Introducing Arbiter 131, a real-time tactical sci-fi strategy sim for PC by developer Ikon with a narrative focus in which you play as the titular Arbiter, analyzing citizen data to prioritize targets and remotely commanding police units. The question is, will you follow orders?
Set in the “corporate megacity” of Arkadia, Arbiter 131 bills itself as “XCOM meets Papers, Please and Door Kickers.” It promises “branching narratives, moral dilemmas, and challenging tactical scenarios.” Check out the announcement trailer (which is a mix of in-engine cinematics and actual gameplay) above and the first screenshots in the gallery below.
Ikon says “The game tracks how you handle each scenario and adjusts the narrative organically: there are no binary choices, everything is decided through your gameplay.” A pre-mission planning interface lets your draw up your strategy prior to each outing, but of course you’ll be able to adjust your strategy in real-time if needed or desired.
Wishlist Arbiter 131 on Steam if you’re interested.
Ryan McCaffrey is IGN’s executive editor of previews and host of both IGN’s weekly Xbox show, Podcast Unlocked, as well as our semi-retired interview show, IGN Unfiltered. He’s a North Jersey guy, so it’s “Taylor ham,” not “pork roll.” Debate it with him on Twitter at @DMC_Ryan.
