Since 2009, avid PC gamers have immersed themselves in the world of the highly successful, free-to-play online multiplayer game, League of Legends. The critically-acclaimed, BAFTA-winning video game spawned further ventures in gaming, eventually expanding into the worlds of music, Marvel Comics, and the hit television series, Arcane.
The show's narrative arc follows two estranged sisters, Vi and Powder, as they find their own ways to fight for survival in the slums below the gleaming city of Piltover, where there is a widening gap between the negligent ruling class and the neglected impoverished who live in fear of crime bosses, starvation, and addiction. Vi and Powder struggle desperately to reconnect as Piltover's political situation becomes dire.
Unlike past video game adaptations that have flopped and often disappoint fans, the 2021 Netflix show has achieved both significant viewership and critical acclaim. The show's mass appeal extends beyond just League of Legends gamers and is well-loved by those with no prior knowledge of the original story. Arcane is currently ranked 24th on IMDB's list of Top 250 TV Shows, and in November 2021, it was briefly the most-streamed show on Netflix.
Arcane has totally shifted expectations and raised the standards for video game adaptations and, according to its staggering viewership data, television shows in general. The show has enthralled a wide audience with compelling writing, an engaging, intense narrative, and its striking signature art style. Among other video game adaptations, the data reveals that Arcane is simply unmatched.
Heroes (and Villains) to Root For
Video game adaptations often disappoint fans because video games themselves feature worlds, themes, and characters that have already been fully developed. Adaptations run the risk of simply reproducing content. They also sometimes stray from components key to the game's plot or even introduce contradictory elements rather than building upon what is already there. Therefore, adaptations more often than not fall short of fans' standards.
Not only do the film and television adaptations have to hold true to the original, they must present something new and exciting as well, in order to captivate the audience. In this sense, Arcane far exceeds expectations. The show's creators bring the city of Piltover to life, further developing the characters that already exist in the League of Legends universe, giving them dimension and something to strive for.
The protagonist, Vi, is tired of struggling to survive; she wants to expose the corruption of the Council and bring the horrific conditions that plague the slums of Zaun to their attention. Meanwhile, Vi experiences a moral internal struggle. She has had to do bad things in order to survive — she does not want to feel as though she has to fight or steal, so she is determined to do something about it.
All throughout this challenging ordeal, she is putting forth a considerable effort to reconnect with her troubled sister, who has descended into madness and chaos; however, Vi refuses to give up on her sole remaining family member and the sister she can't live without. In spite of the wrongs her circumstances have forced her to commit, Vi remains a sympathetic, strong, and well-rounded character. She is also well-loved by LGBTQ+ fans, who are happy to see the representation of a muscular female protagonist who expresses attraction toward other women, something which has also made She-Ra and the Princesses of Power not the average animated show. Arcane has succeeded in producing a thoughtful portrayal of Vi's character.
Powder, now known by Jinx (Ella Purnell), is also a complex, compelling character. Having accidentally caused the deaths of her sister's and her childhood crewmates, Powder is traumatized. Reasonably upset, Vi leaves her young sister on her own just momentarily, but she takes too long to return. Silco, Zaun's evil crime lord, takes her in and corrupts her, manipulating her into believing that her sister has abandoned her.
Despite her age at the time and apparent struggle with symptoms of psychosis, Jinx desperately fights an inclination for unhinged behavior. She tries very hard to destroy her own way of thinking, considering the possibility that Vi truly does want to reconnect with her. Although she has committed atrocities under Silco's "care," she cannot really be blamed for her unfortunate outcome. Her story is tragic, and the Arcane creators ensure that the audience connects with her moments of vulnerability, giving them hope for Jinx's future and possibly the closure of being reunited with Vi.
Arcane's Unparalleled Design
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Yet another element of Arcane that sets it apart is its vibrant, original art design. The art style and design choices are striking yet unique; the characters, settings, and added cartoonish effects are expertly designed. The character design and clothing style are not just appealing to the viewer's eye, but they reflect the characters' personalities. The art decisions are packed full of intent. For instance, Vi has strong, arched eyebrows, a facial tattoo, muscular arms, and bright red hair. You know that she is tough before she even opens her mouth or swings her fists. Arcane has adapted League of Legends's existing characteristics and emphasized them in all the best ways.
The setting is designed phenomenally, too. There is a stark contrast between the impoverished Zaun and Piltover, highlighting the wealth disparity and inequity. Zaun is dark and grimy, crawling with unsavory characters and seeping noxious fumes. Piltover, meanwhile, reeks of obscene wealth; it is bright, and the structures are clean and grandiose. It is exciting to see such a well-developed steam punk world.
Yet another unique aspect of the show's design are the effects in the action sequences and the little sketches that appear when Jinx is enduring a mental slip. The action choreography is impressive, but the fluid, colorful effects really highlight Arcane's video game roots. They are almost a signature, unique to Arcane. They are reminiscent of comic strip interjections and onomatopoeia common in animes and action film, but the style and use are clever and original.
In the first episode of the series, Powder tinkers with her dysfunctional inventions. She finalizes them with a characteristic, cartoonish little sketch. These sketches (often skulls or spiky little character portraits) then follow her into late teen-hood and appear whenever she is having an episode so that viewers can truly experience her thoughts and emotions with her. They are menacing, mocking her as they vibrate on the screen around her head. As Jinx, her inventions (powerful bombs that actually do work) retain her original signature, but now it represents something sinister; it is no longer a playful, childlike addition. This attention to detail elevates the viewing experience as a whole.
What's Next For Arcane?
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The first season ended on a major cliffhanger, leaving anxious fans to speculate the likely disastrous outcome. Fans hope that season two will pick up where the finale left off. Although it seems impossible given how the first season ended, fans are still holding onto hope that Vi and Jinx will reconcile. Fans are also eager to see Vi and Caitlyn's young relationship develop further. There is so much to look forward to, which is yet another reason why Arcane is among the best shows to watch on Netflix overall.
According to Forbes, Arcane has the highest Rotten Tomatoes rating of any Netflix Original. Its accomplishments as a video game adaptation are unparalleled. The series, which has achieved overwhelming success, was renewed for a highly-anticipated second season the day the season one finale was released. There is still no set date for season two, but its release will undoubtedly be a big day for Netflix's analytics team and eager fans alike.