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Born of Bread

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Born of Bread
Item: Born of Bread
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Platformer, Side View Perspective, RPG, Single Player

AvailableDec 5, 2023

PlatformNintendo Switch, PlayStation 5

DeveloperWildArts Studio Inc.

Overview

Play as a flour golem who possesses a never-ending childlike wonder and a set of odd abilities. Team-up with a colorful cast of characters, explore the different regions of a wonderful world ripe with mysteries and engage in a fun and quirky turn-based combat system.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Born of Bread features a whimsical narrative with a charming quest led by a flour golem, appealing to some players with its quirky characters and humor. However, critics widely criticize the story for being basic, disjointed, and lacking depth, leading to feelings of disappointment among those seeking a more engaging experience. While it has moments of charm, the overall execution leaves much to be desired, making it feel derivative and forgettable.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

32%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

68%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of critics regarding the story of Born of Bread reveal a mix of whimsical charm and lighthearted humor that some found enjoyable. For instance, PlayStation Universe describes the narrative as "whimsical and charming," highlighting the quest of the flour golem, Loaf, to become a champion in a fantasy kingdom. Critics like Nintendo World Report and Pocket Tactics appreciate the quirky cast of characters and entertaining dialogue, with the latter noting that the story is "fun and engaging." Additionally, IGN Spain mentions that the story adds context to the adventure, introducing new elements and characters as the game progresses, which suggests that there is an element of progression that some players may find appealing. However, several critics have pointed out significant shortcomings in the story's execution. Finger Guns describes the narrative as "basic," with a disjointed world-building that leaves much to be desired, while MeuPlayStation criticizes it for lacking depth and interesting characters. TheSixthAxis echoes this sentiment, calling the narrative "stale" and devoid of humor or clever puns. Critics like CGMagazine and TouchArcade further emphasize that while the story is not outright bad, it fails to leave a lasting impression and feels derivative and lacking distinctiveness. This inconsistency in quality leads to a sense of dissatisfaction among those looking for a more engaging narrative experience. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that Born of Bread offers a lighthearted and humorous story that appeals to some players, particularly those who enjoy whimsical narratives. However, many reviewers, including GameSpew and Nintendojo, indicate that the story lacks depth and engagement, with pacing issues and underdeveloped characters. While there are moments of charm and humor, as noted by critics like Siliconera and LevelUp, the overall sentiment leans toward disappointment for those seeking a more robust and compelling narrative. The game seems to find its strength in its quirky premise and characters but struggles to deliver a cohesive and memorable story that resonates with a broader audience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Born of Bread delights with classic RPG nostalgia and fun mechanics reminiscent of Paper Mario, earning praise for its exploration and engaging turn-based combat. However, it falters with significant issues like camera problems, repetitive combat, and an oversimplified system that lacks depth, leading to a frustrating experience. While it charms genre fans, critics agree it struggles to fully deliver a polished gameplay experience, resulting in mixed reviews overall.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

21%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

58%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

21%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Born of Bread has garnered some positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding its homage to classic RPG elements. Reviewers like Hobby Consolas and Nintendo Life praised the game for its exploration, turn-based combat, and mini-games, drawing favorable comparisons to beloved titles such as Paper Mario and Super Mario RPG. Critics like Pocket Tactics noted the accessibility of the combat system, highlighting its forgiving nature and the inclusion of unique mechanics, such as card-based actions and timed button presses that add a layer of engagement. Additionally, SpazioGames appreciated the blend of traditional RPG strengths with modern features, suggesting that the game offers a relaxing experience that can appeal to fans of the genre. However, the game is not without its flaws, as many critics pointed out significant issues that detract from the overall experience. Finger Guns criticized the camera issues and frustrating combat mechanics, noting that the limited visibility complicates traversal and makes battles feel lengthy and repetitive. MeuPlayStation echoed this sentiment, describing the combat as simplified and lacking depth, while CGMagazine lamented the oversimplification of the combat system, which they felt lacked the polish and creativity necessary to elevate the gameplay. Critics like Nintendojo and IGN Spain also mentioned that the gameplay mechanics, including inventory management and combat, can become tedious and lead to a less engaging experience overall. The overall consensus among critics suggests that while Born of Bread has a solid foundation with its nostalgic RPG elements and accessible gameplay, it suffers from significant shortcomings that hinder its potential. Many reviewers, such as LevelUp and Checkpoint Gaming, noted that the combat, while enjoyable, lacks strategic depth and can feel repetitive due to its simplistic mechanics. The game’s reliance on quick-time events and a limited inventory system was a common point of contention, leading to a sense of frustration among players. Ultimately, while Born of Bread may charm fans of the genre with its classic references, it appears to fall short in delivering a compelling and polished gameplay experience, as reflected in the mixed reviews from critics across various platforms.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Born of Bread dazzles with its vibrant, charming visuals reminiscent of Paper Mario, earning praise for its 2D-3D blend and immersive environments. However, some critics highlight inconsistencies and graphical glitches that undermine the experience. Overall, while it shines in aesthetic appeal, execution issues may temper its charm for some players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

