The Arcana: A Mystic Romance Review — Romance in the Cards

Reading Time: 3 mins 0 secs

Whether you love or hate the occasion, Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Doesn't it feel like the year has just flown by in a blink of an eye?

Nonetheless, it goes without saying that excitement is in the air for the hopeless romantics I have for mates, as they are on the hook for the most romantic day of the year. 🙄

Whereas for me, I'd simply love to be holed up at home with my feline friend, Rico. You know, lighting some scented candles, putting on some warm plush socks, and grabbing a knitted throw before curling up on the sofa.

For a dose of romance on this very day, I can't help but immerse myself in the mysterious world of The Arcana: A Mystic Romance (Arcana).

Developed by an American developer Nix Hydra, Arcana paints itself in a stunningly magical art style and is a fascinating concoction of Fruits Basket and Edgar Allan Poe's The Masque of the Red Death.

In Arcana's setting, you will be playing an amnesiac tarot-deck-wielding prodigy magician employed at Asra's magic shop. Story-rich at its core, Arcana pulls you in with its multiple story paths to navigate from the outset. You will be required to piece together bits of information about yourself, the characters and the world around you to build this exquisite title that is Arcana. I mean, come on. Who doesn't like a mix of danger, amnesia and a well-built fantasy world? 

I've relished the unique LGBT-friendly visual novel concept, but their gorgeous art style and endearing cast are indeed something that I'd consider as an upgrade to the others in the same genre.

Much like LoveUnholyc, Arcana also forces you to spend the in-game currency (tickets and keys) whenever you select a dialogue option or start a brand new chapter. On top of that, whatever choices you make will alter your interaction or conversation with the person, but it does not affect the direction of the overall chapter.

Otherwise, you will not be able to move on from whichever point you have missed. On top of that, whatever choices you make will earn you affection with the characters and determine which direction the story and your romance life will follow.Similar to Japanese otome games, Arcana offers you mini-games to tide you over until more in-game items have been replenished (albeit with the long waiting time). These mini-games (Tarot Readings, Wheel of Fate and Heart Hunters) tie nicely into the game's theme and are enjoyable in their merit. 

On a different note, what I find detrimental to my experience with Arcana are the long waiting time for the keys, as well as the limited number of coins I gain from the game. What this means is that you will be using keys and coins rather frequently (unless you avoid all premium dialogue options). Hence, you are forced to either wait and play the mini-games or take the much quicker purchasing them straight.

So, if you're eager for something that'll make you believe in love again, then this game can do just that—giddy feels guaranteed. So, be sure to cherish every moment and enjoy the ride here.