52
MONSTER
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.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
Expand for full analysis
52
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
52
Positive (80-100)
3%
Mixed (50-79)
52%
Negative (0-49)
45%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
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.
Gameplay Mechanics
Expand for full analysis
61
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
61
Positive (80-100)
21%
Mixed (50-79)
48%
Negative (0-49)
31%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
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.
Graphics and Visual Design
Expand for full analysis
57
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
57
Positive (80-100)
5%
Mixed (50-79)
57%
Negative (0-49)
38%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
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.
Music and Sound Design
Expand for full analysis
60
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
60
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.
TL;DR
music and sound design
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.
Voice Acting
Expand for full analysis
43
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
43
Positive (80-100)
0%
Mixed (50-79)
24%
Negative (0-49)
76%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
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.
Technical Performance
Expand for full analysis
41
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
41
Positive (80-100)
0%
Mixed (50-79)
29%
Negative (0-49)
71%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
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
Expand for full analysis
48
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
48
Positive (80-100)
0%
Mixed (50-79)
43%
Negative (0-49)
57%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
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.
Overall Verdict
52
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
52
Positive (80-100)
5%
Mixed (50-79)
69%
Negative (0-49)
26%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
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.
52
MONSTER
Reviews
108 reviews found75
Game Over Online
May 9, 2014
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is entertaining enough despite its faults and is worth checking out at its budget price.
75
PlayStation Universe
May 13, 2014
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Bound by Flame has potential and combines elements from different games, but the narrative delivery is weak. The game world could develop an interesting franchise.
74
GameTrailers
May 13, 2014
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Bound by Flame is far from perfect, but underneath a few rough edges, a memorable journey awaits, defined by an unpredictable storyline, and decisions that have a meaningful impact on the story.
70
GamesRadar+
May 8, 2014
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game's illusion of choice is not well-executed. The linear nature of the game and the lack of impact from decisions on the overall story development may disappoint players looking for a choice-laden game. However, the rapid-fire decisions made mid-battle and the rich customization options make the game enjoyable.
70
ActionTrip
May 9, 2014
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is good, but nothing feels that innovative as if the developers hand-picked their favorite elements from various RPGs and worked them in.
70
Gaming Nexus
Jun 10, 2014
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Bound by Flame is a fun game with a weak story and bad voice acting
70
RPG Fan
May 9, 2014
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Bound By Flame is a silly and sloppy RPG that can be entertaining but is difficult to recommend due to its poor storytelling, lack of originality, and bland questing.
65
NowGamer
May 9, 2014
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Bound By Flame is a functional yet unassuming RPG with potential. It suffers from genre tropes and flaws, but the combat is solid enough to make it worth playing if you're keen on a new RPG.
65
ZTGD
May 22, 2014
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Bound by Flame is a great, terrible game that is endearing despite its issues.
62
Impulsegamer
May 22, 2014
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is a little overpriced and doesn't add anything new to the genre, but it works from a gaming perspective.