71%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

29%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Born of Bread have received considerable praise from various critics, highlighting the game's vibrant and charming aesthetic. Reviewers like Finger Guns and MeuPlayStation have noted the game's delightful blend of 2D characters within a 3D space, drawing favorable comparisons to the beloved Paper Mario series. The colorful environments and whimsical character designs have been celebrated for creating an engaging and immersive world, with Checkpoint Gaming emphasizing the seamless integration of cuteness throughout the game. Critics such as Hobby Consolas and Nintendo Life have also pointed out the strong artistic direction and environmental diversity, which contribute to the overall visual appeal, making the game feel lively and inviting. However, not all feedback has been wholly positive, as some critics have pointed out inconsistencies and issues with the visual design. LevelUp mentioned that while certain characters and environments are detailed, others lack polish, leading to a mixed experience. IGN Spain echoed this sentiment, stating that the visual style can be inconsistent, with some characters appearing out of place in the 3D environments. Additionally, CGMagazine raised concerns about graphical glitches, such as obstructed views and disappearing partners, which detract from the overall experience. Pure Nintendo also highlighted issues with depth perception due to a fixed camera, further complicating the gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Born of Bread presents a visually appealing and charming world that effectively combines 2D and 3D elements, though it is marred by some inconsistencies and graphical issues. While many reviewers, including PlayStation Universe and Pocket Tactics, laud the game's vibrant art style and imaginative environments, others like LevelUp and IGN Spain caution that the execution is not without flaws. Despite these criticisms, the game's charm and nostalgic appeal resonate strongly with players, suggesting that its strengths may outweigh its weaknesses for many in the gaming community.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Born of Bread boasts a charming and immersive soundtrack that critics love for its nostalgic and whimsical feel, enhancing the game's fantasy atmosphere. However, some reviewers cite audio issues, like muted environmental sounds, and suggest improvements for the level-up theme. Overall, the music is a standout feature, elevating the gameplay despite minor sound design flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

60%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

40%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Born of Bread have received a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting the game's ability to create an engaging auditory experience. Reviewers like Finger Guns and Hobby Consolas praise the music for being "incredibly inspired" and "charming," respectively, which aligns well with the game's aesthetic themes. LevelUp echoes this sentiment, describing the soundtrack as "great and immersive," enhancing the experience within the game's fantasy world. Other critics, such as CGMagazine and Siliconera, appreciate the whimsical and playful nature of the soundtrack, with catchy battle themes that evoke nostalgia for the SNES era of RPGs. Overall, the upbeat and enjoyable music contributes positively to the game's adventurous atmosphere, making it a notable aspect of the experience. However, there are some criticisms regarding the sound design that cannot be overlooked. MeuPlayStation points out audio issues, specifically mentioning that some environmental sounds are muted, which detracts from the overall sound design experience. While this critique is not as prevalent among the other reviewers, it raises concerns about the game's audio fidelity. Additionally, CGMagazine notes that the game could have benefited from a more exciting level-up theme, suggesting that while the soundtrack is enjoyable, there are areas that could be improved to enhance the overall auditory experience further. In summary, the overall consensus among critics is that Born of Bread features a delightful and engaging soundtrack that significantly enhances the gameplay experience. While some reviewers, like MeuPlayStation, highlight issues with sound design and environmental audio, the majority of critics celebrate the music's charm and its ability to create an immersive atmosphere. The upbeat and whimsical nature of the score, as noted by critics like Pure Nintendo and SpazioGames, resonates well with players, solidifying the game's sound design as a key strength, despite minor shortcomings.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

