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Bound by Flame

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Bound by Flame
Item: Bound by Flame
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2014

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Single Player

AvailableMay 6, 2014

PlatformPlayStation 4, PC

DeveloperSpiders

Overview

Bound by Flame lets the players customize their character. During the creation of their hero, players will be able choose their gender and freely alter their facial characteristics. This will of course have an influence on the demon's appearance. Through its different chapters, Bound by Flame will offer many quests around a primary adventure. Depending on the choices made by the player and the influence of the demon, some chapters will offer different scenarios and a different experience. Bound by Flame also includes a crafting system, allowing them to create and improve equipment, including their armor and weapons. Several companions will join the player during his quest, and will, depending on the player's actions, develop friendship, romance or rivalry. Also, using the crafting, you can customize your weapons and armour with more depth than most other games. for example, you can change the blade and hilt of your sword separately, which not only changes its appearance, but will also change its attributes e.g., + 4 crit, + 3 speed. When fighting enemies, you can use three different fighting styles: one uses slow, heavy, damaging strikes with weapons like axes and hammers, and a push/ kick ability to interrupt enemies or break their defences; another uses small weapons like daggers for quick strikes, and gives you a dodge ability to evade enemy attacks. The third style uses fire attacks for big damage, and can be combined with the other two fighting styles to do things like enhancing weapons with fire damage. Each of the three styles has its own skill tree with both passive and active abilities. During combat, you can use other attacks aside from striking with your weapon, like a crossbow, traps, and abilities you've earned from the skill trees.

Elsewhere

5.8

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Critics are divided on Bound by Flame's story, with some praising its engaging side quests and impactful choices, while many others criticize it for being generic, poorly written, and lacking depth. The majority find the characters one-dimensional, the dialogue weak, and the plot unoriginal. Overall, the consensus is that the story falls short of expectations and fails to deliver a compelling narrative experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

52%

Negative (0-49)

45%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Bound by Flame are quite divided. Some critics, such as GameTrailers and IncGamers, appreciate the thoughtful side quests, challenging combat, and choices that have a considerable impact on the story. They highlight the unique journey that the game offers, even if it takes players through familiar territory. Additionally, IncGamers finds the story to be short but interesting, with the ability to restrict or embrace demonic power adding a unique twist. These positive aspects of the story provide players with engaging gameplay and decision-making opportunities. However, the majority of critics express negative opinions about the story of Bound by Flame. DarkZero, Gameplanet, Hardcore Gamer, Hooked Gamers, Polygon, RPG Fan, VideoGamer, ActionTrip, Cheat Code Central, Eurogamer, Game Revolution, GameCritics, Gaming Nexus, Impulsegamer, Kill Screen, NowGamer, The Digital Fix, TheSixthAxis, and games(TM) all criticize various aspects of the story. They mention that it is generic, poorly written, lacking depth, and unoriginal. Many critics also highlight poor character development, weak dialogue, and a lack of originality. The story is described as forgettable, clichéd, and poorly executed. Some critics specifically mention issues with the protagonist's moral dilemma, stating that the choices do not feel profound or significant. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Bound by Flame falls short of expectations. While there are a few positive aspects, such as the impact of choices and the ability to embrace demonic power, the majority of critics find the story to be generic, poorly written, and lacking depth. The characters are often criticized for being one-dimensional and uninteresting. The dialogue is described as weak, laughable, and sometimes inappropriate. The story is seen as lacking originality and borrowing elements from other popular fantasy series. Despite some entertaining moments and engaging gameplay mechanics, the overall sentiment is that the story of Bound by Flame fails to deliver a compelling and memorable narrative experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on Bound by Flame's gameplay. The combat system receives praise for being fun and customizable, but criticized for repetition and unbalanced difficulty. RPG elements like character progression are highlighted positively, while issues with camera and lack of variety in attacks are noted. Overall, gameplay strengths include customization options, but weaknesses include repetitiveness and lack of depth.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

21%

Mixed (50-79)

48%

Negative (0-49)

