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The Flame in the Flood

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Flame in the Flood
Item: The Flame in the Flood
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2016

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Thriller, Single Player

AvailableFeb 24, 2016

PlatformPlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One

DeveloperThe Molasses Flood

Overview

A rogue-lite river journey through the backwaters of a forgotten post-societal America. Forage, craft, evade predators. Travel by foot and by raft down a procedurally-generated river as you scrounge for resources, craft tools, remedy afflictions, evade the vicious wildlife, and most importantly, stay ahead of the coming rains.

Elsewhere

6.7

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Critics are divided on the story of The Flame in the Flood. Some find it lacking depth and player investment, while others praise its atmospheric setting and exploration of survival themes. Overall, the narrative takes a backseat to the survival gameplay, with the game's focus on constant movement and improvisation in a procedurally-generated world. The story may not be the main highlight, but the challenges faced by Scout and her dog, Aesop, provide an engaging experience for players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

48%

Mixed (50-79)

51%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of The Flame in the Flood are varied. Some critics, such as Eurogamer Poland and Digital Chumps, found the story to be uninteresting and lacking depth. They felt that the game did not provide a strong foundation for player investment in the characters or the narrative. Additionally, Gaming Nexus and Games.cz mentioned that the game lacked a backstory and did not offer much interaction with other characters, shifting the focus towards survival as the game progresses. These critics felt that the story played a negligible role in the overall experience. On the other hand, several critics highlighted the positive aspects of the game's story. TrueAchievements and Examiner praised the setting and atmosphere of the post-apocalyptic world, with Examiner noting that the title symbolizes desire and struggle. Metro GameCentral and Pocket Gamer UK mentioned that the game explores themes of survival and the frailness of civilized society, adding depth to the narrative. DarkZero and Game Informer appreciated the game's focus on the aftermath of a natural disaster and the struggle to survive, while The Digital Fix found the minimalistic story effective in conveying the player's struggle against the elements. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of The Flame in the Flood is minimalistic and takes a backseat to the survival gameplay. While some critics appreciated the atmospheric setting and exploration of survival themes, others found the story lacking in depth and player engagement. The game's focus on constant movement and improvisation in a procedurally-generated world, as mentioned by GameSpot and GameStar, contributes to the overall experience but may leave some players wanting more narrative substance. Despite the mixed opinions, it is clear that the story is not the main highlight of The Flame in the Flood, with the emphasis being on the survival mechanics and the challenges faced by the protagonist, Scout, and her loyal dog, Aesop.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on The Flame in the Flood's gameplay. They praise its survival mechanics, crafting system, and roguelike elements, but criticize issues like frustration, imbalance, and cumbersome controls. Overall, the game offers a challenging and engaging survival experience with unique gameplay elements, despite some flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

70%

Mixed (50-79)

28%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of The Flame in the Flood are varied, with both positive and negative aspects highlighted. Several critics praise the game's survival mechanics, such as managing hunger, thirst, temperature, and rest meters, as well as the crafting system and resource gathering mechanics. GameSpace commends the game for focusing on actual survival rather than base building and conquest, while GameCrate highlights the importance of inventory management for survival. The crafting system is also praised by CGMagazine, which describes it as clever, and Pure Xbox, which mentions a long and diverse list of crafting blueprints. Eurogamer Italy and GameStar appreciate the combination of survival mechanics with roguelike elements, such as procedurally generated levels and permanent death in the Endless mode. However, there are also criticisms regarding the gameplay of The Flame in the Flood. Game Revolution mentions frustration and imbalance, particularly with issues such as late guide markers and difficulty with encountering animals. DarkStation criticizes the game for having a cumbersome user-interface and excessive time spent in menus. Eurogamer Italy points out that the survival mechanics are relatively simple and lack depth, while Game Rant mentions that the difficulty level may be too high for some players. PC Gamer and High-Def Digest both criticize the rafting controls, describing them as sloppy, unwieldy, and leading to frustrating boat crashes. GameGrin also mentions injuries and other hindrances adding challenge, which can require planning ahead. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Flame in the Flood offers a challenging and engaging survival experience. The game's focus on survival mechanics, resource management, and crafting is generally well-received. The combination of roguelike elements with survival gameplay is appreciated by Eurogamer Italy and GameOver.gr. The game's emphasis on movement, cunning, and decision-making is highlighted by Worth Playing and GameGrin. However, there are criticisms regarding certain aspects of the gameplay, such as frustration and imbalance, cumbersome user-interface, and unwieldy rafting controls. Despite these negative aspects, the overall sentiment is positive, with critics acknowledging the game's unique and innovative gameplay elements, as well as its challenging and rewarding nature.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics mostly loved the graphics and visual design of The Flame in the Flood: Complete Edition, praising its unique art style, stunning environments, and detailed world. Some minor criticisms included unusual character design, repetitive visuals, and technical issues, but they didn't detract from the overall positive reception. Overall, the game's visuals were a standout feature that enhanced the gaming experience according to critics.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