"Born of Bread" shines on PS5 with smooth 60 FPS and minimal bugs, earning positive reviews. In contrast, the Nintendo Switch version is riddled with critical technical issues, including crashes and long loading times, leading to a frustrating experience. Critics recommend the PS5 for a polished gameplay experience, while Switch users may face significant challenges.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

13%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

40%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

47%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of "Born of Bread" varies significantly across gaming platforms, with the PlayStation 5 (PS5) version receiving a generally positive reception. Critics like PlayStation Universe praised the game for its smooth performance, boasting a solid 60 frames per second and impressive visual effects, including shadows, reflections, and lighting. LevelUp echoed this sentiment, noting the absence of major bugs that disrupt gameplay, aside from minor graphical hiccups. MeuPlayStation acknowledged some technical issues, such as audio and AI problems, but emphasized that these do not detract significantly from the overall experience. This suggests that while there are some minor imperfections, the PS5 version largely delivers a polished experience. In stark contrast, the Nintendo Switch version is plagued by a multitude of technical issues that have garnered negative feedback from several critics. CGMagazine highlighted the presence of bugs and poor design choices that detract from the gameplay experience, while Checkpoint Gaming pointed out that the launch version contains bugs capable of crashing the game. GGRecon and IGN Spain both reported issues like soft-locking, screen shaking, and long loading times, which can severely impact player enjoyment. Additionally, NintendoWorldReport noted the game's tendency to crash, further emphasizing the instability of the Switch version. These critiques paint a picture of a game that struggles to perform well on the Switch, leading to frustration among players. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a significant disparity in technical performance between the PS5 and Nintendo Switch versions of "Born of Bread." While the PS5 version is largely praised for its smooth gameplay and aesthetic appeal, the Switch version faces criticism for its numerous bugs and performance issues. Critics like Finger Guns and TheSixthAxis pointed out specific problems on the PS5, but these were not as pervasive as the issues reported on the Switch. The overwhelming feedback suggests that players seeking a stable and enjoyable experience should opt for the PS5 version, while those on the Switch may need to exercise patience as the developers work to address the numerous technical shortcomings highlighted by various reviewers.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

replay value

Description unavailable

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

37%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

61%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment regarding Born of Bread among critics is largely positive, with many praising its charm, visual style, and humor. Reviewers such as Hobby Consolas and PlayStation Universe highlight the game as a delightful RPG, particularly for newcomers to the genre. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Pocket Tactics also commend the engaging characters and entertaining gameplay, suggesting that the game is a fun and endearing adventure. The aesthetics, including the colorful world and catchy soundtrack, receive consistent accolades, with SpazioGames noting the cheerful and well-characterized characters that contribute to the game's appeal. These elements collectively create a whimsical atmosphere that resonates well with players seeking a lighthearted experience. However, despite its charm, Born of Bread is not without its flaws. Many critics point out significant issues with gameplay mechanics, particularly the combat system, which is often described as repetitive or lacking depth. Finger Guns and MeuPlayStation express concerns over frustrating gameplay mechanics and technical issues that detract from the overall experience. Additionally, the story is frequently criticized for being basic or stale, as noted by TheSixthAxis and CGMagazine. Technical problems, including bugs and visual inconsistencies, are also cited by multiple reviewers, leading to a consensus that the game lacks polish and refinement, which could hinder its appeal to more seasoned RPG players. In summary, the consensus among critics is that while Born of Bread offers a charming and visually appealing experience, it is marred by technical issues and gameplay shortcomings. Critics like Nintendo Life and IGN Spain suggest that the game may be better suited for younger audiences or those new to RPGs, rather than veterans seeking a more polished experience. Overall, the game seems to strike a balance between entertaining charm and notable flaws, leading to a mixed reception that encourages potential players to approach it with tempered expectations.

TL;DR

Born of Bread charms with its delightful visuals, humor, and engaging characters, earning praise from critics as an appealing RPG, especially for newcomers. However, it suffers from repetitive combat, a basic story, and technical issues that detract from the experience. While fun for younger players, seasoned RPG fans may find it lacking polish. Approach with tempered expectations.

MONSTER

Reviews

42 reviews found

GameGrin

Dec 4, 2023