Bound by Flame

1. JPoppaWUSC

   May 9, 2014

   10

   Bound By Flame doesn't deserve a perfect score, but I'm going to give it one anyway to offset the spamming of terrible scores that it's havingBound By Flame doesn't deserve a perfect score, but I'm going to give it one anyway to offset the spamming of terrible scores that it's having to endure. In truth, BBF is about an 8.5, but even placing a number on the review is difficult for a few reasons. The game is awkward, in much the same way as Mars War Logs felt awkward. From inconsistent characterization and uncomfortably cynical dialogue to bad lip-syncing and amateurish voice acting, the presentation is going to rub a lot of players the wrong way. The question is, how much importance do you place on cinematic presentation? Because if you're the type of gamer who enjoys gritty real-time combat and a serious level of challenge, BBF may still have enough to offer that aesthetics don't matter anymore. If you like, say, Dark Souls or The Witcher for their strategic and deliberately-paced combat systems, you will want to give BBF a spin. If you thought Dragon's Dogma was a good first entry into a new IP in spite of some glaring flaws, you'll easily overlook the worst of BBF's issues. Just don't expect Skyrim. While you could compare chunks of BBF to a lot of its action RPG peers, it holds the least resemblance to Elder Scrolls. There's some DNA from Dragon Age, Witcher, Amalur, Dark Souls, Fable, even War in the North, and of course Mars War Logs -- but practically nothing about the game suggests that Spiders was trying to compete with Skyrim. As long as you set your expectations accordingly, you'll be just fine, especially considering it's only a $50 new release on a brand new console, on which there is very little selection right now and NO other RPGs to speak of. BBF actually manages to deliver on much of its gameplay mechanics, and I genuinely enjoy the music and art style. Crafting is deeper than expected for both equipment and expendables, as you can change out modular parts of weapons and armor easily or craft items like traps on the fly, even in the heat of combat. Mission objectives and combat conditions are varied and often very fun to figure out, even if you die a lot in the process. Things like target lock-on and parrying work just fine (contrary to popular belief), but heaven forbid, you actually need to learn the game's system to be effective with them. I appreciate that this isn't a paint-by-numbers RPG, and even though it borrows some inspiration from plenty of big-name IPs, the resulting whole feels almost entirely original. It just won't be the kind of original that everybody likes. Personally, I'm getting everything out of it that I expected and maybe then some, so I respect what Spiders did with their first retail game. I look forward to seeing what they do next, and I wouldn't mind getting some DLC for Bound By Flame. We've got quite a while to wait on games like Dragon Age: Inquisition and The Witcher 3, so I hope players don't write this one off too quickly.… Expand

   • 22 of 41 users found this helpful
2. djjohnsson

   Jul 15, 2014

   10

   As some have mentioned already the game might not really deserve the highest rating - but with a lot of critics giving it more trouble than itAs some have mentioned already the game might not really deserve the highest rating - but with a lot of critics giving it more trouble than it deserves one do have to answer back with.. well, flames? Bound by Flame might not have the blockbuster production wheel of the Mass Effect trilogy or the interaction of a Obsidian Entertainment title but what it brings to the table is a 20-30 hour Action-RPG saga that most fans of the genre will find themself enjoy.… Expand

   • 0 of 1 users found this helpful
4. AsboXFlemzo

   May 11, 2014

   10

   The game doesnt deserve 10...but in my point of view, only games like The last of us does.
   Basically the score is to to fight the trolls. TheThe game doesnt deserve 10...but in my point of view, only games like The last of us does.
   Basically the score is to to fight the trolls. The game is good in ever aspect and deserves a flat 8.0
   It has a perfect rpg setting and lore any fan would fall in love with. Characters you actually want to get to know, and a main character forced live with a equally amusing demon. Graphics are good enough and game-play is challenging, far to hard for reviewers. mass effect meets witcher, i hope sales can spur a sequel.… Expand

   • 2 of 12 users found this helpful
5. Skydog

   May 12, 2014

   7

   Good offering for PS4 as there's NOTHING else on this abandoned console (Feels like one anyway...)
   definitely not perfect (not an 9 or 10Good offering for PS4 as there's NOTHING else on this abandoned console (Feels like one anyway...)
   definitely not perfect (not an 9 or 10 for sure) but around a 6 or 7.… Expand

   • 0 of 2 users found this helpful
6. fuwaneko

   May 9, 2014

   7

   It's nothing special, but it's not THAT bad as many journalists say. And it's quite challenging in a good way. Because, you know, Dark SoulsIt's nothing special, but it's not THAT bad as many journalists say. And it's quite challenging in a good way. Because, you know, Dark Souls showed us that a game should actually kill you, and do it often.… Expand

   • 5 of 8 users found this helpful
7. RUNaPUFF

   Jul 5, 2018

   5

   Everything about this game is mediocre. The voice acting, the graphics, the story, the combat, the characters, et cetera. The only reason IEverything about this game is mediocre. The voice acting, the graphics, the story, the combat, the characters, et cetera. The only reason I bought it is because I was bored and it was on sale for $5. It might be worth $20 but the $50 original price is not worth it. For a game that was made in 2014 it still pales in comparison to a game like Dragon Age: Origins.… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
8. SCLancho

   Feb 27, 2016

   0

   So far the worst game over $40 price i ever played. Graphics are great 10 years ago. Music is just inapropiate, some sounds will reallySo far the worst game over $40 price i ever played. Graphics are great 10 years ago. Music is just inapropiate, some sounds will really destroy your brain (owl sound very 2 seconds)
   You can't load chapters. Dificulty is very low till you face the final boss, then you are **** up.
   Game is too short, you just follow corridors... DO NOT WASTE YOUR $$$!!!!!… Expand

   • 0 of 2 users found this helpful

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