Skip to main content

Blue Fire

Blue Fire is a fantastic mix of 3D platforming, intense combat, and addictive free-form exploration. A somber story perked up by colorful characters makes this an experience you can’t miss.
Blue Fire Game Cover
76%Game Brain Score
story, gameplay
grinding, stability
84% User Score Based on 2,152 reviews
Critic Score 69%Based on 28 reviews

Platforms

Nintendo SwitchXbox Series X|SPCPlaystation 4Xbox OneSteam DeckWindowsPlayStation
Blue Fire Game Cover

About

Blue Fire is a single player hack and slash game with a fantasy theme. It was developed by Graffiti_Games and was released on February 4, 2021. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and positive reviews from players.

"Blue Fire" is a 3D platformer adventure game set in a decaying kingdom. As the hero, players explore, solve puzzles, and engage in challenging combat against shadowy creatures to rekindle the dying embers of the world. With precise movement controls and various abilities to unlock, players must navigate treacherous environments and confront the darkness within.

Skip User Reviews

84%
Audience ScoreBased on 2,152 reviews
story132 positive mentions
grinding46 negative mentions

  • Fluid and responsive controls that enhance the platforming experience.
  • Challenging and rewarding platforming segments, especially in the optional 'Voids'.
  • Charming art style and engaging world design that encourages exploration.
  • Combat feels simplistic and lacks depth, making encounters less engaging.
  • No map or clear direction can lead to confusion and aimless backtracking.
  • Some platforming challenges can be frustrating due to camera issues and inconsistent hitboxes.
  • story
    553 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of "Blue Fire" has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it to be generic and lacking depth, often comparing it unfavorably to inspirations like "Hollow Knight" and "Zelda." While some appreciate the atmospheric world-building and side quests that add charm, others criticize the main narrative for being simplistic and unengaging, leading to a sense of disconnection from the protagonist and the overall plot. Overall, the game is seen more as a platformer with a backdrop of story rather than a narrative-driven experience.

    • “The game's lore was intricately woven into the environment, with cryptic NPCs and atmospheric storytelling inviting me to delve deeper into the secrets of Penumbra.”
    • “The story is quite simple, but still interesting.”
    • “The world of Penumbra is expansive and well-fleshed out; there's fun NPCs and side-quests; the bosses and mechanics are fun to play with; the platforming feels refined and satisfying; the story and lore is interesting.”
    • “Unfortunately, the lore and story of 'Blue Fire' are not particularly engaging.”
    • “The story just kind of ends, the characters are dull and (in some cases) broken, and those great maneuvering mechanics stand in stark contrast to the terrible battling mechanics.”
    • “Finally, the story was bland; I didn't care about anything that was going on and the game abruptly ends after killing the final boss.”
  • gameplay
    504 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Blue Fire" is a blend of platforming and exploration, drawing inspiration from titles like "Hollow Knight" and "The Legend of Zelda." While many players appreciate the smooth movement mechanics and engaging level design, they often criticize the combat as clunky and repetitive, leading to a mixed overall experience. Despite its potential and enjoyable core mechanics, the game suffers from a lack of polish and frustrating design choices that can detract from the enjoyment.

    • “The gameplay feels so smooth and natural, and the upgrades make movement such a fun time.”
    • “What truly captivated me in Blue Fire was its gameplay intricacies.”
    • “The artistry of its visuals, the intricacy of its level design, and the demanding yet rewarding gameplay all contributed to an experience that I thoroughly enjoyed.”
    • “The story just kind of ends, the characters are dull and (in some cases) broken, and those great maneuvering mechanics stand in stark contrast to the terrible battling mechanics.”
    • “I wanted to like this game, but I can't recommend it since I found the gameplay really frustrating.”
    • “Not recommended, gameplay mechanics are very bad, a really bad copy of Hollow Knight.”
  • graphics
    285 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many praising the charming art style reminiscent of titles like Wind Waker and Hollow Knight, as well as the atmospheric environments. However, some players criticize certain graphical choices as inconsistent or simplistic, detracting from the overall experience. Overall, while the visuals are generally considered appealing and well-executed, they may not meet the expectations of those seeking more depth or originality in the art design.