73%

Mixed (50-79)

27%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of the critics praised the graphics and visual design of The Flame in the Flood: Complete Edition, considering it to be very good. Many critics commended the game for its unique and distinctive art style, which added to the overall experience. PlayStation Country and Video Chums, however, expressed some reservations about the character design, describing it as unusual, grotesque, and blocky. FNintendo also mentioned aesthetic issues such as abrupt transitions between river sections and occasional visual pop-ups. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the graphics and visual design was positive. On the positive side, several critics highlighted the game's stunning environments and detailed world. Game Informer praised the impressively detailed and diverse locations, including abandoned towns and camp yards. Eurogamer Italy commended the realistic and coherent visuals, capturing the duality of nature's benevolence and malevolence. DarkStation and GameStar both mentioned the rich colors and detailed environments, with DarkStation specifically noting the post-apocalyptic setting being artistically nailed. The artistic work and art direction were also highly regarded, with IGN Italia comparing it to works like 'Coraline' and Eurogamer Italy commending the art design as stunning and avoiding popular trends. However, there were some criticisms regarding the graphics and visual design. Gaming Nexus and Game Revolution mentioned repetitive visuals, with Gaming Nexus also noting the frustration of micromanaging the limited inventory. Gameplanet mentioned heavy-handed interactions and a blues soundtrack that occasionally ruined the atmosphere. Pure Xbox pointed out technical issues such as asset pop-in, texture/shadow flickering, clipping, and screen tearing. Despite these criticisms, they were relatively minor and did not overshadow the overall positive sentiment towards the graphics and visual design. In conclusion, the graphics and visual design of The Flame in the Flood: Complete Edition were highly praised by the majority of critics. The unique and distinctive art style, stunning environments, and detailed world were frequently mentioned as positives. While there were some minor criticisms regarding character design, repetitive visuals, and technical issues, they did not significantly impact the overall consensus that the graphics and visual design were very good. The positive sentiment expressed by multiple critics supports the notion that the game's graphics and visual design were a strong aspect of the overall experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics laud The Flame in the Flood for its outstanding sound design and music, particularly Chuck Ragan's soundtrack, which perfectly sets the game's tone. The majority praised it as fitting and immersive, enhancing the overall experience. Some critics had minor reservations, but the positive feedback outweighs the negatives, making the sound design and music a standout feature of the game.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

83%

Mixed (50-79)

18%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of the critics praised the sound design and music of The Flame in the Flood, considering it to be a standout feature of the game. Many critics specifically mentioned the soundtrack composed by Chuck Ragan, noting that it perfectly suited the game's atmosphere and enhanced the overall experience. GameStar described the soundtrack as "fine folk rock" that enhanced the exploration of the raw and unknown nature, while Game Revolution found it haunting and perfect for setting the tone. Eurogamer Italy also mentioned that the soundtrack, composed by Chuck Ragan and other indie bands, added to the road movie atmosphere of the game. Additionally, critics appreciated the sound design and its immersive qualities. Softpedia mentioned that the music complemented the game well and created emotional moments, while PlaySense highlighted the effective use of music and sound to enhance the feeling of survival. The Digital Fix praised the sound design for being immersive and adding to the overall experience. However, there were a few critics who had some reservations about the sound design and music. Gameplanet found that occasionally, heavy-handed interactions and a blues soundtrack ruined the atmosphere. IGN Spain mentioned that some songs ended abruptly, leaving an uncomfortable silence. PC Gamer noted that while the soundtrack added to the serene moments, there were some bugs with sound effects. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of The Flame in the Flood were very good. The majority of critics praised the soundtrack composed by Chuck Ragan, describing it as fitting, captivating, and enhancing the game's atmosphere. The immersive qualities of the sound design were also appreciated. While there were a few criticisms, they were outweighed by the positive opinions, making the sound design and music a standout aspect of the game.

