Developer: Daedalic Entertainment
Publisher: Daedalic Entertainment
Platform: PC, Mac
Tested on: PC
Fire – Review
It has been a very long time since mankind found how to make fire. It was probably hard to discover and very tough to get this phenomenon again. That’s why it is so important to keep the fire burning. Daedalic Entertainment has created a game that represents this occasion, although they’ve added quite some other elements as well. Be ready to travel back in time to find … Fire.
Story
We’re back at the very first steps of mankind. You can see our main character, the Neanderthal Ungh, enjoying the warmth of fire. This was quite a rarity and thus it is very important that this godly gift is preserved. The elder of the tribe assigns this task to Ungh and wanders off. Although this is a big honour, as warmth gives you a cosy feeling and it makes it easier to doze off, you can probably guess what happens next… Our main character is fast asleep and the fire goes out, gone forever. The elder is quite mad and kicks our little man out of the camp. It is his job to find fire again. Sad as he is, he sets off for his new adventure.
The story itself isn’t that complex. You just need to find fire so you can return to your settlement. This might seem easy, but you need to venture through several areas. A big complication is that you’re back at the Stone Age and that there isn’t any (understandable) written or spoken language. The combination of both aspects makes this a very unique game.
Graphics
The graphics are in line with the uniqueness the game has to offer. The surroundings are simple but colourful and you can go into the background at certain areas which means that there is a combination between 2D and “old school” 3D effects. Each area has some key elements that emphasize the setting or the idea that zone represents. You’ll always walk into another world and this is something the developers tried to implement. It has to be said: job well done.
Next to that, the details are magnificent. The characters and the environment have loads of small gems that make the game even more exciting. For example, the facial expressions of Ungh are going to melt you. About the rest of the game: be ready to take your time and let all the amazing puzzle pieces fall into place.
The menu is quite original as well, since there is no written text whatsoever. You have to navigate by interpreting the symbols if you want to start the game or change some settings (it seems that they did have Facebook and Twitter at that time though). If “Fire” wasn’t special enough, this is the icing on the cake.
Sound
In comparison with the graphics, the music might even be better. Daedalic Entertainment did another appeal on the composers that made the soundtrack for ‘The Night of the Rabbit’ and that was a great idea. Although the tunes are quite simple, they’re catchy and totally fit the game. Listening to these soundtracks makes you forget about the stressful society we live in and takes you back in time.
Since there isn’t really any spoken language but more grumbling and incomprehensible verbalisations, we can’t tell you much about the voice acting. The “spoken” parts of the game are well done though and gives that little bit extra.
The sound effects are pretty much the same quality as the rest of the game: superbly done. The available ones are great and fit the setting completely. No fancy explosions or anything, just plain effects that are made for this game and makes it even more good.
Gameplay
We know that we’re looking for fire, but how are we going to do this? The game is packed with mysteries for you to solve. It is a bit different than the normal point and click puzzle games though. There are ten areas that you need to conquer and you’re stuck in every zone until you find a special element. You’re always solving one big puzzle that is divided in several steps. Next to that, “Fire” has loads of humour, although it might be a bit dodgy for younger children. For example, you have to put an item in a rather unusual spot of a frog, if you know what I mean.
Overall, some areas are harder than other ones. The game has something to help you though. Pressing space bar will illuminate all the interactive objects and that’s all you get. There isn’t any hint or skip button which makes “Fire” a tad more difficult. Talking about difficulties, you can’t change this so you really have to persist and solve the puzzles if you want to know what’s going to happen next.
If you like some extra content, you’ll be happy! Every level has three coins you can collect. This isn’t necessary to complete the game but will unlock some insights about the “making of”. Next to that, there are also some achievements you can gather.
Conclusion
Daedalic Entertainment made a good choice by publishing this game. “Fire” has it all: a simple but authentic story with a lovable character, superb graphics with great environments, magnificent music and sound effects and a rather easy but catchy gameplay. The price isn’t an issue as well. If you’re looking for a fun, (dark) humorous puzzle game that will keep you busy for some time, “Fire” is something that can be warmly recommended.
Fire - Review,
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