Netflix's Arcane proves a stellar game-turned-series

Los Angeles, California - Riot Games has finally nailed the holy grail of adapting a video game into a show with the new Netflix series Arcane: League of Legends. It finally brings an end to terrible movies and shows based on games, or ones that require superfan levels of game knowledge to enjoy.

Beautiful 2D scenery and backdrops mix perfectly with 3D animation.
Beautiful 2D scenery and backdrops mix perfectly with 3D animation.  © Riot Games, Inc.

Arcane is a new animated series created by Riot Games, and given beautiful life by French animation studio Fortiche.

Its first three episodes were released on the streaming service last Friday.

The show is set – so far – in Runeterra, the world of Riot Games' first title, League of Legends.

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The story is centered on the technology-fueled city of Piltover and its oppressed undercity Zaun, and focuses on two sisters being pulled apart by crime and deceit.

The series' first few episodes give you a taste of the sisters' lives together before circumstance rips them apart.

The strands of other characters' lives are quickly woven together into a fast-paced tapestry. The show barely gives you enough time to breathe between action-filled moments, but doesn't let off long enough to grow boring.

Its animation manages to meld 2D and 3D elements together, and Fortiche has made each frame a masterpiece. The animation belies the same depth and darkness the series' storyline holds – which looks like it will get even heavier with its next episodes.

Gamers are stoked about this more lengthy romp through the world of League of Legends. And as the outstanding reviews on iMDB and Rotten Tomatoes show, even if you don't know the game, you can still love the show.

Overall, Arcane has scored 9.4 out of 10 on iMDB, with over 11,000 reviewers showering the show with 5-stars. Rotten Tomatoes gave the show an outstanding 98% audience score.

So far, Arcane is a breathtaking prequel that delivers solid storytelling on a gorgeous animated backdrop. Its emotional moments can move you regardless of whether you know the game like the back of your hand, or are just curious to see what the hype is about.

Game lore

Vi (left) and her sister Powder in Arcane's first episode.
Vi (left) and her sister Powder in Arcane's first episode.  © Riot Games, Inc.

The first impressions of the show's incorporation of League of Legends lore are glowing.

Fans are excited that Riot Games successfully incorporated obvious parts of the video game's backstory, as well as adding smaller nods that serve the dual purpose of adding to the new plot.

There are details hardcore fans will recognize that fit into the larger League of Legends world. At the same time, non-gamers don't have to know who any of the game's champions are to enjoy the way the city of Piltover comes together and clashes with the undercity Zaun.

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It is a graceful entry into the game's world for novices, and works seamlessly as a prequel to Riot Games' flagship title.

The show's vision of where the characters started and what the world they live in looks like has drawn in many who don't know where the heroes' journeys end, let alone how the video game they're from works.

Many viewers have actually highlighted this in their reactions online. The common sentiment from people who don't know the game is that the storyline is intriguing and not confusing – which is a huge breakthrough for shows based on video games.

Because of the large cast in League of Legends, plenty of different locations in the game's realm of Runeterra, and a treasure trove of stockpiled game lore, this series has plenty of untapped potential for future seasons.

Netflix will additionally release Arcane's next three episodes this weekend, and the hype is growing to see if Riot Games can deliver on the promise of the first three.

Cover photo: Riot Games, Inc

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