Arcane was released to widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. The show was praised for its stunning animation, worldbuilding, action sequences, characters, and emotional weight.
Unlike other video game adaptations that try to capture the gamefeel, Arcane takes its story seriously and focuses on character development. Even the most minor characters are given captivating arcs that bind them to the plot’s progress.
The Story
For a long time now, video game adaptations have not gone well. From the cringey Super Mario Bros movie to the god-awful Resident Evil series that got six installments, attempts at adapting games into movies and TV shows have rarely worked out. Arcane, however, breaks the mold. It is a gorgeous show that enthralls League of Legends fans while satisfying those who have never played the game before. The show does not attempt to mimic the gameplay of the game but instead focuses on the compelling story that takes place between the two cities, Piltover and Zaun. 
The animation in Arcane is what really makes the show stand out from others of its kind. It combines both hand-painted and computer-generated effects to create a truly unique visual style. The result is something that looks like a traditional animation but still has the fluidity and attention to detail that many modern viewers expect from a digitally animated project. It is a style that works very well for the story of Arcane, capturing the action and dynamism of the world that Riot has built up in their decade-old game.
Another aspect of the animation that is notable is the way in which it conveys character movement and facial expressions. The use of slow motion sequences as well as quick pans across characters and backgrounds is used to great effect, giving the viewer a sense of movement and flow. This is especially effective during the fast-paced battle scenes in which the show excels.
As for the characters themselves, the show excels at making them likable and interesting. This is not always easy to do when adapting a video game into a story but the writers of Arcane have succeeded in creating a cast that feels real. The characters are also given multidimensional arcs that allow them to grow and change over the course of the show. This allows the audience to feel a connection with them and to understand that even the best heroes can have flaws.
This is all made possible by the excellent writing and acting that is prevalent throughout the show. The only major weakness is in the portrayal of a few of the supporting characters, such as Professor Heimerdinger. While he is a key figure in the League of Legends lore, his one-dimensional portrayal on screen does not live up to the rest of the cast.
The Animation
Video game adaptations have a difficult task: they must capture the spirit of the source material while offering something fresh and new to viewers. Luckily, the creators of Arcane succeeded in this daunting task. This Netflix original series enthralls League of Legends fans by expanding the deep lore of two popular champions, sisters Vi and Jinx. At the same time, it captivates newcomers with a compelling narrative and gorgeous visuals that combine hand-painted and computer-generated art and features codes that let you use items such as Demon Keys, Lucky Potions, crystals, and more.
In addition to the strong writing that gives depth to the central characters, the animation is jaw-dropping. The show’s 2.5D style evokes the feeling of living paintings, and it works perfectly to convey the world of League of Legends. The privileged citizens of Piltover wear crisp white outfits that contrast with the darker colors and rough textures of Zaun’s slums. Unlike other recent video game adaptations, such as Shang-Chi and Eternals, Arcane doesn’t rely on lengthy narration or title crawls to explain the world of its characters.
The animation also helps to express the personalities of the show’s protagonists. For example, when the show follows Vi and Powder leaping from building to building in Piltover, the camera movements help to capture their different personalities, from Vi’s confidence to Powder’s timidity. This attention to detail wouldn’t be possible with the stiff, robotic animation that many viewers are used to seeing in other animated TV shows and films.
Another aspect that makes Arcane stand out is its soundtrack. Rather than relying on licensed music, the show features an impressive collection of original songs by artists such as Denzel Curry and PVRUS. This helps to add a much needed emotional resonance to the action on screen, and it helps the show avoid falling into the trap of overused video game clichés.
In the end, Arcane is a rare triumph for gaming adaptations, delivering an epic story that resonates with players and non-players alike. It is a testament to the power of League of Legends’ deeply rooted lore and the strength of its central character relationships. Hopefully, this success will spur more video game-inspired television and film productions that will continue to break the mold of video game adaptations.
The Characters
In Arcane, Riot Games and Fortiche Productions have managed to enthrall fans while expanding the League of Legends’ deep lore, and satisfying newcomers with a compelling narrative and gorgeous visuals that mix hand-painted and computer-generated animation. But the most outstanding aspect of the show is its characters. The tight writing brings a deep humanity to the sisters Vi and Powder, who’s paths from sisterhood to rivalry define the heart of this story. The strong performances by Ella Purnell and Hailee Steinfeld accentuate this depth, with their brash confidence and timidity respectively. This character depth would not have been possible without the fluid camera movement that adds another level of expressiveness to the animation.
Unlike many video game adaptations, the writers of Arcane avoid a simplistic happy-ever-after ending for their heroes. Instead, they present challenges that the characters must overcome in order to find their destinies. This nuanced approach allows the writers to develop the characters through a range of arcs that allow them to grow and learn throughout their journeys. Even the most hated villains, such as Heimerdinger, display a certain level of humanity and even redemption in their actions, which makes them more difficult to despise.
But the best aspect of this story is how it explores social issues and injustices that occur in real life. For example, the oppressive racial divide between Piltover and Zaun is explored through the actions of main characters Vi and Powder, who struggle to survive in the seedy undercity despite their noble intentions. When their first job goes wrong and they steal something of immense value, it triggers Piltover’s militarized police force to flood the undercity and cause massive destruction, highlighting how little they care about the people that live in the undercity.
While some may still be skeptical about video game adaptations into animation, the success of Arcane proves that it is a genre that can thrive in this medium. With a second season in the works, it is clear that Riot Games and Fortiche Productions are on to something big with this unique and powerful series.
The Soundtrack
Arcane has been a resounding success for Riot Games and Netflix. It’s a show that can stand on its own merits as well as appeal to fans of the game and esports. While there are a few hiccups in the writing and animation, it’s still an excellent piece of animated storytelling that has earned high praise from viewers and critics alike.
One of the most impressive aspects of this series is its soundtrack. Riot Games and Fortiche Production have managed to create an impressive and unique soundtrack that perfectly complements the action and drama of the show. The music is a mix of electronic and orchestral styles, which creates a truly unique sound that fits the show. The songs are catchy and memorable, and they help to create a sense of atmosphere that helps to make the story feel more immersive and engaging.
Another great aspect of the soundtrack is the fact that it is fully original. While many video game adaptations have relied on the same song from the title they are adapting, Arcane has crafted a completely original soundtrack. This is another aspect that sets it apart from other video game adaptations, and it’s a welcome change of pace that helps to make the show feel more compelling and authentic.
The soundtrack also does a good job of creating a sense of tension and excitement for the audience. The songs are often catchy and energetic, which makes them perfect for the fast-paced action of the show. The use of drums and guitars in particular adds to the overall feeling of intensity that permeates the show.
In addition to the music, the sound design is also fantastic. The sound effects are all very realistic and add a lot to the feel of the show. The sound effects are also very well-balanced and do not overshadow the dialogue or action.
Finally, the voice acting is also fantastic. The actors all do a great job of conveying the personalities and emotions of their characters, and they all have a very distinct and authentic style of delivery. The cast of voices is also very diverse, which adds a level of authenticity to the show that is not often seen in video game adaptations.