31%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Bound by Flame are quite varied. There are several positive aspects that critics have highlighted. The combat system is generally praised for being fun and engaging, with options for customization and different tactics. Critics like DarkZero and The Escapist mention the pleasure they experienced when the combat system worked correctly. GameTrailers also mentions the ability to turn down the difficulty level, which adds to the playability of the combat. The crafting system is also commended by GamesRadar+ for adding depth to the combat strategy. The RPG elements, such as character progression, skill trees, and equipment management, are mentioned by Cheat Code Central and PlayStation Universe as important and well-implemented aspects of the gameplay. However, there are also several negative aspects that critics have pointed out. One common criticism is the repetitive nature of the combat. Critics like DarkZero, Hardcore Gamer, Hooked Gamers, and Impulsegamer mention the lack of variation and tediousness in the combat system. The unbalanced difficulty level is another issue raised by Game Over Online, Gameplanet, and EGM. The unreliable camera and lock-on system, as mentioned by DarkZero, also contribute to the frustration experienced by some critics. The lack of variety in attacks and the limited side quests are mentioned by The Digital Fix and games(TM) as aspects that make the gameplay feel unbalanced and lacking depth. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Bound by Flame has its strengths and weaknesses. While the combat system is generally praised for being enjoyable and offering customization options, the repetitive nature of the combat and unbalanced difficulty level are major drawbacks. The lack of variety in attacks and limited side quests also contribute to the overall sentiment of the gameplay being somewhat lacking in depth and variety. However, the RPG elements, such as character progression and equipment management, are seen as positive aspects that add to the overall experience. It is important to note that the opinions of the critics vary, with some being more positive, such as GameTrailers and IncGamers, and others being more critical, such as Polygon and Eurogamer.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics are divided on the graphics of Bound by Flame. Some praise the detailed NPCs and monsters, while others criticize the lack of artistic flair and generic designs. Positive reviews highlight the rich world and haunting soundtrack, but negative feedback points out forgettable visuals and dated animation. Overall, critics lean towards disappointment, citing generic enemy designs, glitchy animation, and lackluster presentation as major drawbacks.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

57%

Negative (0-49)

38%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Bound by Flame are quite varied. Some critics, such as DarkZero and Gameplanet, appreciate the game's visuals, praising the detailed NPCs, locations, objects, and monsters. They find the graphics to be pleasant and visually appealing. The Escapist also commends the art direction, stating that it creates a believable and fleshed-out world. Additionally, GamesRadar+ highlights the rich history and personality of the game's world, along with the impressive-looking monsters and haunting soundtrack. These positive opinions indicate that Bound by Flame has some visually pleasing elements that contribute to the overall experience. However, there are also several critics who express negative opinions about the game's graphics and visual design. Critics like RPG Fan and Eurogamer find the graphics to be forgettable and lacking artistic flair. They criticize the generic enemy designs and the lack of grandeur in the visuals. VideoGamer goes as far as describing the graphics as shoddy, comparing them to a CGI cartoon from the 90s. NowGamer states that the game is not particularly impressive visually on the PS4. These negative opinions highlight the shortcomings of Bound by Flame in terms of its graphics and visual design. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Bound by Flame leans towards the negative side. While some critics appreciate certain aspects of the visuals, such as the detailed NPCs and impressive monsters, the majority of critics express disappointment. The game is criticized for its generic enemy designs, lack of artistic flair, glitchy animation, poorly rendered cut-scenes, and dated visuals. Critics like GameTrailers and Hooked Gamers mention that the environments and enemies become generic fantasy fare as the game progresses. The Digital Fix points out the lack of expression in character faces and awkward voice acting, which detract from the overall presentation. The general sentiment is that Bound by Flame's graphics and visual design are average at best, failing to leave a lasting impression on the critics.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Bound by Flame's sound design and music garner mixed reviews: praised for immersive music but criticized for poor voice acting and dubbing. While some find charm in the flaws, overall consensus points to significant room for improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

20%

Mixed (50-79)

47%

Negative (0-49)