    • “The game's visual presentation, characterized by a sleek, neon-infused aesthetic set against shadowy backdrops, left an indelible impression on me.”
    • “The graphics are gorgeous, the controls are incredibly responsive, and the platforming challenges are insanely fun.”
    • “Beautiful art style, some of the best 3D platforming I've ever encountered, and fun and memorable bosses and environments.”
    • “Although I do have to say that some graphics simply don't fit into the art style or are just a weird choice.”
    • “And the graphics just look like something out of a PS2.”
    • “Boring as fuck bruh, bland visuals, boring gameplay and piles of meaningless textboxes.”
  • music
    211 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its atmospheric quality and ability to enhance the overall experience, particularly during combat and exploration. While some players found the soundtrack memorable and well-composed, others felt it was serviceable but lacked standout tracks that resonated with them. Overall, the music contributes positively to the game's immersive atmosphere, though opinions vary on its lasting impact.

    • “Ariel Contreras-Esquivel's musical score further enriched the experience, adapting seamlessly to the changing environments.”
    • “The synergy between visuals and music contributed to the immersive atmosphere that enveloped me throughout my time in Penumbra.”
    • “The instrumental music is so beautifully well-performed and makes you feel like you're in another world.”
    • “The OST was serviceable, but I couldn't remember a single song from the game.”
    • “It's not a soundtrack I'd return to, and I never found myself just looking around enjoying the scenery, but it works.”
    • “I don't know, could be me, but I just found the music to be soulless.”
  • atmosphere
    100 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its captivating blend of vibrant visuals, intricate level design, and an immersive soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. Many reviewers noted the successful combination of light-hearted elements with darker themes, creating a unique ambiance that encourages exploration and storytelling. Overall, the game's atmosphere is considered one of its strongest aspects, drawing comparisons to beloved titles like Hollow Knight and Dark Souls while maintaining its own distinct charm.

    • “The contrast between darkness and vibrant lighting effects created an atmosphere that was not only visually dynamic but also mysteriously alluring.”
    • “The game's lore was intricately woven into the environment, with cryptic NPCs and atmospheric storytelling inviting me to delve deeper into the secrets of Penumbra.”
    • “The synergy between visuals and music contributed to the immersive atmosphere that enveloped me throughout my time in Penumbra.”
    • “The level design reminds me of Wind Waker, but the atmosphere is lacking density and an overarching sense of plot.”
    • “As for atmosphere, it's much closer to Hollow Knight than Souls, in that while trying to be dark and atmospheric, it's in fact fairly light-hearted with colorful characters and a sprinkling of comedy here and there.”
    • “This isn't a huge problem, though, since this game's atmosphere is centered around darker and mysterious elements.”
  • grinding
    52 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players generally find the grinding in the game to be tedious and time-consuming, particularly when it comes to collecting ore and upgrading resources. While some appreciate the optional exploration and rewards, many feel that the lack of intuitive navigation and slow resource acquisition detracts from the overall experience. Despite these frustrations, some players still enjoy the game, noting that the grind can be manageable with the right strategies, such as utilizing specific spirits for increased income.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “A bit grindy sometimes.”
    • “Upgrading your spirit slots and mana were both quite tedious - didn't like going through the menu prompts 4 times in a row when I had lots of upgrade resources.”
    • “By the end of the game, getting ore is dull due to it only being available as items in chests which you can sell to merchants. The quickest way to get money was constantly reloading the same area with a bunch of pickups, and it's kinda tedious.”
    • “I cannot be bothered to finish this game, it is just too tedious.”
  • stability
    50 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's stability has received mixed feedback, with many players reporting various bugs, glitches, and occasional crashes that can disrupt gameplay. While some users noted improvements after recent patches, others still experienced frustrating technical issues, particularly with camera controls and character movement. Overall, the game shows potential but requires further polish to enhance its stability and user experience.

    • “The only compliment I can give this game is that it isn't buggy at all.”
    • “So yeah, the crashes were annoying, but they patched it and it runs great.”
    • “Edit: all the issues have been fixed and the game is back to being just fun with no glitches or issues.”
    • “It's quite buggy; it has a bit of a personality problem (as in it doesn't really have much of one). It's basically 3D Hollow Knight with much less interesting lore and some Breath of the Wild sprinkled in. The story is really boring and by the numbers, the combat is mediocre, and the character designs are kind of lackluster, but those are all tertiary aspects at best.”
    • “Bugs, crashes, and freezing problems... it is really frustrating. But after doing some troubleshooting, at least I was able to finish it, 95% complete so far.”
    • “I really like the game, but there are some glitches and bugs, and it crashes often.”
  • humor
    40 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game is praised for its humor, featuring charming characters and a variety of side quests that range from tragic to hilarious, often rewarding players with unique items. Players enjoy the witty flavor text and amusing interactions with NPCs, which add a lighthearted touch to the gameplay experience. Overall, the humor is a standout aspect, contributing to the game's appeal despite some minor flaws.

