CasualFit check
Is Arden's Wake worth it for you?
We tell you who should skip it, too.
Play it if you…
Good fit- Viewers who prefer VR animated shorts to conventional games
- Fans of post-apocalyptic stories centered on family history and self-discovery
- Audiences interested in cinematic experiences that allow movement through the environment
Skip it if you…
Saves you a refund- Players looking for a long-form game with extensive gameplay systems
- Those seeking mission-based progression rather than a short, story-led experience
- People looking for a non-VR viewing format
Our take on Arden's Wake
Arden's Wake treats its underwater setting as an environment to explore within an animated short, rather than as a conventional game world built around missions. Its structure centers on Meena's story and the viewer's ability to move around during the experience.
What is Arden's Wake?
Arden's Wake is an animated short in virtual reality, set after rising seas have transformed the world.
Meena and her father make their home in a lighthouse standing above the ocean. After he disappears, she ventures into the submerged areas he had kept off limits, uncovering family history and exploring her own identity. During the experience, viewers may move around and examine their surroundings. Playback quality is adjustable on the title screen: hold Ctrl and press the Up or Down arrow key. Alicia Vikander and Richard Armitage star. The short won Best VR at the Venice Film Festival and the Grand Jury Prize for Best Immersive Story at the Raindance Film Festival, and was selected for Tribeca Film Festival.
How Arden's Wake plays
- 01Explorable Environment
- Viewers can walk around and explore the setting after the experience begins.
- 02Playback Quality Control
- At the title screen, hold Ctrl and press the Up or Down arrow keys to change playback quality.
- 03Festival Recognition
- The short received awards at the Venice and Raindance film festivals and was selected for Tribeca.
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Arden's Wake: platforms & release
Is Arden's Wake worth it?
It is worth it if: viewers who prefer VR animated shorts to conventional games. Skip it if: players looking for a long-form game with extensive gameplay systems.
Where can I download Arden's Wake?
Use the Download Now button on this page: it opens Arden's Wake's store page, where you can choose how to get it.
What platforms is Arden's Wake on?
Windows only.
