Gerda: A Flame in Winter
- September 1, 2022
- BirdIsland/PortaPlay
Buoyed by consistently strong writing, Gerda: A Flame in Winter handles its compelling narrative with aplomb.
Get on Steam"Gerda: A Flame in Winter" is a single-player Historical Role Playing game with a good story, marvelous gameplay, and pretty visuals. The game received high praise from reviewers, including a 9/10 score from Gamereactor and a 4.5/5 score from Hey Poor Player. In the game, you play as Gerda in February 1945, fighting for survival as the war nears its end. The Modstand Bundle includes the main game and the additional content "Liva's Story."
Nintendo Switch
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Gerda: A Flame in Winter offers a deeply engaging narrative with well-developed characters and meaningful choices that significantly impact the story.
- The game features a unique art style and atmospheric sound design that enhance the immersive experience, making players feel the weight of their decisions.
- It provides a fresh perspective on WWII, focusing on personal stories and moral dilemmas, which adds depth and educational value to the gameplay.
- The game suffers from technical issues, including bugs and a lack of manual save options, which can lead to frustrating experiences during playthroughs.
- Some players found the pacing slow and the gameplay repetitive, particularly during longer sessions, which may detract from the overall enjoyment.
- The reliance on chance elements in decision-making can feel unfair at times, undermining the impact of player choices and leading to unexpected negative outcomes.
- story229 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The story in "Gerda: A Flame in Winter" is highly praised for its depth, emotional weight, and the meaningful impact of player choices, set against a backdrop of WWII in Denmark. Reviewers commend the well-crafted characters, immersive narrative, and the game's ability to evoke a range of emotions, making it a compelling experience that encourages replayability to explore different outcomes. The combination of historical context, beautiful art, and engaging dialogue further enhances the storytelling, although some players noted occasional pacing issues and forced events.
“The authors obviously put absolutely tons of love, creativity, research, and probably thousands of hours into the conversations, interactions, relationships between multiple characters and how it all plays out as the story goes along, at certain branch paths and ultimately the end results.”
“Gerda: A Flame in Winter offers an intricately woven and nuanced story of bravery, compassion, and what it takes to be kind in a hostile environment.”
“The storytelling is great and enticing, there are some interesting additional gameplay features apart from the 'classic' multiple choice dialogue options and the art style is very charming and charismatic.”
“It is nearly impossible to complete the story without characters being scarred mentally or outright killed.”
“Story kind of falls apart at some places where events seem forced regardless of choice.”
“At times these random elements and forced story events do get in the way.”
- gameplay58 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay in "Gerda: A Flame in Winter" is characterized by its simple yet engaging mechanics, blending classic point-and-click elements with RPG features and a compelling narrative about Danish resistance during WWII. Players navigate choices that have real consequences, enhanced by unique mechanics like "mental energy," while the fluid gameplay and charming art style contribute to an immersive experience. Although some reviewers noted a lack of complexity, the overall consensus highlights the game's ability to evoke emotional decisions and maintain player interest through its storytelling.
“This game masterfully merges RPG mechanics with a compelling story of Danish resistance against the Nazis.”
“The storytelling is great and enticing; there are some interesting additional gameplay features apart from the 'classic' multiple choice dialogue options, and the art style is very charming and charismatic.”
“The gameplay is about first choosing a location - without knowing which is which, and maybe to gain replay value, you are bound to miss out on something because you are informed events are happening at the same time.”
“Gameplay doesn't have any new insights.”
“So gameplay is very simple, it's impossible for you to get lost, not know what to click on, or even what to do (click on Gerda for your current objective which is usually just to speak to someone in the scene).”
- graphics55 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Gerda: A Flame in Winter" are characterized by a unique, watercolor-inspired art style that many players find beautiful and atmospheric, enhancing the game's historical setting. While some reviews note occasional glitches and a lack of detail, the overall aesthetic is praised for its charm and ability to convey the game's emotional weight. The visuals, combined with evocative music and strong voice acting, create a compelling experience, though some players feel that improvements could be made in detail and animation quality.
“The painting-like visuals and the music add to the atmosphere, while the historical facts remind us that the horrors of this setting have been all too real.”
“I was drawn in by the premise and the gorgeous art style.”
“Gripping story, beautiful graphic style, and stellar voice acting.”
“The visuals are a bit bland and lack detail.”
“Graphics in Gerda is debatable.”
“Another game like this with better graphics and OST would draw quite the attention, I would say.”
- replayability32 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The game offers significant replayability due to its narrative structure, allowing players to explore different locations and make impactful choices that lead to various outcomes. With a playtime of 6-8 hours, players are encouraged to replay to uncover missed events and experience the unpredictable plot twists. The presence of random events further enhances the replay value, making each playthrough unique.
“So many possible outcomes make for very high replayability.”
“It is also quite replayable since most of the time you can visit only about 1/2 to 2/3 of the locations that are available in each chapter, which makes a difference in the long run.”
“The gameplay is about first choosing a location - without knowing which is which, and maybe to gain replay value, you are bound to miss out on something because you are informed events are happening at the same time.”
“It is also quite replayable since most of the time you can visit only about 1/2 to 2/3 of the locations that are available in each chapter, which does make a difference in the long run.”
