Embers of Mirrim
- May 24, 2017
- Creative Bytes Studios
If you’re looking for something that combines both the platforming and puzzling world, whilst trying something a little different, Embers of Mirrim is for you.
Embers of Mirrim is a controller-only adventure-platformer where players control a creature that can split into light and dark embers, each controlled by an analog stick. As Mirrim, players must navigate through stunning landscapes and restore peace to the world by harnessing the power of two distinct races. This unique control scheme offers a fresh and satisfying platforming experience.
Reviews
- Embers of Mirrim features a unique dual-stick mechanic that adds a fresh twist to the platforming genre, making gameplay both innovative and challenging.
- The game is visually stunning with beautiful graphics, great lighting, and an immersive soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
- Despite its short length, the game offers engaging puzzles and a satisfying sense of accomplishment when overcoming challenges.
- The game can feel repetitive, with a limited number of levels and some puzzles that may become tedious over time.
- Controls can be frustrating at times, particularly with the dual-stick mechanic, which may not be intuitive for all players.
- The story lacks depth and emotional connection, as the silent protagonists make it difficult to engage with the narrative.
- gameplay33 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game features a unique splitting mechanic that allows the main character to divide into two halves, adding a layer of complexity to the platforming experience. While the game introduces new mechanics regularly, some players find the overall gameplay loop to be tedious and lacking in significant change. However, many appreciate the balance of challenge and variety in puzzles, alongside the game's beautiful graphics and engaging atmosphere.
“The platforming gameplay is largely straightforward, but the unique property of the main character is the ability -- and the requirement -- to split into two halves, allowing both halves to move about the 2D space independently.”
“Solid platformer - just when you start feeling like a mechanic or technique is getting stale, the game either introduces you to a new ability, or ramps up the difficulty.”
“Yes, there are new mechanics being introduced regularly, but they don't change the gameplay loop much, in my opinion, at least not so far.”
“Although the gameplay sometimes misses that mark, the game nonetheless stands as a worthy experience for those that are looking to try something a little more thoughtful.”
“The split mechanic requires the use of both analogue sticks, often in synchronicity, and is only enhanced by level design that encourages skilled play while also not keeping anyone struggling to adapt to the control scheme out.”
- music13 mentions
- 54 % positive mentions
- 23 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, with many praising its quality and ability to enhance immersion alongside the visuals. While the soundtrack features a limited number of good songs, some users noted that the sound effects could be improved. Overall, the music contributes positively to the game's polished indie aesthetic.
“The art, music, and cinematography just kept me immersed in each level and cinematic.”
“Also, though an indie game, the polish is remarkable - both the music and the visuals are very good.”
“[incredibly innovative central mechanic, fantastic music, a real, and fun, challenge].”
“The soundtrack is okay, but the sound effects are pretty bad.”
“The few songs that are on the soundtrack are pretty good.”
“The soundtrack is okay, but the sound effects are pretty bad.”
- graphics11 mentions
- 73 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The game's graphics receive mixed reviews, with some praising their beauty and polish, likening the aesthetic to "Ori and the Blind Forest," while others note a lack of variety and repetitiveness in the environments. Overall, the visuals are described as gorgeous and atmospheric, contributing positively to the gameplay experience.
“Also, though an indie game, the polish is remarkable - both the music and the visuals are very good.”
“The graphics are very gorgeous; the game's aesthetic is a little like Ori and the Blind Forest (but again, whereas that is a Metroid clone, this is a linear platformer).”
“The graphics are beautifully done and the wordless story is intriguing.”
“Graphics-wise, the game is not impressive.”
“Graphics-wise, the game is not impressive.”
“Relatively low-fi graphics, lack of environment variety, a bit repetitive in parts.”
- story9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's story is presented without words, which some players find intriguing, but it is criticized for being linear and short, taking only about three hours to complete. Many reviewers note a lack of emotional depth in the characters, making it difficult to connect with the narrative. Overall, while the visuals are praised, the storytelling leaves much to be desired.
“There's a story, even without words, which is great. Some 'collectibles' (actually, 'findables'), but still it's very linear and short. Indeed, my only complaint is the length; it takes about 3 hours to beat, so you might want to wait for a sale to buy this.”
“The graphics are beautifully done and the wordless story is intriguing.”
“There's a story, even without words, which is great.”
“The story is mediocre; the characters don't emote at all.”
“The story is lackluster; silent protagonists make it hard to connect with the narrative.”
“The story suffers from rough textures and inconsistent physics, making it difficult to engage with.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is consistently praised for its pleasant and gorgeous visuals, contributing to an engaging experience. Reviewers appreciate the combination of appealing graphics and varied gameplay ideas, enhancing the overall ambiance.
“Graphics are good, the atmosphere is pleasant, puzzles are fun and sometimes they'll make your brain freeze.”
“Fun dual-analog hook, gorgeous atmosphere, varying gameplay ideas throughout.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game has been reported to have several bugs, leading users to suggest waiting for a sale before purchasing. Overall, stability appears to be a concern among players.
“Probably wait for a sale... it's a bit buggy.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game visually appealing and initially intriguing, but ultimately describe it as tiresome and tedious, detracting from the overall experience.
“It looked great in the screenshots and all, the mechanic seemed interesting, but honestly, it's rather just tiresome and tedious.”
- character development2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The character development in the game is highlighted by its unique visual style and fantastic character designs, which are complemented by great lighting and a moving score. While the gameplay is accessible for newcomers, it offers depth and challenges for those seeking mastery, enhancing the overall character experience.
Critic Reviews
Embers of Mirrim Review
All told, Embers Of Mirrim is a delightful fantasy adventure with only a few notable flaws. It may be a bit on the short side and have some jarring bottlenecks that pull you out of your enjoyment, but it’s a beautiful game to experience from an artistic standpoint. We would recommend it to anyone who has an appreciation for art in gaming form. Although the gameplay sometimes misses that mark, Mirrim nonetheless stands as a worthy experience for those that are looking to try something a little more thoughtful.
70%Embers of Mirrim Review
Although Embers of Mirrim doesn't last long, it has some unique ideas and stays entertaining throughout. The controls for both Mirrim and the embers are functionally solid. The most clever moments tend to unexpected, such as when trying to move the embers in different directions. Dodging minions and navigating a twisting passageway becomes quite a bit more interesting when it requires controlling two heroes at the same time. While the lack of replay-value is a shame, this is still an adventure worth experiencing.
70%Embers of Mirrim Review
Embers of Mirrim came out of nowhere to be one of the best platformers in any console generation. It will give the player the sense they can do things they never thought possible, and the feeling of self-satisfaction upon beating that boss, finally crossing that tricky section, or reaching a new area is so profound here, it's stunning. Even if you aren't a fan of platformers, this one is a must-try.
100%