PS4 Bound by Flame (+ PC, 360 & PS3)

While Bound by Flame is a perfectly enjoyable game, it’s also one that feels like it could have been so much more. If you can obtain the game for a reasonable price it’s certainly worth a look provided you’re not expecting an epic adventure. We’ve often lamented the disappearance of so-called “B-Tier” games which have become increasingly uncommon this past generation and it just so happens that Bound by Flame falls squarely into that category. It’s a fun, charming RPG let down by a limited scale and lack of content.

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After fourteen hours with the PC version of Bound by Flame, and still a little ways from the ending, the general feeling is undeniably more positive than negative. While not particularly attractive initially, due in part to the plasticky, dated visuals, this RPG developed by the small French studio of just twenty people feels generous in many ways. Crafting, multiple skill trees, loot, equipment upgrades, side missions galore, branching narrative, and a rich backstory all come together to create a solid little RPG. Of course, one can't expect such a small team to match the size and scale of a Bethesda production, but despite its flaws, Bound by Flame remains very much in line with Mars: War Logs, their previous title. Bound by Flame is then a rather enjoyable and even endearing experience despite some repetition and a distinct lack of scale. One of the game's strengths undeniably comes from the solid design of its bestiary, with some pretty original creatures. And then there is combat, which is really fun to play despite its repetitiveness.

Beyond the gaps that arise from the limited financial resources of the studio, the real downside here is its price, which seems excessive given the content especially on consoles (360/PS3/PS4). Knowing the current level of demand from players for high quality visual and variety this might affect the chances of success. Bound by Flame is certainly not the most essential of RPGs but may ultimately still satisfy fans who look for more than just pretty graphics. Take heed, the games world consists largely of narrow passageways of a rather labyrinthine design. It's an old style design that may not satisfy gamers used to open worlds and epic experiences. The Witcher: Budget Edition at heart, Bound by Flame doesn't demand tolerance from us, rather, a certain realism, as cruel as it might be. With no other choices in the AAA RPG space hitting the PC and PS4 thus far in 2014, Spiders game is not without its charm. It remains to be seen whether the harsh reality of the market will give it a chance. Nothing is less certain given the asking price, which would be a shame considering the game is definitely worth checking out.

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Trayal schrieb:

Von mittelmäßigen/schlechten Reviews großer Seiten, zu Non-AAA Games oder nicht im Vorfeld gehypten Indies, lasse ich mich schon lange nicht mehr abschrecken.

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Blacki138 schrieb:

Majin war so saugeil, ne

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