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

Critics have mixed opinions on The Flame in the Flood's technical performance across Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Xbox One suffers the most with graphical issues and frame rate drops, while PS4 offers a more stable experience. PC version has a mix of smooth performance and bugs, while the Switch version has minor hiccups. Overall, technical issues plague the game on all platforms, with Xbox One facing the most significant challenges.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

82%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of the technical performance on Xbox One, there are mixed opinions among the critics. Brash Games and TrueAchievements both mention that the game runs smoothly most of the time, with only occasional glitches. However, EGM, Everyeye.it, High-Def Digest, Metro GameCentral, MondoXbox, Pure Xbox, The Digital Fix, and Vandal all highlight various technical issues such as graphical issues, screen tearing, frame rate drops, audio bugs, and translation problems. These issues can affect gameplay and lead to frustration and loss of progress. Overall, the Xbox One version of The Flame in the Flood seems to have a number of technical shortcomings that detract from the overall experience. On the PlayStation 4, the technical performance of The Flame in the Flood appears to be relatively better compared to the Xbox One version. Attack of the Fanboy mentions occasional bugs and crashes, while InsideGamer.nl points out some bugs and technical issues with animations and invisible walls. However, Everyeye.it mentions that the game has been improved over time with patches, making it more stable and polished. TheSixthAxis and GameGrin also note minor glitches but nothing major. Metro GameCentral even states that the screen-tearing problems present in the Xbox One version have been fixed on the PlayStation 4. Overall, while there are still some technical issues, the PlayStation 4 version seems to offer a more stable and enjoyable experience compared to the Xbox One. The PC version of The Flame in the Flood receives mixed feedback regarding its technical performance. GameCritics and Gaming Nexus report no performance issues, while Ragequit.gr highlights that the game runs smoothly even on high graphics settings. However, Destructoid, Game Revolution, GameSpew, IGN, IGN Spain, and PC Gamer all mention various bugs, crashes, freezing, and control glitches that negatively impact the gameplay experience. GameSpot also mentions some minor hiccups in performance on the Nintendo Switch version. Overall, the PC version seems to have a range of technical issues that can hinder the enjoyment of the game. Taking into account the opinions of all the critics, it is evident that The Flame in the Flood has some technical performance issues across all gaming platforms. Xbox One seems to suffer the most, with graphical issues, screen tearing, frame rate drops, and translation problems being commonly mentioned. The PlayStation 4 version appears to be more stable and polished, with some minor bugs and glitches. The PC version shows a mixed bag of experiences, with some critics reporting no issues while others mention various bugs and crashes. The Nintendo Switch version also has some minor performance hiccups. Overall, the technical performance of The Flame in the Flood seems to be a point of concern, with the Xbox One version being particularly problematic.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics praise The Flame in the Flood for its replay value thanks to procedural generation, diverse game modes, and challenging gameplay mechanics. While some mention concerns about potential repetitiveness and lack of variety, overall, reviewers agree that the game offers a unique and engaging experience that keeps players coming back for more.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

35%

Mixed (50-79)

62%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of The Flame in the Flood are generally positive. Many critics mention the game's procedural generation as a key factor in providing replayability. The random, procedurally-generated environments and content offer different possibilities and experiences with each playthrough. Critics such as ICXM, Vandal, GameStar, and GamingTrend highlight this aspect of the game. The ability to try different strategies and learn from past mistakes is also mentioned by critics like Games.cz and GamingTrend, adding to the replay value. In terms of positives, several critics mention the different game modes available in The Flame in the Flood. The game offers both a satisfying campaign mode and an endless mode for players to test their skills, as mentioned by Game Informer and Arcade Sushi. The campaign mode provides specific objectives and a narrative to explore, while the endless mode focuses on survival for as long as possible. The availability of multiple difficulty levels, as noted by Eurogamer Italy and PlayStation LifeStyle, also adds to the replay value by allowing players to tailor the experience to their preference. However, there are some negatives mentioned by the critics. Some critics, such as Metro GameCentral and Pocket Gamer UK, express concerns about the game becoming repetitive over time. The repetitious nature of the game and the grind required to progress may limit its appeal for some players. Eurogamer Poland also mentions the lack of variety in locations and items as a potential limitation to replayability. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Flame in the Flood offers replay value through its procedural generation, different game modes, and challenging gameplay mechanics. The random, procedurally-generated environments and content provide a unique experience with each playthrough, while the campaign mode offers specific objectives and a narrative to explore. The ability to try different strategies and learn from past mistakes adds to the replay value. However, some critics express concerns about the game becoming repetitive over time and the lack of variety in certain aspects of the gameplay. Despite these concerns, the majority of critics agree that The Flame in the Flood offers enough replay value to keep players engaged and coming back for more.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