33%

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

The Sound Design and Music of Bound by Flame has received mixed reviews from critics. There are several positive aspects highlighted by the reviewers. Gameplanet praises the music, describing it as a "real highlight" that provides a "thumping and evocative atmosphere." The Digital Fix also commends the music, stating that it is a strong point with slow and calm tracks for exploration and exciting tracks for battles. Kill Screen mentions that the sound design and music are decent, with a promising soundtrack and sonorous narration. Gaming Nexus specifically highlights the sound design as a particular highlight. These positive reviews indicate that the music and sound design contribute positively to the overall experience of the game. However, there are also several negative opinions expressed by the critics. DarkZero criticizes the dubbing, stating that it is mostly mediocre with only a few respectable voice performances. VideoGamer describes the voice acting as atrocious, especially for the female lead, and considers the cutscenes a welcome break from the poor gameplay. Eurogamer points out a flaw in the sound design, noting that outdoor sound effects can be heard indoors, indicating poor attention to detail. The SixthAxis criticizes the voice acting, stating that it is wooden and does not connect emotionally to the game. These negative reviews highlight issues with the voice acting and dubbing, as well as some flaws in the sound design. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Bound by Flame have both positive and negative aspects. While the music is often praised for creating an immersive atmosphere and providing a strong point in the game, the voice acting and dubbing receive significant criticism. The voice performances are described as mediocre, atrocious, and wooden by different critics. However, some critics, such as ZTGD, find the poor voice acting and cheesy dialogue to add charm to the game. It is important to note that while the music is generally praised, it is not enough to outweigh the negative aspects of the sound design and voice acting.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics slam voice acting in Bound by Flame as poor, stilted, and inconsistent. Majority of reviewers express negative opinions, citing issues like amateurish delivery and lack of emotional connection. Overall consensus: voice acting falls short, fails to meet genre standards, and detracts from the game's quality.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

24%

Negative (0-49)

76%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Bound by Flame has received mixed reviews from critics. While some reviewers praised a few respectable voice performances, others criticized the voice acting as terrible, poor, and inconsistent. DarkZero and TheSixthAxis both acknowledged that there were a few respectable voice performances in the game, indicating that there were some positive aspects to the voice acting. However, these positive performances seem to be overshadowed by the negative opinions expressed by other critics. GameTrailers, Gameplanet, Hardcore Gamer, VideoGamer, Eurogamer, GameCritics, Gaming Nexus, Impulsegamer, Kill Screen, PlayStation Universe, The Digital Fix, and ZTGD all criticized the voice acting in various ways, highlighting issues such as stilted performances, hackneyed and amateurish delivery, atrocious acting, poor and inconsistent performances, and a lack of emotional connection to the game. The negative opinions expressed by these critics suggest that the overall quality of the voice acting in Bound by Flame is subpar. The negative opinions regarding the voice acting in Bound by Flame outweigh the positive ones. Critics consistently mentioned issues such as poor performances, stilted delivery, inconsistent quality, and a lack of emotional connection. Gameplanet, Hardcore Gamer, VideoGamer, Eurogamer, GameCritics, Gaming Nexus, Impulsegamer, Kill Screen, PlayStation Universe, The Digital Fix, and TheSixthAxis all expressed negative views on the voice acting, highlighting its shortcomings. GameTrailers specifically mentioned that the terrible voice acting might hinder players from wanting to know the companions better. The criticisms from these reviewers indicate that the voice acting in Bound by Flame falls below expectations and fails to deliver a convincing and immersive experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in Bound by Flame is lacking. While a few reviewers acknowledged some respectable performances, the majority of critics expressed negative opinions about the voice acting. The criticisms range from poor and inconsistent performances to stilted and disappointing delivery. The negative feedback from Gameplanet, Hardcore Gamer, VideoGamer, Eurogamer, GameCritics, Gaming Nexus, Impulsegamer, Kill Screen, PlayStation Universe, The Digital Fix, and ZTGD, among others, suggests that the voice acting fails to meet the standards expected in a game of this genre. The general sentiment is that the voice acting in Bound by Flame is substandard and does not enhance the overall quality of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Critics slam Bound by Flame for technical fails on PC and PS4: optimization issues, bugs, shonky cut-scenes, and game-crashing bugs. Lack of polish and finesse across both platforms.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

29%

Negative (0-49)

71%

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

In terms of the technical performance of Bound by Flame, the opinions of the critics varied across different gaming platforms. On the PC, DarkZero mentioned optimization issues that required lowering the resolution for stable performance. This suggests that the game may not be well-optimized for PC systems. Hardcore Gamer also noted numerous bugs and a poor auto-save system, which negatively impacted the overall experience. These criticisms highlight the technical shortcomings of the PC version. On the PS4, Eurogamer pointed out shonky cut-scenes and linear maps, indicating a lack of current-gen experience. This suggests that the game may not fully utilize the capabilities of the PS4 hardware. Impulsegamer also mentioned issues with grammar and spelling, which could be seen as a technical oversight in the game's development. Additionally, games(TM) experienced a crash during their playthrough, resulting in a corrupted save file. This further highlights technical issues on the PS4 platform. Overall, the critics' opinions on the technical performance of Bound by Flame were predominantly negative. The PC version was criticized for optimization issues, bugs, and a poor auto-save system. On the PS4, the game was criticized for shonky cut-scenes, linear maps, grammar and spelling issues, and a game-crashing bug. These criticisms indicate a lack of polish and technical finesse in the game's development. The consensus among the critics suggests that Bound by Flame falls short in terms of technical performance across both PC and PS4 platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics slam Bound by Flame for technical fails on PC and PS4: optimization issues, bugs, shonky cut-scenes, and game-crashing bugs. Lack of polish and finesse across both platforms.