    • “This game is also filled with extremely charming characters that have interesting, cool, and funny side quests for you that will reward you with cool swords and tunics!”
    • “Really fun game, it pays homage to classic titles like Metroid Prime or Mario Sunshine while also having quite a bit of its own unique flair (the emotes are hilarious).”
    • “Like ape_escape put it, "this game is like a twice baked potato, you don't know why they baked it twice, you only have to respect it." Funny but also fittingly true.”
  • optimization
    30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's optimization has seen significant improvements since launch, with many players reporting smooth performance and no bugs or crashes after recent patches. While initial reviews highlighted issues like crashing and loading problems, the consensus now is that the game runs well, offering a solid platforming experience despite some lingering minor performance concerns. Overall, players appreciate the tight controls and enjoyable gameplay, indicating that the developers are responsive and committed to further enhancements.

    • “Though landing out of a dash in 3D will never be as simple or intuitive as in 2D, the controls are tight, the platforming challenges are solid (but nothing exceptionally unique), and the performance is spectacular.”
    • “Game runs smoothly and I haven't experienced any bugs or crashes (yet).”
    • “Do not be misled by negative reviews talking about performance and crashing issues; they have since patched the game and it is much better.”
    • “My only gripe with this game is that when I played it, I had a lot of performance issues including constant crashing and rooms not loading properly.”
    • “It's not perfect; as I said, the difference between the story hinted at by the world and what I have found is a big problem, and the game does have some performance issues.”
    • “Only the performance issues, mildly sloppy combat, and high difficulty are points of contention, and the latter will certainly depend on your point of view.”
  • character development
    24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the unique and charming character designs, while others criticize the lack of depth and meaningful lore. Many feel that the characters lack personality and that the story fails to engage, leading to a perception of superficiality in character growth. Overall, while the visual appeal is noted, the narrative and character development aspects leave much to be desired.

    • “The storyline is well written and the character designs are unique.”
    • “The character designs and world are great to look at and all fit together very well.”
    • “This game has a stellar soundtrack, charming character design, incredible puzzle/dungeon design, and surprisingly challenging but rewarding gameplay.”
    • “It's quite buggy, it has a bit of a personality problem (as in it doesn't really have much of one, it's basically 3D Hollow Knight with much less interesting lore and some Breath of the Wild sprinkled in) and the story is really boring and by the numbers, the combat is mediocre and also the character designs are kinda ehhh, but those are all tertiary aspects at best.”
    • “- the lore is half-assed (nothing is explained, a ton of words that have no meaning and there is no character development)”
    • “In the end, I do understand why a lot of people like it, but this is not working for me, the story is not really hooking me in, the character design looks weird.”
  • emotional
    14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game is mixed; while the ambient music and intense tracks enhance key moments, many players feel disconnected from the story and characters, finding them lacking in depth. Side quests offer a range of emotional experiences, from tragic to humorous, but the overall narrative fails to engage, leaving some players indifferent despite enjoying certain elements like easter eggs and character interactions.

    • “The ambient tunes and intense tracks complemented the gameplay, enhancing the emotional impact of key moments.”
    • “Made me feel like I was playing Wind Waker again for the first time, 10/10.”
    • “Throw in fun easter eggs, tunics to collect and personalize the fire knight, and side quests ranging from incredibly tragic to wholesome to hilarious, and the complete package is pretty good.”
    • “The story is boring, and the lore is even more dull.”
    • “The narrative fails to engage, leaving the emotional aspect flat and uninteresting.”
    • “I found the emotional depth lacking; it felt like a missed opportunity.”
  • replayability
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's replayability is rated low at 4/10, primarily due to previous issues with persistent crashing, although a recent patch has improved its stability and playability.

    • “Replayability – 4/10”
    • “After a patch to fix the persistent crashing, the game is - obviously - much more playable and stable.”
Skip Critic Reviews
Skip Game Offers

Buy Blue Fire

7h Median play time
8h Average play time
5-11h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 36 analyzed playthroughs
Skip Videos

Videos

Skip Games Like Blue Fire

Games Like Blue Fire

Blasphemous Image
Lone Fungus Image
The Last Faith Image
Death's Door Image
Voidwrought Image
Skip FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Blue Fire is a hack and slash game with fantasy theme.

Blue Fire is available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 4 and others.

On average players spend around 8 hours playing Blue Fire.

Blue Fire was released on February 4, 2021.

Blue Fire was developed by Graffiti_Games.

Blue Fire has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its grinding.

Blue Fire is a single player game.

Similar games include Blasphemous, Lone Fungus, The Last Faith, Death's Door, Voidwrought and others.