“While the main story is short, there is quite a lot of replayability.”
- music31 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its beauty and perfect alignment with the narrative, enhancing the overall atmosphere and emotional depth. Reviewers highlight how the soundtrack elevates critical moments and complements the stunning visuals, contributing significantly to immersion and storytelling. While some users express frustration over downloading the soundtrack, the consensus is that the music is a standout feature that enriches the gaming experience.
“The art style is suitable, the music is beautiful and perfectly matched, the voice acting is excellent, and the writing is evocative.”
“The music fits the story and swells when important decisions must be taken.”
“The art and music set the mood well and fit the somber nature of the story nicely.”
“I just wish I could decipher how to download the soundtrack (which they claim is free), but I've been unable to do so.”
“Another game like this with better graphics and original soundtrack would draw quite the attention, I would say.”
“The music and narration really add to the overall immersion.”
- emotional17 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of "Gerda" is widely praised for its profound and heart-wrenching storytelling, which effectively engages players through tough choices and an innovative choice system. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke deep feelings, with a poignant narrative that reflects realistic interpersonal relationships and historical context, ultimately leaving a lasting impact despite its often heartbreaking themes. The combination of visual and musical direction further enhances the emotional experience, making it a standout in its genre.
“As someone deeply moved by the experience of playing Gerda, I can attest to the profound emotional impact of the game.”
“Heartbreaking storytelling with some very tough choices.”
“Wonderful visual and musical direction, a phenomenal emotional story, explores deep and realistic interpersonal relationships, incredible historical and political context, choices really do matter and each one is as hard as the next.”
- grinding8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
In "Gerda: A Flame in Winter," players appreciate the absence of grinding and excessive backtracking, making it enjoyable for short sessions. However, some find the repetitive nature of the dialogue and scenes tedious, especially when attempting to explore all endings, suggesting a desire for options to skip content during replays. Overall, while the game offers a compelling narrative, it can become monotonous over extended play.
“Gerda: A Flame in Winter is a fun game to play, yet sometimes it becomes repetitive and tedious if played for a long time.”
“Phenomenal storytelling, but it becomes really tedious if you want to try to get all the endings without the option to skip dialogue or scenes.”
“The developer shouldn't force a tedious play style on everyone; players should have the option to limit themselves if they choose an 'iron man' style.”
- stability4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game exhibits some stability issues, including noticeable glitches and occasional freezes, which can disrupt gameplay. However, some players have found that these glitches inadvertently enhance replayability by triggering different random events upon reloading. Overall, while the aesthetic and graphics are praised, the stability concerns are a recurring theme in user feedback.
“The game offers some nice graphics and a really cool aesthetic, although there are some ugly glitches here and there.”
“In fact, something good came from one of these freezes. I know, weird huh? Let me explain: I had a random event come up on my way to a main story mission that was in the road, and I only realized it was a random event because of the freeze. When I reloaded, it was an entirely different event on the road. Nowhere have I seen it stated that this game has random different events, giving it great replayability.”
“The game offers some nice graphics and a really cool aesthetic, although there are some ugly glitches here and there.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is enhanced by its stunning painterly visuals, atmospheric sound design, and evocative music, all of which effectively convey the weight of its historical context. The respectful handling of war themes, well-developed characters, and impactful decision-making further immerse players in this hauntingly beautiful setting.
“The painting-like visuals and the music add to the atmosphere, while the historical facts remind us that the horrors of this setting have been all too real.”
“[Handles the topics of war with respect, characters are well written and fleshed out, decisions play a major factor and can greatly change the story, atmospheric sound design, beautiful painterly art style, and excellent use of lighting.]”
- character development2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users express a desire for a sequel that not only explores a new historical setting but also enhances character development, indicating that they seek deeper and more nuanced growth for the characters in future installments.
“I hope there will be a sequel with a new historic-based setting and further character development.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game currently requires significant post-launch optimization, as players report high system demands that cause older hardware, like the GTX 980, to struggle and overheat. While there is enthusiasm for continued play, the performance issues are a notable concern.
“I would love to play more and certainly will, but at the moment the game still needs some post-launch optimization as it makes the fans of my old GTX 980 spin up like it's trying to run Forza Horizon 5 with ray tracing on.”
Critic Reviews
Gerda: A Flame in Winter review
Gerda: A Flame in Winter tells an intimate tale of love and sacrifice, and forces you to make difficult decisions you often struggle to make.
80%Gerda: A Flame in Winter review
In a medium preoccupied with guns and bombs and violent, power-fantasy notions of heroism, Gerda: A Flame in Winter treads a quieter path through its World War II setting, and is perhaps all the more powerful for it.
80%Gerda: A Flame in Winter Review – Stellar and forlorn
Gerda: A Flame in Winter is a must play if you’re a fan of well-thought out choices matter RPG games like Disco Elysium. Not only will you get a nail-biting story with high stakes, you’ll come out knowing a plethora of historical details and challenges of the Danish people during WW2. You will come to love or hate the cast of characters, depending on what pathway you choose, but there are endless possibilities because of the games re-playability. Persevere if your first playthrough is not everything that you imagined, because Gerda: A Flame in Winter gets better and better the more you play.
85%
