Alright, let’s talk about Solo Leveling: Arise. If you’ve read the Solo Leveling manhwa or watched the anime, you already know what you’re getting: an OP protagonist, insane power-ups, and enough dungeon crawling to make Dark Souls look like a casual stroll. But does this game do justice to Sung Jin-Woo’s legendary rise, or is it just another flashy gacha waiting to drain your wallet?
I’ve spent some time grinding through dungeons, summoning shadows, and of course seeing just how far I can push Jin-Woo before the stamina system slaps me in the face. So, is Solo Leveling: Arise the ultimate power fantasy we’ve been waiting for, or is it another case of great anime, meh game? Let’s dive in.
The Story
For those who have already read/seen Solo Leveling, feel free to skip this part because you already know what’s up. And if you somehow magically didn’t, don’t worry about it, I got you covered. In all of this hype, you were bound to stumble upon one of the cool edits of Sung Jin-Woo farming aura. So, how did it all start? It might come as a shock to you but he wasn’t always like that.
Sung Jin-Woo was an E-rank hunter, the lowest of the low, struggling to survive in a world where dungeons and monsters are part of daily life. But when a high-risk dungeon raid goes horribly wrong, he’s left for dead until a mysterious system offers him a second chance. With a system that lets him level up like a game character, Jin-Woo embarks on a path that will not only make him stronger but also help him save his mother who is under coma due to a strange illness.
That’s only the beginning of his story and as time progresses it gets better and better. If you end up not liking the game, I highly recommend reading and then watching it.
The Gameplay
When it comes to gameplay, Solo Leveling: Arise keeps things pretty straightforward, and that’s not a bad thing. The core loop revolves around grinding dungeons, leveling up Jin-Woo, and unlocking new skills, basic RPG stuff, but done in a way that’ll keep you hooked. Combat is satisfying, especially when you get to unleash Jin-Woo’s shadow army to wreck enemies. It’s exactly the kind of over-the-top action we expect from the Solo Leveling universe.
But here’s the catch, while it’s fun, it can feel a bit repetitive after a while. You’ll be running through dungeons, smashing monsters, and collecting loot, but there’s not a ton of variety in terms of objectives. The grind is real, and if you’re not careful, it can start to feel like you’re just checking off boxes instead of progressing the story.
Now, let’s talk about the gacha system. It’s a key part of the game, letting you summon new characters and equipment, which can give you a major boost in power. The thrill of pulling rare summons is definitely there, but it’s also where the game starts showing its true colors. If you’re not careful, you might find yourself spending real money to get better gear or characters, and that’s where things can get a bit tricky. It’s that fine line between fun and frustrating without spending, your progress can feel slower, but with a little luck you can break through and feel like a true powerhouse.
On the plus side, the skill system is pretty engaging. As you level up, you get access to new abilities that make the combat even more satisfying whether you’re summoning more shadows or launching massive AoE attacks. You get that satisfying feeling of becoming stronger with every dungeon run, which is what makes it addictive.
So, while the gameplay might not reinvent the wheel, it’s solid enough to keep you coming back for more. If you’re into the grind and the thrill of the gacha, it’s got what you need, but if you’re looking for something more varied or hate pay-to-win mechanics, you might not like it.
Graphics
The graphics are one of the standout features of the game. The characters are sharp and well-designed, with Jin-Woo and his shadow army looking as imposing as they do in the source material.
The environments, especially the dungeons and battle arenas, are rich in detail with a dark, atmospheric vibe that perfectly complements the story’s intense tone. The use of lighting, especially in fight scenes, really amps up the intensity, giving the whole thing a cinematic feel. It’s like stepping into a high-budget anime or a visually stunning RPG, where every move feels impactful.
Final Words
I’ve been playing the game casually for some time and while I’ve been enjoying it, I can’t say with any certainty that you will too.
Don’t get me wrong, for what it is (a gacha game), it’s a good game. But att the end of day, it’s still a gacha game and it might not be your cup of tea. However, if you just finished watching season 2 and you want more Jin-Woo action then I highly recommend playing it. Enjoy the game and if you’re going to whale in it, spend responsibly.
