Fires At Midnight
- July 9, 2020
- Persona Theory Games
- 2h median play time
Get on Steam"Fires at Midnight" is a narrative-driven game following Yun and his girlfriend Chitra, in a world where making love without being in love leads to spontaneous combustion. Players uncover the story of their relationship from both perspectives, making choices that affect the memories Chitra recalls. Complete a photobook, solve puzzles, and engage with mini-games to reveal the game's mysteries while balancing their relationship before the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a very atmospheric and immersive experience with beautiful artwork and a strong narrative that explores complex themes of love and communication.
- The unique storytelling approach, including the 'Second Layer' effect, enhances the player's connection to the characters and their emotional struggles.
- The sound design and music are well-crafted, contributing to the overall ambiance and nostalgia of the game's setting in the late 90s.
- The game is perceived as overpriced for its short playtime, leading some players to feel they are not getting their money's worth.
- Gameplay primarily consists of clicking and making choices, with limited interactivity, which may disappoint those expecting a more traditional gaming experience.
- Some players found the plot to be absurd and the themes potentially triggering, which may not resonate with everyone.
- story11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The story of "Fires at Midnight" is praised for its immersive and mature narrative, exploring themes of unrequited love, human psychology, and mental illness through a non-realistic lens set in 1999. Reviewers highlight the exceptional storytelling, rich character development, and the effective use of layers and symbolism that enhance the overall experience, despite some distractions from the soundtrack. Overall, the narrative captivates players, keeping them engaged from start to finish.
“What a nice storyline and interaction to immerse yourself into this game.”
“Exceptional storytelling through heavy use of layers and symbolism.”
“The story of 'Fires at Midnight' is quite enjoyable and keeps me engaged with the narrative till the end, and the characters don’t only look good, they look so real!”
“The story is a non-realistic one taking place in 1999, about how an unloved one in a couple may combust after a sexual act with their partner - but still, I might opine it's a true parable on unrequited love, the emphasis on unrealistic elements only serving the message's purpose.”
“Though I felt like some songs kind of disturbed me from focusing on the story; with their vocals and dialogues to read some more.”
“The story isn't shallow, don't be fooled by the supernatural premise; it's mature and delves into human psychology, behaviorism, and mental illness.”
- music7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for its artistic and immersive qualities, contributing to a psychedelic atmosphere that enhances the storytelling. While some players find certain tracks distracting, the overall sound design is noted for its realism and fitting ambiance, though there are suggestions for more varied sound effects and background music to enrich the experience further.
“So far, I love the story, the characters, and also the soundtracks in the game.”
“The music in this game is amazing; everything from tiny water drips to massive set-piece moments is realistic and inescapable with rich audio.”
“Good soundtrack with a fitting ambient atmosphere, although you could feel the limited budget here - please use more sound effects/background music in the future.”
“Though I felt like some songs were kind of disturbing me from focusing on the story, with their vocals and dialogues to read some more.”
“I was hooked from the get-go; the completeness of its visual design and soundtrack drops you uncomfortably close into this relationship on the rocks.”
“As for the artistic direction, it is very 'artsy' indeed, a style that may displease some, but I found the graphical art and music very well done; as there is use of drugs throughout the game, it dispenses a very psychedelic and trippy vibe all along.”
- graphics5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are highly praised for their artistic direction, featuring a unique and "artsy" style that enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the beautiful artwork and the psychedelic vibe it creates, making it visually captivating and worthy of admiration. The incorporation of a "second layer" effect adds depth to the visuals, aligning with the character's perception and enriching the gameplay.
“The plot and the artwork is what initially got me so interested in the game, as the store description says, in this game universe, banging someone without loving them makes you both burst into flames, which raises a ton of interesting questions and implications.”
“As for the artistic direction, it is very 'artsy' indeed, a style that may displease some, but I found the graphical art and music very well done; as there is use of drugs throughout the game, it dispenses a very psychedelic and trippy vibe all along.”
“It’s a point-and-click visual novel game, with gorgeous graphics and a pretty cool 'second layer' effect that lets you see the environment as how the character you’re playing as would perceive it.”
“The graphics are outdated and lack detail, making the game feel less immersive.”
“The character models look stiff and lifeless, which detracts from the overall experience.”
“The environments are bland and repetitive, failing to capture the player's interest.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its strong atmospheric presence, featuring a bizarre plot and a fitting soundtrack that enhances the experience, despite some limitations in sound effects due to budget constraints. Additionally, the design elements, including furniture, food, and architecture, effectively evoke a nostalgic 90s vibe while grounding the setting in Malaysia.
“Very atmospheric game with a bizarre plot.”
“Good soundtrack with a fitting ambient atmosphere, although you could feel the limited budget here - please use more sound effects and background music in the future.”
“The game has so many delightful homages not just to the technology of the 90s, but also to the entire atmosphere design with the furniture, food, and architecture that proudly grounds it in its setting in Malaysia.”
- character development1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
"Fires at Midnight" is praised for its immersive experience and exceptional storytelling, with a strong emphasis on character development that enhances the overall narrative.
“'Fires at Midnight' is just a masterpiece. Once I start this game, it gives me an immersive experience, and the story is fabulous because this game focuses on story and character development.”