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the replay value of Bound by Flame. Some praise the potential for varied quests and outcomes based on player choices, hinting at enjoyable second playthroughs. However, others criticize the lack of significant changes in story and abilities, short length, limited locations, and filler side quests, diminishing the overall replayability. Eurogamer and Game Revolution express disappointment in the game's content and execution, impacting its replay value perception.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

57%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Bound by Flame are mixed. IncGamers and The Escapist both highlight the potential for replayability due to the different quests and outcomes based on player choices. IncGamers specifically mentions that a second playthrough could be enjoyable, while The Escapist mentions the skill trees, crafting system, and multiple choices that affect the story. These positive aspects suggest that there are elements in the game that can provide a different experience on subsequent playthroughs. However, Cheat Code Central and Game Revolution have a more negative view of the game's replay value. Cheat Code Central argues that the changes in the story and abilities based on player choices are not significant enough to warrant replaying the game. Game Revolution goes further by stating that the illusion of choice quickly dissipates upon a second playthrough, revealing that the game remains the same regardless of player decisions. These criticisms suggest that the game's replay value may not be as substantial as initially perceived. Eurogamer and NowGamer both highlight the game's short length and lack of content as a drawback to its replay value. Eurogamer mentions that the game only offers around 10 hours of gameplay and limited locations to explore, making it feel like a budget offering. NowGamer adds that the side quests, while available, are largely filler and the game suffers from minor flaws and sub-par execution. These criticisms indicate that the game may not provide enough variety or depth to make subsequent playthroughs engaging. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Bound by Flame has some potential for replay value, particularly in terms of different quests and outcomes based on player choices. However, the negative aspects such as the lack of significant changes in the story and abilities, short length, limited locations, and filler side quests diminish the overall replayability of the game. Critics like Eurogamer and Game Revolution express disappointment in the game's content and execution, further affecting the perception of its replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

69%

Negative (0-49)

26%

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

In analyzing the opinions of the videogame reviewers regarding the overall verdict of Bound by Flame, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects to the game. Starting with the positives, some critics highlighted the game's potential and enjoyable elements. Game Over Online mentions that the game is entertaining enough and worth checking out at its budget price. GameTrailers emphasizes the memorable journey and meaningful impact of decisions on the story. GamesRadar+ praises the rapid-fire decisions made mid-battle and the rich customization options, making the game enjoyable. Impulsegamer states that the game works from a gaming perspective, although it doesn't bring anything new to the genre. On the other hand, there are several negative aspects that critics point out. DarkZero mentions that the game is generic in setting, features dull level design, and is unbalanced in difficulty. Hardcore Gamer criticizes the poor story execution, unoriginal gameplay, and technical issues. Polygon describes Bound by Flame as a generic mess with no depth and poorly handled characters. The Escapist highlights the game's poor structure and technical sloppiness, ultimately frustrating players. Eurogamer states that the game is subpar with numerous flaws in its story, gameplay, graphics, sound design, and technical performance. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a mixed reception for Bound by Flame. While some critics see potential and enjoyable aspects in the game, such as character progression, customization, and combat, others criticize its generic setting, unoriginal gameplay, poor storytelling, technical issues, and lack of innovation. The general sentiment suggests that Bound by Flame falls short of its potential and fails to deliver a fully satisfying experience. Critics like Gameplanet, RPG Fan, and Kill Screen express disappointment in the game's flaws and lack of engagement. However, there are also critics like NowGamer and PlayStation Universe who find some redeeming qualities in the game, making it worth playing for those interested in a new RPG experience.

TL;DR

Critics offer a mixed reception of Bound by Flame. Some praise its potential, character progression, and combat, while others criticize its generic setting, poor storytelling, and technical issues. Overall, the game falls short of expectations, with some finding it worth playing for its redeeming qualities, but many expressing disappointment in its flaws and lack of engagement.

MONSTER

Reviews

108 reviews found

Game Over Online

May 9, 2014