42%

Mixed (50-79)

57%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Flame in the Flood has received a mixed reception from critics, with some praising its unique art style, challenging gameplay, and atmospheric presentation. Critics such as Cubed3 and GameCrate found the game to be highly enjoyable, with engaging gameplay and stunning visuals. The game's deep crafting system, charming presentation, and satisfying survival mechanics were also highlighted by critics like Push Square and VideoGamer. The challenging nature of the game, impactful deaths, and brilliant soundtrack were also appreciated by God is a Geek and Game Rant. These positive aspects of The Flame in the Flood contribute to its appeal and make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the survival genre. However, there were also several negative aspects that critics pointed out. Many critics, including EGM and Game Revolution, found the game frustrating and unenjoyable to play. The game's interface and menu system were criticized by Metro GameCentral and IGN, who found them clunky and difficult to navigate. Technical issues and graphical glitches were also mentioned by Eurogamer Italy and Examiner as detracting from the overall experience. Some critics, such as DarkZero and Everyeye.it, felt that the game lacked depth and replayability, while others, like DarkStation and CGMagazine, found the core mechanics of the game to be hindering its potential. These negative aspects of The Flame in the Flood may deter some players from fully enjoying the game. Overall, the opinions of the critics regarding the overall verdict of The Flame in the Flood are mixed. While there are positive aspects such as the unique art style, challenging gameplay, and atmospheric presentation, there are also negative aspects such as frustrating mechanics, clunky interface, and technical issues. The game's appeal seems to vary from person to person, with some critics recommending it for fans of the survival genre, while others found it disappointing and lacking in comparison to other games in the genre. The overall consensus is that The Flame in the Flood offers a unique and immersive survival experience, but falls short in certain areas, making it a game that may appeal more to specific audiences rather than a wider range of players.

TL;DR

The Flame in the Flood receives mixed reviews: praised for unique art style and challenging gameplay, criticized for frustrating mechanics and technical issues. While some find it engaging and immersive, others feel it lacks depth and replayability. Overall, it offers a unique survival experience but may not appeal to all players.

MONSTER

Reviews

108 reviews found

ZTGD

Xbox One

Feb 24, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review describes The Flame in the Flood as a fantastic experience, praising its heart, charm, atmosphere, and survival elements. It recommends the game for fans of survival games and those who enjoyed Oregon Trail.

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GameGrin

PlayStation 4

Feb 22, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Flame in the Flood is a tough, yet very rewarding survival game with infectious design. It is demanding, yet charming, and offers a serene yet deadly experience.

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NintendoWorldReport

Nintendo Switch

Oct 24, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Flame in The Flood is praised as the best survival game the reviewer has ever played, with satisfying gameplay and masterful audio design.

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Worth Playing

PlayStation 4

Jan 27, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Flame in the Flood is a beautiful survival game with unique gameplay mechanics and a fresh take on the genre. It is one of the better survival games on the platform.

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God is a Geek

Xbox One

Feb 24, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Flame in the Flood is praised for its atmosphere, deep gameplay mechanics, and emotional storytelling, but criticized for sharp difficulty spikes and distant checkpoints.

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Digitally Downloaded

PlayStation 4

Jan 24, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Flame in the Flood is a survival game that presents a severe and plain form of survival, while also capturing a slice of American life along a river. It offers a visceral elegance and allows players to experience a piece of soul with sincerity.

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Game Informer

Xbox One

Feb 24, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Flame in the Flood strikes a balance between intimidating difficulty and being a welcoming experience. It has a beautiful aesthetic, enjoyable gameplay, and a fantastic soundtrack. The reviewer recommends it to a larger audience.

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GameSpace

Nintendo Switch

Oct 20, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Flame in The Flood is a rewarding experience that offers a unique gameplay and immersive journey. Some systems could benefit from an early tutorial and menu navigation can be frustrating.

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Hooked Gamers

Feb 29, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is engaging and invigorating, with beautiful visuals and audio, but has a frustrating interface.

Vandal

Xbox One

Feb 24, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Flame in the Flood is an entertaining and enjoyable game with a unique artistic and audiovisual style. It offers an immersive survival experience, despite some translation errors and occasional graphical glitches.