Solo Leveling: Arise »Review« (Android, iOS, PC)

Solo Leveling was born in South Korea from the pen of Chugong, author of the original web novel published in 2016, later adapted in 2018 into a beloved manhwa (Korean comics and animated works) illustrated by Jang Sung-rak (DUBU) of Redice Studio. Its worldwide success led to the creation of an anime produced by A-1 Pictures in 2024, followed by a second season, titled Arise from the Shadow, released in 2025.

The series blends action, fantasy, and dark RPG elements, merging the aesthetics of role-playing games with a story of personal growth, sacrifice, and absolute power. Completing this narrative universe is the video game Solo Leveling: ARISE, an action RPG developed by Netmarble, available on PC and mobile devices. If you’re a fan of the anime, it lets you personally experience the rise of Sung Jinwoo, the protagonist.

The world of Solo Leveling is dominated by mysterious portals known as “Gates,” connecting Earth to dimensions filled with monstrous creatures. To fight them, “Hunters”—humans granted extraordinary powers—have emerged, organizing into guilds and missions to close the rifts before it’s too late.

Among them stands Sung Jinwoo, an E-rank Hunter, weak and constantly struggling, considered the worst in his field. But everything changes when, during a disastrous expedition, Jinwoo receives a unique gift: a “System” that allows him to level up like in a video game.

From that moment, an unstoppable journey of growth begins. Each battle brings him closer to absolute power; each victory transforms him, until he becomes the legendary Shadow Monarch. The series alternates moments of pure action with more introspective phases, building a perfect balance between spectacle and emotional tension.

With Solo Leveling: ARISE, Netmarble has translated the visual and narrative power of the anime into an action video game that perfectly captures its spirit. Here, you play as Sung Jinwoo, facing dungeons inspired by the series and summoning your own army of shadows to fight alongside you.

The gameplay is fast-paced and spectacular, combining active skills, dynamic combos, and character progression. The main missions follow the anime’s storyline, while side quests allow players to explore other Hunters and monsters within the Solo Leveling universe. From a technical standpoint, the game shines with 3D anime-style graphics, smooth animations, and a refined sound design, featuring orchestral music that perfectly conveys tension and epic atmosphere during key moments.

Solo Leveling captivates thanks to its perfect fusion of video game aesthetics and cinematic storytelling. The anime impresses with its technical quality, tight pacing, and the artistic direction of A-1 Pictures, while the video game serves as a natural extension of that universe. The theme of personal growth through solitude is central: the protagonist wasn’t born strong—he became strong—and this gradual conquest of power is what makes the series so rewarding.

Fans of RPGs will find in Solo Leveling a familiar language, yet enriched with an emotional depth that’s rare for the genre.

The story of Solo Leveling began in 2016 as a web novel published on KakaoPage, and in a short time it won over millions of readers, eventually turning in 2018 into an immensely successful manhwa. The series concluded in 2021 after 179 chapters, but its impact on pop culture was such that it became one of the most beloved Korean works of all time.

The anime adaptation was entrusted to A-1 Pictures, already renowned for titles like Sword Art Online and Blue Exorcist, and enhanced by a soundtrack composed by Hiroyuki Sawano, master of epic compositions (Attack on Titan, Kill la Kill). Each episode of the anime captures the visual intensity and narrative power that made the manhwa iconic.

The video game Solo Leveling: ARISE further expands the universe, allowing players to face bosses and missions directly inspired by the series’ most memorable moments. A particularly touching detail is the tribute to Jang Sung-rak (DUBU), the original artist, who passed away in 2022 before the anime’s release: his name appears in the end credits as a thank-you for bringing to life a world that continues to inspire millions of fans around the globe.

Solo Leveling is a story of growth, sacrifice, and solitude, disguised as a fantasy epic. It can be violent and dark, yet profoundly human, portraying how determination can transform an ordinary individual into a legend.

The video game ARISE completes this journey, offering an interactive experience that amplifies the sense of power and achievement seen in the animated series. It’s recommended not only for fans of the manhwa but also for anyone seeking an adventure that merges action and introspection in a spectacular way. Sung Jinwoo takes us on a journey in search of strength and self-awareness, where every victory is a step toward the absolute.

---

Solo Leveling Arise Review: (Video Game Reviews, Android Games, iOS Games, PC Games)

Solo Leveling Arise: (Action Games, Fantasy Games, RPG Games)