enhancing strategic abilities. As a result, the class has come a long way from the one-dimensional heroes they used to be, and its appearance inArcadian Atlasis the latest step in its evolution.
Arcadian Atlasis available now for PC.
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